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Featured Article
Film Studies + Computer Science = Video Editing Software at Apple
January 25, 2002
Having just graduated in May 2001, Helena Ju, a software
engineer working on a video-editing application at Apple,
demonstrates how persistence can really get you what you want.
Career Center (CC): Can you describe what you do in your position? Helena Ju (HJ): The Applications Department writes all the software applications Apple makes outside the Operating System. My group works on and delivers Final Cut Pro, a professional video-editing product. My main responsibility is to make sure the computer can talk to cameras, decks, etc and set up editing operations between them. CC: How did you get your position? HJ: I interviewed with Apple in the fall through On-Campus Recruiting (OCR), but that did not go very well. Then in the spring I thought I would try again at a Career Fair, or at the very least, let Apple know about the bad experience I had during the interview. This time, the Human Resources representative wanted to know my areas of interest and she forwarded my resume to the recruiter for Final Cut Pro. Shortly thereafter, I got an interview. It turned out the position was for an internship, but I really pressed them for a full-time position because I did have other potential job opportunities. So they brought me back for another round of interviews, then offered me a full-time position. CC: What attracted you to Apple? HJ: A good friend from the CS honor society, Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE), had worked as an intern at Apple the previous summer and really enjoyed it. Then in my film classes, everyone was very eager to try Final Cut Pro, this professional video-editing program on the Mac. So I was interested in working for Apple and was also interested in working on Final Cut Pro, but at the time I didn't connect the two. CC: How did you decide to major in both CS and Film Studies? HJ: I came to Cal intending to major in Film Studies because I had a great video editing course in high school and really enjoyed it. I thought it would be fun to try a programming class since both my parents are engineers. Another student in one of my Math classes suggested I try the first of the CS61 series (the undergrad requirements for CS). I took that advice and got hooked on programming. It is a very logical way of putting ideas together. CC: Did you have any internships that related to your majors? HJ: I worked the summer after my junior year at Disney Feature Animation in Burbank, CA. CC: How did you find your internship? HJ: I found the intern listing on the Career Center website (CalJobs) and I sent them a resume. When they called back for a phone interview, we talked for about 10 minutes. Then the interviewer said he needed to call 3 other candidates. At that point he hadn't asked about my programming experience, so I jumped in and said, "Wait, before you go, I'm sure you want to know about my programming experience." So he said yes and I told him about a project I was working on for CS 170 (Algorithms). Since he didn't know much about this area, I explained quite a bit and by the end of the explanation, he decided he did not need to call anyone else for the job and told me a Human Resource representative would call me with the internship details. CC: What other experience/training were important in getting your current position? HJ: I worked for Professor Canny maintaining a multimedia lab in Soda Hall, which taught me about the importance of good user interface. CC: What do you like about your work? HJ: I find my job challenging. I enjoy feeling empowered to solve problems. I like the work environment. Not only are my coworkers highly skilled and intelligent, but they are not afraid to voice their opinions or to push for what they think is good for the product. Also I find the people very diverse. I like that we defy the stereotypes of "geeks." It was one thing I treasured in school, both in film and CS as well. CC: What are some of the drawbacks? HJ: I find it difficult to figure out how to solve problems that no one else has tackled. You have to have confidence in yourself. Working nights and weekends to meet deadlines is also a bear, but luckily we do not have to do this often. CC: Do you have any tips for Cal students on preparing for a career in a high tech company? HJ: Be persistent! Don't think just because Cal is a great school that employers will be knocking at your door. Know what you want and go for it. I know it is hard to figure out exactly what you want, but that is the most important part. Think about what classes you like and extracurricular activities you chose to involve yourself in. Also know what you do not like. It is important to take in as many factors as possible to make sure your job is a good fit. Also be ready for technical questions relevant to the areas you are interviewing for. It is not enough that the interviewer likes you; they want to hire someone who is knowledgeable. CC: What courses in CS and Film Studies have prepared you for your position? HJ: All of the film and CS classes were important. The classes, though at times rough, taught me how to program and structure programs, to love film and want to make it easy for everyone to make movies. Here are a few that had a lot of influence on me: Computer Science:
Film Studies:
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