How Cisco’s Focus On Expertise Remodeled My Tech Profession
This publish was authored by Khushi Saxena, a technical consulting engineer intern on the Buyer Expertise Group.
I by no means imagined {that a} world large like Cisco would discover somebody like me — but right here I’m, dwelling proof that abilities matter greater than background.
Coming from a completely non-technical background, my first yr of faculty felt like entering into a totally totally different world. Whereas others appeared to have a head begin, speaking about knowledge constructions, tasks, and hackathons like second nature, I used to be nonetheless attempting to wrap my head across the fundamentals. It was overwhelming, to say the least. I keep in mind sitting in my first programming class, struggling to know easy syntax whereas others breezed via problem-solving. There have been moments once I puzzled if I had made the suitable alternative and if I used to be actually lower out for this. However as a substitute of letting it intimidate me, I made a decision I might put within the work, bridge the hole, and get on par with everybody else. And so, I spent infinite nights studying, working towards, and pushing myself past what I assumed I used to be able to.
It was in my second yr that I first got here throughout Cisco. Till then, I had solely heard of it as a worldwide tech large, however the extra I discovered about its work in networking, safety, and innovation, the extra fascinated I grew to become. It rapidly grew to become one in every of my dream firms, not simply due to its repute however due to the type of impression it was making on the planet of expertise. I knew that if I ever received the chance, I wished to be a part of one thing like that.
For me, entering into a great firm wasn’t nearly fulfilling a dream — it was a necessity. My household had confronted monetary struggles, and I knew that securing a steady, well-paying job would change the whole lot. I carried that duty with me via each late-night research session, each rejection, and each problem I confronted. I wasn’t simply doing this for myself — I used to be doing it to make sure a greater future for my household.
Quick ahead to my closing yr, and that chance got here knocking within the type of Cisco Ideathon 2024, a contest that challenges college students to resolve real-world issues, testing their technical abilities, creativity, and drawback solving-abilities. I began having doubts about myself — would I even stand an opportunity in opposition to candidates from extra famend establishments? However Cisco’s hiring course of proved that expertise speaks louder than labels. Cisco assessed me primarily based on my abilities, with out contemplating different elements, which was an enormous testomony to all my efforts previously. I used to be evaluated purely on my skills, and for the primary time, I felt really acknowledged for my potential.
Once I acquired my internship + full-time provide, I used to be overwhelmed with feelings and couldn’t assist however cry. It wasn’t nearly getting a job — it was validation that arduous work, persistence, and keenness matter greater than the place you come from. All through the method, all that Cisco cared about was what I might convey to the desk. And that made all of the distinction.
Now that I’ve been a part of Cisco, I can confidently say — it’s the whole lot I hoped for and extra. From day one, I felt welcomed and valued. In contrast to the standard company tradition I had imagined, Cisco fosters an setting that encourages studying, collaboration, and innovation. One of many issues that shocked me probably the most was the work-life steadiness. I had heard horror tales of burnout within the tech trade, however Cisco genuinely prioritizes worker well-being. The truth is, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted time off for all staff globally to recharge, concentrate on ourselves, and step away from work with out utilizing our private depart. It’s a easy but highly effective initiative that reveals how a lot the corporate values its staff’ psychological well being and private time. There’s flexibility, a supportive work tradition, and an emphasis on private progress.
The perfect half? I’m already getting the chance to work on significant tasks. Other than my common work, I’ve additionally participated in company social duty (CSR) initiatives — Cisco’s manner of giving again to the group. I had the prospect to design posters for most cancers consciousness, create greeting playing cards for most cancers sufferers, and even paint water bowls for stray animals. Having the ability to contribute to such impactful initiatives has been extremely fulfilling. Day by day is a brand new studying expertise, and I’m continuously surrounded by sensible minds prepared to assist and information me. I’m not simply one other intern right here — I’m handled as an integral a part of the workforce.
If there’s one factor my journey has taught me, it’s this: by no means let the place you come from outline the place you possibly can go. Regardless of your background, when you’ve got the talents, the drive, and the willingness to study, nothing can cease you. The highway could not all the time be simple, however belief me, it’s value it.
To each pupil on the market doubting themselves — know this: your expertise speaks louder than labels. Continue learning, hold pushing, and when the suitable alternative comes, seize it with each fingers. As a result of if I can do it, so are you able to. And, for that I’ll all the time be grateful to Cisco.
At Cisco, we have a good time our staff’ skills and assist significant profession progress. Wish to see how we make a distinction collectively? Try our Goal Report.
Subscribe to the WeAreCisco Weblog.
Share:
