This put up was authored by Khushi Saxena, a technical consulting engineer intern on the Buyer Expertise Group.
I by no means imagined {that a} international big like Cisco would discover somebody like me — but right here I’m, residing proof that expertise matter greater than background. 
Coming from a wholly non-technical background, my first 12 months of school felt like entering into a very completely different world. Whereas others appeared to have a head begin, speaking about information buildings, tasks, and hackathons like second nature, I used to be nonetheless attempting 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 way of problem-solving. There have been moments after I questioned if I had made the appropriate alternative 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 limitless nights studying, practising, and pushing myself past what I assumed I used to be able to.
It was in my second 12 months that I first got here throughout Cisco. Till then, I had solely heard of it as a world tech big, however the extra I discovered about its work in networking, safety, and innovation, the extra fascinated I turned. It shortly turned one among my dream corporations, not simply due to its popularity however due to the form of influence it was making on the earth of expertise. I knew that if I ever obtained the chance, I wished to be a part of one thing like that.
For me, entering into a great 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 all the pieces. I carried that accountability with me by way 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 remaining 12 months, and that chance got here knocking within the type of Cisco Ideathon 2024, a contest that challenges college students to resolve real-world issues, testing their technical expertise, 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 expertise, 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.
After I obtained my internship + full-time provide, 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 might deliver 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 all the pieces 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 stunned me essentially 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 truth, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted time off for all staff globally to recharge, concentrate on ourselves, and step away from work with out utilizing our private go away. It’s a easy but highly effective initiative that exhibits how a lot the corporate values its staff’ psychological well being and private time. There’s flexibility, a supportive work tradition, and an emphasis on private progress.
The most effective half? I’m already getting the chance to work on significant tasks. Aside from my common work, I’ve additionally participated in company social accountability (CSR) initiatives — Cisco’s method 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. 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 crew.
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 possibly can go. Irrespective of your background, when you have the talents, the drive, and the willingness to be taught, nothing can cease you. The street could not at all times 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 learning, hold pushing, and when the appropriate 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.
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