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} international large like Cisco would discover somebody like me — but right here I’m, dwelling proof that abilities matter greater than background. 
Coming from a wholly non-technical background, my first 12 months of faculty felt like getting 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 making an attempt 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 grasp easy syntax whereas others breezed by way of problem-solving. There have been moments once I puzzled if I had made the proper 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’d 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 12 months that I first got here throughout Cisco. Till then, I had solely heard of it as a world tech large, however the extra I realized about its work in networking, safety, and innovation, the extra fascinated I grew to become. It rapidly grew to become one in all my dream corporations, not simply due to its repute however due to the form of influence it was making on the earth of expertise. I knew that if I ever received the chance, I needed 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 every little thing. I carried that accountability 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 remaining 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 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 up 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 tough 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 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 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 atmosphere 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 business, however Cisco genuinely prioritizes worker well-being. In actual fact, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted time without work 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 initiatives. Aside from my common work, I’ve additionally participated in company social accountability (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. Having the ability to contribute to such impactful initiatives has been extremely fulfilling. Each day is a brand new studying expertise, and I’m continually 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 crew.
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 street might not all the time be simple, however belief me, it’s price it.
To each pupil on the market doubting themselves — know this: your expertise speaks louder than labels. Continue learning, hold pushing, and when the proper 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. Need to see how we make a distinction collectively? Take a look at our Goal Report.
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