Saturday, July 6, 2024

Constructing Bridges: Embracing Change, Progress, and Discovery at Cisco

This submit was authored by Pranav Athrangadan, a Enterprise Analyst Intern on the Materials Planning Group underneath Manufacturing Operations inside the Silicon One Operation Group.

Person sitting on a bench with a laptop.

After I first joined Cisco, switching from electrical engineering to enterprise evaluation felt overwhelming. I’ll be sincere; it was a bit scary to vary gears from engineering to a non-technical course. However Cisco had my again from day one. They hooked me up with studying assets and even coated my course charges. It’s like they noticed potential in me that I hadn’t seen in myself but. And, due to Cisco’s welcoming tradition, my supportive workforce, supervisor, and administrators, and superior mentorship, I didn’t simply cross this bridge — I began constructing my very own.

As I settled into my new position, I found that the Cisco campuses themselves had been a supply of inspiration and motivation. They’re not simply buildings however a supply of power for me. At any time when I really feel low or can’t remedy a process, I do know I can discover a cozy spot to recharge and get impressed. Sooner or later, after I was too drained to resolve a part of an issue assigned to me, I stumbled upon somewhat backyard tucked away between places of work. At first, it was only a quiet place to catch my breath. However quickly, I noticed it was rather more — a bridge to new concepts. Surrounded by nature, my thoughts opened, and creativity flowed. This backyard turned my go-to spot for pondering exterior the field. The Cisco campus is sort of a second house, open 24/7, providing me the liberty to discover and discover my very own artistic areas, although I can’t spill all of the secrets and techniques of those mind-blowing zones simply but!

My days have been a whirlwind of discovery, not simply professionally however personally, too. On my first week, I ventured into the gymnasium, pondering I’d attempt boxing, however Cisco had a wider journey in retailer for me. Earlier than I knew it, I attended group courses I’d by no means imagined myself in — dance, Zumba, high-intensity interval coaching (HIIT), energy and conditioning, primal motion, and abs exercises. Every class opened a brand new chapter of self-discovery, pushing my boundaries and exhibiting me the energy I by no means knew I had. Amongst these, boxing caught my coronary heart. It started as simply one other class to attempt, however quickly, it turned my ardour, and now, as soon as my workday wraps up, I’m off to the boxing practices. It’s a tremendous feeling figuring out that my office helps my well-being and hobbies.

Large group of people standing together at the beach.

However Cisco’s assist for my well-being doesn’t cease at bodily health. By means of Webex conferences, I’ve dived into classes about life and monetary planning. These aren’t simply talks. They’re lifelines, instructing me find out how to make investments, plan, and navigate life’s monetary facets. It’s throughout work hours, but it appears like the corporate is investing in my life exterior work as a lot as inside.

Then there’s the center of Cisco — dedication to range and inclusion and Inclusive Communities like Related Incapacity Motion Community (CDAN) and Rising Expertise at Cisco. These teams imply lots to me and make me really feel half of a bigger function. They remind me of my objectives and what I’ve been doing since school. I’ve all the time wished to assist others, so I received concerned in social service. At Cisco, the will and potential to make a distinction feels proper at house. These teams present how we will do it, irrespective of our backgrounds or talents.

Being a part of Rising Expertise has been extremely useful for me. It’s helped me see that I can do extra, regardless that I’m normally shy. I all the time wished to talk in entrance of individuals and share my concepts, but it surely was onerous to beat my nervousness. The assist and friendship I’ve discovered on this group helped me to beat my concern. It opened my eyes to how we will assist one another. That approachable, supportive ambiance makes Cisco greater than only a office.

Person wearing boxing gloves.

Even reaching out to leaders and administrators is straightforward right here. I keep in mind being so nervous to speak to my director throughout the very first week, however as soon as I did, it was like chatting with an outdated buddy. That openness is a bridge to studying from the perfect and breaking down obstacles. That encouragement and constructive suggestions I obtained was a turning level, illuminating the trail from being an observer to an lively participant in Cisco’s tradition of innovation.

Exterior of my assigned mission, aside from my workforce, I additionally participated in an intern case research competitors that was not only a process however a blast! It was a singular alternative to speak with others and study what they do, serving to me perceive cross-functional actions and be highlighted as a part of the bigger workforce and firm, showcasing us interns to the world.

I’m simply getting began, and I already really feel completely different. Extra open, extra prepared to leap in and be seen. Cisco is extra than simply the place I’m doing my internship. It’s the place I’m rising and discovering I may be the individual I all the time wished to be. I’m constructing a bridge in direction of one thing new and thrilling — studying, reaching, and belonging. Cisco’s not simply the place I work; it’s the place I develop, join, and am empowered to be my finest.

Powering an inclusive future for all is what we do at Cisco. Uncover the facility of our function.

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