This submit was authored by Khushi Saxena, a technical consulting engineer intern on the Buyer Expertise Group.
I by no means imagined {that a} world large like Cisco would discover somebody like me — but right here I’m, dwelling proof that expertise matter greater than background. 
Coming from a completely non-technical background, my first 12 months of school felt like moving into a totally totally different world. Whereas others appeared to have a head begin, speaking about information buildings, initiatives, 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 bear in mind sitting in my first programming class, struggling to know easy syntax whereas others breezed via problem-solving. There have been moments once I puzzled if I had made the precise selection and if I used to be actually lower out for this. However as a substitute 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, training, 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 large, however the extra I discovered about its work in networking, safety, and innovation, the extra fascinated I grew to become. It shortly grew to become considered one of my dream firms, not simply due to its status however due to the sort of affect it was making on this planet of know-how. I knew that if I ever acquired the chance, I needed to be a part of one thing like that.
For me, entering into a superb firm wasn’t nearly fulfilling a dream — it was a necessity. My household had confronted monetary struggles, and I knew that securing a secure, well-paying job would change all the pieces. I carried that duty with me via 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 unravel 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 components, which was an enormous testomony to all my efforts prior to now. I used to be evaluated purely on my talents, and for the primary time, I felt actually acknowledged for my potential.
After I acquired 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 fervour 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 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 stability. I had heard horror tales of burnout within the tech business, however Cisco genuinely prioritizes worker well-being. Actually, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a devoted time without work for all staff globally to recharge, deal with 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 staff’ psychological well being and private time. There’s flexibility, a supportive work tradition, and an emphasis on private progress.
The perfect half? I’m already getting the chance to work on significant initiatives. Other than my common work, I’ve additionally participated in company social duty (CSR) initiatives — Cisco’s approach 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. Having the ability to contribute to such impactful initiatives has been extremely fulfilling. On daily basis is a brand new studying expertise, and I’m always surrounded by sensible 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 group.
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. Regardless of your background, when you’ve got the talents, the drive, and the willingness to be taught, nothing can cease you. The street might not all the time be simple, however belief me, it’s value it.
To each scholar on the market doubting themselves — know this: your expertise speaks louder than labels. Continue to learn, maintain pushing, and when the precise 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 all the time be grateful to Cisco.
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