This put up 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 expertise matter greater than background. 
Coming from a completely non-technical background, my first 12 months of school felt like entering into a very completely different world. Whereas others appeared to have a head begin, speaking about knowledge constructions, 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 bear in mind sitting in my first programming class, struggling to grasp easy syntax whereas others breezed by means of problem-solving. There have been moments once I puzzled if I had made the suitable alternative and if I used to be actually minimize 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 countless nights studying, working towards, and pushing myself past what I believed I used to be able to.
It was in my second 12 months that I first got here throughout Cisco. Till then, I had solely heard of it as a worldwide tech big, however the extra I discovered about its work in networking, safety, and innovation, the extra fascinated I grew to become. It shortly grew to become one among 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 obtained the chance, I needed to be a part of one thing like that.
For me, moving into a superb 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 part. I carried that duty with me by means of 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 last 12 months, 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 expertise, 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 expertise, with out contemplating different components, which was an enormous testomony to all my efforts up to now. I used to be evaluated purely on my talents, and for the primary time, I felt actually acknowledged for my potential.
After 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 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 part 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 stunned me essentially 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. Actually, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted day without work for all staff globally to recharge, give attention to ourselves, and step away from work with out utilizing our private go away. 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 very best half? I’m already getting the chance to work on significant initiatives. Other than my common work, I’ve additionally participated in company social duty (CSR) initiatives — Cisco’s method of giving again to the neighborhood. 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. Day-after-day is a brand new studying expertise, and I’m always surrounded by good 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 possibly can go. Irrespective of your background, in case you have the talents, the drive, and the willingness to be taught, nothing can cease you. The highway could not all the time 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 to learn, maintain pushing, and when the suitable alternative comes, seize it with each palms. 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 rejoice our staff’ abilities and assist significant profession progress. Wish to see how we make a distinction collectively? Take a look at our Objective Report.
Subscribe to the WeAreCisco Weblog.
Share: