Envision walking into a space with a vivid mental image of a technology expert, their persona crystallized in your mind’s eye. As you peel away the veil, the true identities behind the screens reveal a kaleidoscope of faces – a tapestry woven from threads of diversity and humanity, defying every expectation of what lies beneath the surface.
Recently, in the northwestern UK region near Liverpool, Cisco partnered with Virgin Media O2, a telecommunications company, to dispel prevailing misconceptions and inspire the next generation. Hosted by a UK-registered charity, the event sought to demystify the tech industry for young adults aged 18-22, many of whom lacked familiarity with modern technology trends and innovations. With this transformative expertise, individuals were empowered to broaden their perspectives on the vast opportunities available in the tech industry, dispelling preconceived notions and fostering a more inclusive outlook.
The day began with an engaging and intriguing challenge. Teams comprising diverse individuals were challenged to create a visual representation of someone working in the technology sector, fostering creativity and collaboration among team members. Intriguingly, the prevailing outcome was a quintessential depiction of a middle-aged Caucasian male, bespectacled, impeccably attired, and clutching a leather case, perpetuating a familiar stereotype that belies the diversity and complexity of the modern professional landscape. The teams are asked to consider additional nuances regarding the technology expert – what kind of car they drive, their home life, hobbies, and vacation destinations, among other details.
To challenge these stereotypes, women volunteers were asked to reveal their identities. As we rose to our feet, stunned expressions greeted us; the younger crowd’s eyes scanned the room, only to discover that the individuals now standing before them defied the idealized portraits they had conjured in their minds.
As part of this engaging event, Cisco and Virgin Media O2 volunteers had the opportunity to share their roles and professional histories, offering a diverse and authentic glimpse into the world of technology.
The remainder of the day was devoted to supporting members in their professional pursuits, critiquing and refining their LinkedIn profiles, and providing guidance on effective community engagement strategies. Younger adults had the opportunity to turn the tables, interviewing volunteers in a dynamic panel setting that provided valuable insight into crafting effective responses to challenging interview questions.
After that, we deployed them to the Cisco Networking Academy, a comprehensive online platform that offers a range of programs and certifications designed to help individuals develop and hone their technical skills.
As we brought together two behemoths of the tech industry to demystify the world of technology, a sense of possibility unfolded before us. The synergy was undeniable, and its impact resonated deeply – inspiring numerous members to embark on career paths they previously thought inaccessible.
One of the most inspiring moments was studying the experiences of individuals who had previously been part of the Merseyside Group Coaching initiative (now known as Spark), and had made significant career transformations.
- A young professional leveraged Cisco’s NetAcad program, switching from a development track to a career in technology and business. As a community engineer, he played a key role on the team responsible for organizing the community aspects of the prestigious Open Championship golf event in Liverpool.
- One remarkable entrepreneur was a young mother who founded a unique automotive wrapping business, crafting innovative designs for vehicles and motorcycles that stood out from the crowd. Intrigued by the training session’s effectiveness, she decided to join the Cisco NetAcad program to acquire the necessary skills to digitize her business’s front-end operations.
- When a Virgin Media O2 volunteer recently spent the day with us, she was so inspired by the outstanding efforts of Merseyside Group Coaching – now known as Spark – that she has since joined their non-executive board, leveraging her expertise to further amplify their groundbreaking initiatives.
The odysseys of these innovators serve as a testament to the boundless opportunities that emerge when we unravel the complexities of the technology landscape.
The joint initiatives undertaken by Cisco, Virgin Media O2, and Merseyside Group Coaching – now rebranded as Spark – left an indelible mark, expanding horizons and inspiring a future brimming with boundless possibilities.
What do you think? We’re eager to help you succeed. Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your organization? #CiscoPartners
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