This submit was authored by Khushi Saxena, a technical consulting engineer intern on the Buyer Expertise Workforce.
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 12 months of school felt like getting 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 making an attempt 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 know easy syntax whereas others breezed by problem-solving. There have been moments after I questioned if I had made the precise selection 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’d put within the work, bridge the hole, and get on par with everybody else. And so, I spent limitless nights studying, working towards, 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 world 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 all my dream firms, not simply due to its fame however due to the sort of affect it was making on the 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, 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 secure, well-paying job would change the whole lot. I carried that duty with me by 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 ultimate 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 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 based mostly 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 talents, and for the primary time, I felt actually acknowledged for my potential.
After 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 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 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 the whole lot I hoped for and extra. From day one, I felt welcomed and valued. Not like the normal company tradition I had imagined, Cisco fosters an setting 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. In truth, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted break day for all workers globally to recharge, deal with 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 workers’ psychological well being and private time. There’s flexibility, a supportive work tradition, and an emphasis on private development.
The very best half? I’m already getting the chance to work on significant tasks. Aside from 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 possibility 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 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 may go. Regardless of your background, when you’ve got the talents, the drive, and the willingness to study, nothing can cease you. The street could not all the time be simple, however belief me, it’s price it.
To each scholar on the market doubting themselves — know this: your expertise speaks louder than labels. Continue learning, hold pushing, and when the precise 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 fun our workers’ skills and help significant profession development. Need to see how we make a distinction collectively? Take a look at our Goal Report.
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