This submit was authored by Pranav Athrangadan, a Business Analyst Intern on the Material Planning Team below Manufacturing Operations inside the Silicon One Operation Team.
When 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 path. But Cisco had my again from day one. They hooked me up with studying sources and even coated my course charges. It’s like they noticed potential in me that I hadn’t seen in myself but. And, because of Cisco’s welcoming tradition, my supportive staff, 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 vitality for me. Whenever I really feel low or can’t resolve a process, I do know I can discover a cozy spot to recharge and get impressed. One day, after I was too drained to resolve a part of an issue assigned to me, I stumbled upon slightly backyard tucked away between workplaces. At first, it was only a quiet place to catch my breath. But quickly, I noticed it was way more — a bridge to new concepts. Surrounded by nature, my thoughts opened, and creativity flowed. This backyard turned my go-to spot for considering outdoors the field. The Cisco campus is sort of a second residence, 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 health club, considering I’d strive boxing, however Cisco had a much wider journey in retailer for me. Before 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. Each class opened a brand new chapter of self-discovery, pushing my boundaries and exhibiting me the energy I by no means knew I had. Among these, boxing caught my coronary heart. It started as simply one other class to strive, 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 understanding that my office helps my well-being and hobbies.
But Cisco’s help for my well-being doesn’t cease at bodily health. Through Webex conferences, I’ve dived into classes about life and monetary planning. These aren’t simply talks. They’re lifelines, instructing me make investments, plan, and navigate life’s monetary points. It’s throughout work hours, but it seems like the corporate is investing in my life outdoors work as a lot as inside.
Then there’s the guts of Cisco — dedication to variety and inclusion and Inclusive Communities like Connected Disability Action Network (CDAN) and Emerging Talent at Cisco. These teams imply so much 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 at all times wished to assist others, so I received concerned in social service. At Cisco, the will and potential to make a distinction feels proper at residence. These teams present how we are able to do it, irrespective of our backgrounds or talents.
Being a part of Emerging Talent has been extremely useful for me. It’s helped me see that I can do extra, despite the fact that I’m often shy. I at all times wished to talk in entrance of individuals and share my concepts, however it was onerous to beat my nervousness. The help and friendship I’ve discovered on this group helped me to beat my worry. It opened my eyes to how we are able to help one another. That approachable, supportive environment makes Cisco greater than only a office.
Even reaching out to leaders and administrators is simple 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 very best and breaking down boundaries. That encouragement and constructive suggestions I acquired was a turning level, illuminating the trail from being an observer to an energetic participant in Cisco’s tradition of innovation.
Outside of my assigned venture, aside from my staff, 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 be taught what they do, serving to me perceive cross-functional actions and be highlighted as a part of the bigger staff and firm, showcasing us interns to the world.
I’m simply getting began, and I already really feel completely different. More 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 will be the individual I at all times wished to be. I’m constructing a bridge in direction of one thing new and thrilling — studying, attaining, and belonging. Cisco’s not simply the place I work; it’s the place I develop, join, and am empowered to be my greatest.
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