This publish was authored by Chirag Garg, a latest Software program Engineering Intern who nearly didn’t apply — however ended up discovering his confidence, neighborhood, and profession path at Cisco.
Again in 2023, I used to be doing what most engineering college students do — making use of for internships, taking on-line assessments, and refreshing my inbox prefer it was my job. At first, I felt fairly assured. I had initiatives below my belt, I’d labored laborious, and I believed I used to be prepared.
However then … the rejections began piling up.
One after one other.
It was discouraging, truthfully. I began questioning if I used to be actually minimize out for tech. Perhaps I didn’t have “it.” Perhaps I used to be simply one other résumé in an enormous pile. I bear in mind staring on the Cisco internship software and considering, “There’s no method I’ll get in.”
However one way or the other, I satisfied myself to only click on submit.
That One Sure
When the choice checklist got here out, I didn’t even anticipate to see my title, however there it was.
I used to be going to intern at Cisco.
That second shifted one thing in me. I felt like possibly, simply possibly, I belonged. I began brushing up on my abilities, revisiting fundamentals, diving into AI and programs — attempting to be as prepared as attainable.
Then got here Could 2024, and my summer time internship at Cisco started.
Why Cisco Felt Totally different — and Why That Mattered
From the very first day, I knew Cisco was totally different. It wasn’t nearly work. It was about folks.
I met a workforce that didn’t anticipate me to have all of the solutions. They didn’t make me really feel like I needed to show myself each second. As a substitute, they gave me one thing I didn’t even know I wanted — house — house to study, house to ask questions (even the foolish ones), house to develop with out worry of failing.
There have been so many little issues that made a big impact, too. Like how somebody would at all times drop a studying useful resource simply after I was caught, or how informal tea breaks changed into deep discussions about profession objectives, and the way nobody made me really feel “like simply an intern.”
We performed video games collectively, had random rant classes (sure, these assist), and shared laughs over issues that had nothing to do with code. It felt human. And for somebody who felt misplaced simply months earlier, that meant all the things.
The Ripple Impact
That summer time at Cisco didn’t simply influence my LinkedIn — it modified how I noticed myself.
I began collaborating extra in school actions. I took on management roles. I turned the AI Lead for the Affiliation for Computing Equipment (ACM CSS) chapter at my school, gained a hackathon, and ultimately, received a letter for a spring internship and a full-time provide from Cisco.
That one sure modified all the things. Cisco didn’t simply give me a stepping stone — it gave me a springboard. The truth that I may come again for an additional internship after which transfer right into a full-time position confirmed me that at Cisco, development isn’t simply inspired — it’s attainable. You don’t have to decide on one path. You’re given the liberty to discover the place you need to go, trusted to tackle new challenges, and given the assist to truly get there.
Beginning the intern journey once more in spring felt acquainted — however in one of the best ways. I wasn’t the identical individual I used to be a yr in the past. And Cisco wasn’t only a firm anymore — it felt like a spot I belonged.
#LoveWhereYouWork — And Being Trusted to Do It
As a Software program Engineering Intern, I get to work on the intersection of programs and AI — two evolving areas that genuinely problem and excite me. However truthfully? The very best half isn’t simply the work. It’s how I’m trusted to do the work. I’ve had the liberty to make choices, the possibility to study from errors, and the assist to ask, “Why not do this?”
That form of tradition? It’s uncommon.
To Anybody Who’s Nonetheless Figuring It Out …
If you happen to’re the place I used to be — looking at job boards, feeling such as you’re falling behind, doubting your self — I need to say this: don’t quit on your self.
Apply for that position even for those who don’t really feel “prepared.” Ask questions even for those who suppose they’re primary. Take that likelihood, even for those who suppose you gained’t make it.
As a result of typically, all it takes is one sure.
Cisco was my sure. And in saying sure to me, they helped me say sure to myself.
Are you able to sure to a brand new alternative? Try our careers right here!
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