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 big like Cisco would discover somebody like me — but right here I’m, residing proof that abilities matter greater than background. 
Coming from a wholly non-technical background, my first yr of faculty felt like entering into a totally completely different world. Whereas others appeared to have a head begin, speaking about knowledge buildings, tasks, 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 after I questioned if I had made the appropriate 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’d put within the work, bridge the hole, and get on par with everybody else. And so, I spent infinite nights studying, working towards, 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 grew to become. It shortly grew to become one among my dream firms, not simply due to its popularity however due to the sort of influence it was making on this planet of expertise. I knew that if I ever obtained the chance, I wished to be a part of one thing like that.
For me, moving into 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 little 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 yr, 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 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 skills, and for the primary time, I felt really 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 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 actual fact, 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 depart. It’s a easy but highly effective initiative that exhibits 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 tasks. Other than my common work, I’ve additionally participated in company social duty (CSR) initiatives — Cisco’s manner 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. Day by 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 staff.
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. Regardless of your background, when you’ve got the abilities, the drive, and the willingness to be taught, 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 to learn, hold pushing, and when the appropriate 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 assist significant profession progress. Wish to see how we make a distinction collectively? Try our Goal Report.
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