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, residing proof that abilities matter greater than background. 
Coming from a wholly non-technical background, my first yr of school felt like entering into a very totally 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 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 know easy syntax whereas others breezed by means of problem-solving. There have been moments after I puzzled 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 might 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 yr that I first got here throughout Cisco. Till then, I had solely heard of it as a worldwide tech large, however the extra I realized about its work in networking, safety, and innovation, the extra fascinated I turned. It shortly turned one in every of my dream corporations, not simply due to its repute however due to the sort of affect it was making on this planet of expertise. I knew that if I ever bought the chance, I needed to be a part of one thing like that.
For me, entering into 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 the whole lot. I carried that duty with me by means 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 ultimate 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 prior to now. I used to be evaluated purely on my talents, 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 keenness 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 the whole lot 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 probably 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 reality, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted time without work for all workers 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 workers’ psychological well being and private time. There’s flexibility, a supportive work tradition, and an emphasis on private development.
The perfect 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 manner 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-after-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 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, if in case you have the abilities, 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 pupil on the market doubting themselves — know this: your expertise speaks louder than labels. Continue to learn, preserve pushing, and when the appropriate 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 have fun our workers’ skills and help significant profession development. Wish to see how we make a distinction collectively? Take a look at our Objective Report.
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