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 big 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 yr of faculty felt like getting into a very completely different world. Whereas others appeared to have a head begin, speaking about information 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 way of problem-solving. There have been moments once I questioned if I had made the fitting alternative and if I used to be actually reduce out for this. However as an alternative 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, practising, 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 all my dream corporations, not simply due to its repute however due to the form of impression 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, 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 secure, well-paying job would change every 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 last yr, 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 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 based mostly on my abilities, with out contemplating different elements, which was an enormous testomony to all my efforts previously. 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 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. Not like the standard company tradition I had imagined, Cisco fosters an setting that encourages studying, collaboration, and innovation. One of many issues that shocked me essentially the most was the work-life stability. I had heard horror tales of burnout within the tech business, however Cisco genuinely prioritizes worker well-being. In reality, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted time off for all staff 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 staff’ psychological well being and private time. There’s flexibility, a supportive work tradition, and an emphasis on private development.

One of the 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 accountability (CSR) initiatives — Cisco’s approach 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. Day by day is a brand new studying expertise, and I’m continuously 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, you probably 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 value it.

To each pupil on the market doubting themselves — know this: your expertise speaks louder than labels. Continue learning, preserve pushing, and when the fitting 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 a good time our staff’ skills and help significant profession development. Wish to see how we make a distinction collectively? Try our Function Report.

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