Wow — two years. It’s arduous to consider how shortly time passes, particularly when a lot has modified.
Again then, I used to be working within the FinTech business — grateful for the experiences, the challenges, and the unimaginable individuals I had the prospect to work with. Nonetheless, there was part of me that felt referred to as towards one thing completely different. I had at all times admired Cisco from afar — a spot recognized for its innovation, its people-first tradition, and its real dedication to serving to others develop.
On the time, I didn’t have a badge or an @cisco.com e mail. However what I did have was a rising community on LinkedIn crammed with Cisco staff — a few of whom had been mentors and mates who persistently spoke extremely of the corporate’s tradition, values, and other people. They advised me Cisco was completely different. That it felt like household. And each story they shared solely fueled my dedication to seek out my means in.
Then I heard about Cisco Radiate — an occasion in Atlanta designed to attach Black professionals with Cisco leaders, mentors, and staff. I instantly knew I needed to be there. With the assistance of Dexter Robinson, who generously took the time to satisfy with me and equip me with instruments to showcase not solely my skilled expertise however who I used to be as an individual, I started getting ready for the chance.
I stay in North Carolina, and when the time got here, my finest good friend and I packed up the automotive and drove to Atlanta. I wasn’t even an worker but, however from the second I walked in, I felt like I belonged. The vitality was electrical. Folks greeted me like I used to be already a part of the household. They smiled, shook my hand, added me on LinkedIn, and launched me to their colleagues and leaders with out hesitation. It was some of the welcoming environments I’d ever skilled.
I made it my mission to depart that occasion with extra than simply reminiscences — I needed to depart with momentum. I took photographs with each chief I met and made positive to get a snapshot of their title badge. That means, after I adopted up through LinkedIn, e mail, and even textual content, I might reference our dialog and proceed constructing that connection. And I did simply that.
What occurred subsequent modified every part.
By intentional outreach, I gained not solely mentors, however true coaches — individuals who noticed potential in me and had been prepared to take a position their time and vitality to assist me break into Cisco. They supplied recommendation, shared job alternatives, inspired me throughout moments of doubt, and in the end, they believed in me even earlier than I had the title.
Quick ahead to immediately: I’m arising on my first full yr as a Cisco Account Supervisor.
To say I’m grateful can be an understatement.
I look again at that drive to Atlanta, at that model of me who didn’t know what would come of it, however who confirmed up anyway — who networked, requested questions, listened, adopted up, and believed. And I smile, as a result of that particular person took an opportunity — and it paid off.
However the fact is, none of this may have been attainable with out the unimaginable tradition at Cisco. It is a firm that doesn’t simply discuss supporting individuals — it lives it. The individuals right here care deeply. They pour into others, whether or not you’re an worker or somebody simply hoping to change into one. They need to see you succeed. They’ll share their time, their knowledge, and their hearts, just because that’s who they’re.
Cisco is a spot the place you may be your self, the place inclusivity is throughout, the place progress is nurtured, and the place management is accessible. It’s not nearly know-how — it’s about individuals.
At present, I’m not simply a part of the corporate I dreamed of — I’m thriving right here. I’m studying, rising, contributing, and mentoring others who are actually strolling an analogous path to mine. And I remind myself on daily basis to pay it ahead — as a result of so many individuals did that for me.
So, right here’s to 2 years of progress, gratitude, and daring leaps of religion. And to Cisco, thanks for welcoming me earlier than I ever had a badge. Thanks for seeing me. Thanks for serving to me change into the skilled I’m immediately.
And to anybody studying this who’s dreaming of their second: Imagine in your self, take the prospect, and don’t be afraid to point out the world who you’re.
You by no means know who’s watching — and who’s able to take an opportunity on you.
Take your probability. Discover Cisco careers.
