This publish was authored by Khushi Saxena, a technical consulting engineer intern on the Buyer Expertise Crew.
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 completely non-technical background, my first yr of faculty felt like moving into a very totally different world. Whereas others appeared to have a head begin, speaking about knowledge buildings, initiatives, 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 grasp easy syntax whereas others breezed via problem-solving. There have been moments once I questioned if I had made the proper selection and if I used to be actually minimize out for this. However as an alternative 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 countless nights studying, practising, and pushing myself past what I assumed 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 discovered about its work in networking, safety, and innovation, the extra fascinated I turned. It rapidly turned one among my dream firms, not simply due to its repute however due to the sort of impression 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, 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 steady, well-paying job would change every part. I carried that duty with me via each late-night examine 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 closing 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 in opposition to candidates from extra famend establishments? However Cisco’s hiring course of proved that expertise speaks louder than labels. Cisco assessed me primarily based 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 skills, and for the primary time, I felt really acknowledged for my potential.
Once 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 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 convey 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 part 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 surroundings that encourages studying, collaboration, and innovation. One of many issues that stunned me probably 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 reality, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted break day 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 most effective half? I’m already getting the chance to work on significant initiatives. 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. Day-after-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 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’ll be able to go. Regardless of your background, you probably have the abilities, the drive, and the willingness to be taught, nothing can cease you. The street could not at all times be straightforward, 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, preserve pushing, and when the proper alternative comes, seize it with each arms. As a result of if I can do it, so are you able to. And, for that I’ll at all times be grateful to Cisco.
At Cisco, we have fun our workers’ abilities and assist significant profession development. Wish to see how we make a distinction collectively? Take a look at our Objective Report.
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