business
informative
impactful

John Ternus shares valuable lessons for Gen Z graduates

Apr 27, 2026, 2:00 AM10
(Update: Apr 27, 2026, 2:00 AM)
Apple senior vice president of hardware engineering
American multinational technology company
coalition

John Ternus shares valuable lessons for Gen Z graduates

  • In 2024, John Ternus addressed engineering graduates at the University of Pennsylvania.
  • He shared lessons learned during his career at Apple and encouraged graduates to invest in meaningful work.
  • Ternus emphasized humility, continuous learning, and the importance of quality over quantity in their future careers.
Share opinion
Tip: Add insight, not just a reaction
1

Story

In 2024, John Ternus, the new CEO of Apple, addressed graduates from the University of Pennsylvania's engineering program, sharing insights he gained throughout his extensive career at the company. Ternus, who began working at Apple in 2001 and rose through the ranks, emphasized the importance of dedication and meticulous effort in professional work. Reflecting on one of his early projects, the Cinema Display, he recounted how a production error with design details taught him a crucial lesson in quality over quantity. Ternus highlighted the significance of humility and the willingness to learn from others, especially in a fast-evolving technological environment, stating that assuming equal intelligence while acknowledging others' expertise fosters growth. He encouraged graduates to focus on building skills in areas that resonate with their passions and align with their values, urging them to strive for meaningful contributions in their careers. Ternus's message resonated particularly with Gen Z, motivating them to embrace challenges and innovate effectively as they embark on their professional journeys.

2026 All rights reserved