What does it take to work for Apple, Google and etc?

Being "the one" out of 250 applicants (I don't know if that number is accurate but let's say it is) is not an easy thing. In my not so humble opinion that is where passion for the job comes in. Of course you must always meet the minimum requirements stated for the job - though I believe hiring managers will tell you that a candidate that is exceptional in other ways need not have every base covered - but the thing that should set you apart is communicating a true desire to fill the position with your enthusiasm.

Apple has a huge variety of jobs, like any large multi-national corporation. They need lawyers, accountants, engineers, programmers, managers, technical support phone agents, salespeople, security guards, janitors and CEOs. Well maybe just one of the latter. Find one you think you'll be good at AND ENJOY. There's no point in doing a job you don't like. Figure out how to prepare for it. Get the job and do it.

Or if you are like me, start one career, figure out you can't stand it, and fall into a second one that you love.

Oh, and with the way the market is expanding there, it would not hurt to learn Chinese languages.

Any one of those courses of study would be good. The most important thing is to find the one that you can be passionate about.

You will find that higher level schooling is about more than one thing. First, but probably least important, is the technical details of how you will do your job. How to read instructions and retain the information, how to catch a criminal and build a case that will stick in court, how to program an application, how to weld two pieces of metal together so they stay that way.

Second, and far more important, is to learn how to learn. If you know how to find out stuff you can always pick up new skills.

Third is how to work with other people to accomplish tasks. You are always going to be working as part of a team, if you cannot do that don't even bother. No employee is an island.

I find that I have left out one of the most important things to be learned: how to communicate effectively. You must be able to speak, write or present your ideas in a way that your audience will understand.

Look at job listings for companies you want to work for. They generally include requirements. Talk to the Career Development Office at your school.

Just so you know, I changed majors in college three times. That's BEFORE the career change.

No need for apologies.