This put up was authored by Khushi Saxena, a technical consulting engineer intern on the Buyer Expertise Group.
I by no means imagined {that a} world 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 faculty felt like entering into a very totally 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 bear in mind sitting in my first programming class, struggling to grasp easy syntax whereas others breezed by way of problem-solving. There have been moments once I questioned if I had made the precise alternative and if I used to be actually lower out for this. However as an alternative 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, practising, and pushing myself past what I assumed 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 realized about its work in networking, safety, and innovation, the extra fascinated I turned. It shortly turned certainly one of my dream firms, not simply due to its repute however due to the type of affect it was making on the earth of know-how. I knew that if I ever received the chance, I wished to be a part of one thing like that.
For me, entering into an excellent 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 thing. I carried that duty with me by way 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 unravel real-world issues, testing their technical expertise, 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 expertise, with out contemplating different elements, which was an enormous testomony to all my efforts up to now. I used to be evaluated purely on my skills, and for the primary time, I felt really acknowledged for my potential.
After I acquired my internship + full-time supply, 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 carry 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 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 actual fact, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted time off for all workers 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 workers’ 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 means 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. Every single day is a brand new studying expertise, and I’m consistently 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 may go. Regardless of your background, if in case you have the talents, the drive, and the willingness to be taught, nothing can cease you. The street might not at all times 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 to learn, preserve pushing, and when the precise 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 at all times be grateful to Cisco.
At Cisco, we have a good time our workers’ abilities and assist significant profession progress. Wish to see how we make a distinction collectively? Take a look at our Objective Report.
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