This submit was authored by Khushi Saxena, a technical consulting engineer intern on the Buyer Expertise Staff.
I by no means imagined {that a} international big like Cisco would discover somebody like me — but right here I’m, residing proof that abilities matter greater than background.
Coming from a wholly non-technical background, my first yr of faculty felt like moving into a totally completely different world. Whereas others appeared to have a head begin, speaking about knowledge buildings, initiatives, 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 correct alternative and if I used to be actually reduce 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, training, and pushing myself past what I believed 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 world tech big, however the extra I realized about its work in networking, safety, and innovation, the extra fascinated I turned. It rapidly turned one in every of my dream corporations, not simply due to its fame however due to the sort of influence it was making on this planet of know-how. I knew that if I ever acquired the chance, I wished to be a part of one thing like that.
For me, stepping 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 every little thing. I carried that accountability 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 downside solving-abilities. I began having doubts about myself — would I even stand an opportunity towards 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 prior to now. I used to be evaluated purely on my skills, and for the primary time, I felt actually acknowledged for my potential.
Once I obtained 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 onerous work, persistence, and fervour matter greater than the place you come from. All through the method, all that Cisco cared about was what I may deliver 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 every little thing I hoped for and extra. From day one, I felt welcomed and valued. In contrast to the normal company tradition I had imagined, Cisco fosters an surroundings that encourages studying, collaboration, and innovation. One of many issues that shocked me essentially the most was the work-life steadiness. I had heard horror tales of burnout within the tech business, however Cisco genuinely prioritizes worker well-being. In truth, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted time without work for all workers globally to recharge, concentrate on ourselves, and step away from work with out utilizing our private go away. It’s a easy but highly effective initiative that exhibits how a lot the corporate values its workers’ psychological well being and private time. There’s flexibility, a supportive work tradition, and an emphasis on private development.
The most effective half? I’m already getting the chance to work on significant initiatives. Aside from my common work, I’ve additionally participated in company social accountability (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. With the ability to contribute to such impactful initiatives has been extremely fulfilling. Every single day is a brand new studying expertise, and I’m always 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 group.
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’ll be able to go. Regardless of your background, when you have the talents, the drive, and the willingness to be taught, nothing can cease you. The highway might not at all times be straightforward, however belief me, it’s value it.
To each scholar on the market doubting themselves — know this: your expertise speaks louder than labels. Continue learning, maintain pushing, and when the correct alternative comes, seize it with each arms. As a result of if I can do it, so are you able to. And, for that I’ll at all times be grateful to Cisco.
At Cisco, we rejoice our workers’ skills and assist significant profession development. Wish to see how we make a distinction collectively? Try our Function Report.
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