In undergrad at East Carolina College, I stumbled throughout Cisco Dwell.
Though I used to be a communications main considering journalism and mass media, I used to be aware of the profitable alternatives within the Raleigh-Durham space at varied tech firms and I wished to land a terrific job at one in every of them sometime. Cisco was the second firm I researched. The very first thing I noticed on the homepage was Cisco Dwell. I used to be intrigued by the collaboration with the featured firms that 12 months, footage of the various attendees, and, as elementary as this will sound, the colours have been phenomenal. I had no clue what this occasion nor the corporate was about, however the touchdown web page was so inviting, I instantly knew I wished to be part of that world!
After I lastly joined Cisco as a Technical Consulting Engineer in CX, Cisco Dwell was nonetheless prime of thoughts. On the primary day when the chance arose to ask questions, my fast query was, “How do you qualify to attend Cisco Dwell?” The reply I heard was unsatisfying which made me much more decided to search out my technique to that convention.
I discovered my alternative once I got here throughout the Ladies of Cisco Govt Shadow Program, the place I noticed the sorts of executives whom I might shadow. I used to be VERY intentional in my software video and particularly mentioned, “I wish to shadow somebody who’s closely concerned in Cisco Dwell and journey to the convention with their group. If I can’t be paired with that exec, I’ll withdraw my software and take a look at once more the subsequent spherical.”
I turned the primary “shadow” of Heather Henderson Thomas, who had lately grow to be a director of occasion advertising and marketing, or as I’d name her, “the Director of All Issues Cisco Dwell!” Heather had beforehand participated within the WOC World Govt Shadow Program as a mentee herself, so she absolutely understood how this system might impression my profession and expertise at Cisco. Now that she was an govt, Heather assured me she was absolutely ready to satisfy the function as mentor and provides me an unforgettable expertise.
Oh, how she lived as much as that promise!
Throughout one in every of our bi-weekly check-ins within the early planning phases of Cisco Dwell 2024, Heather requested what I finally anticipated to get out of my mentorship along with her. I discovered a very long time in the past to be direct when answering questions. So, I mentioned, “I wish to attend Cisco Dwell!” Her response was, “You’ve obtained it. Cisco Dwell! IN-PERSON it’s.” I used to be elated!
As a part of my duties whereas shadowing Heather, I participated in creating and activating the FanCave gamification venture. This digital expertise allowed eventgoers to log in to their Cisco Dwell app and take an interactive quiz that outlined their character with names like “Posh Pet,” “Fearless Enjoyable Seeker,” or “Galactic Go-Getter.” Then, based mostly on their outcomes, they acquired suggestions for actions in Vegas, from beautiful culinary choices to adventurous actions to enjoyable rendezvous—there was one thing for everybody.
I initially anticipated to solely work with the group throughout the convention, however Heather inspired me to immerse myself into the expertise as if I have been a visitor. With the yellow all-access “Occasion Workers” lanyard and badge she supplied me, I obliged unquestionably! Amidst that, one other director of occasions, who I’d beforehand met a couple of 12 months in the past, gave me a day by day wristband to the unique IT Management hub house. My entry really was limitless!
The speaker classes I attended have been empowering and impactful. My favourite was the keynote session with Cisco’s CEO, Chuck Robbins, and Tom Brady. With my particular entry, I used to be allowed to reach early to shadow Heather’s group as they ready to go reside. Assembly and watching the affiliate manufacturing group work was tremendous cool. I even obtained an opportunity to meet up with my favourite Cisco TV colleague who allowed me to face along with her to watch some pre-show Govt Management Staff interviews.
As the world full of excited eventgoers, I stood in entrance of the row the place each member of the ELT can be seated. Earlier than I knew it, they have been making their methods to their seats.
As I took a sip of espresso, I seemed as much as see Chuck Robbins standing lower than three toes away. Initially, I made a decision to not introduce myself, however the alternative was too good to withstand. There wasn’t a crowd round him, nor was he in dialog with anybody—he was simply there. I knew I’d remorse not making the most of this second, so I launched myself, we shared fun, and captured the second. It was most undoubtedly the icing on the cake of your entire expertise.
Exterior of the convention itself, the alternatives have been innumerable. My expertise as a “first-timer” was featured on the @WeAreCisco Instagram web page, and recording that was a lot enjoyable! I met so many nice individuals I’d solely ever spoken to by way of Webex, members of senior management, outdated mates and new colleagues alike, and took part in wonderful Inclusive Group actions and occasions. I even had the last word concert-goer expertise on the Cisco Dwell Celebration, the place I acquired an unique wristband to the Champions Membership for excellent meals and the right view of Elton John.
Heather described herself as “a rookie exec” within the WOC World Govt Shadow Program, however there was nothing “rookie” about this expertise AT ALL. My expectations of Cisco Dwell have been surpassed, and so was my expertise as a mentee.
Alternatives like these are simply one of many many the reason why Cisco is a good place to work. Whether or not it’s by way of mentorship packages, revolutionary initiatives, or unbelievable occasions like Cisco Dwell, Cisco is a spot the place you may develop, study, and obtain your final targets. They could turn into higher than you ever imagined.
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