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This publish was authored by Abinaya, a 2025 intern on the Failure Analysis Team. 
I believed an internship meant staying behind the scenes — till Cisco put me heart stage, mic in hand, with leaders cheering me on.
What occurs when an intern isn’t simply welcomed however celebrated? When you’re not simply given duties, however trusted with a voice? My Cisco journey wasn’t confined to a desk or display screen — it put me within the highlight, not simply as soon as, however twice inside two to 3 months of becoming a member of as a Failure Analysis Technical Intern beneath Supply Chain Operations (SCO). I didn’t simply contribute to initiatives — I used to be seen, heard, and trusted in methods I by no means imagined potential as a newcomer.
In a band alongside eight different interns, I had an opportunity to carry out stay music on the Global Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain Operations Sales and Logistics Leadership (GMO & S&L) all fingers assembly the place we sang, and performed devices like cajon and guitar, wanting into the viewers as prime leaders of Cisco cheered on us, not simply as interns, however as artists. It was a second the place Cisco mentioned, “We see you.”
Performing in entrance of the management crew was a surreal combine of pleasure and disbelief. Just a couple of weeks into my internship, there I used to be — on stage, guitar strings buzzing, surrounded by fellow interns, in entrance of a number of the prime minds of Cisco. In that second, all I may assume was, “How incredible is it to be in a place where even the newest voices are heard and celebrated?” That efficiency wasn’t only a musical reminiscence — it was the second I actually felt like I belonged.
But that wasn’t all. A couple of weeks later, the mic was symbolic, however simply as highly effective.
I hosted an industrial go to for college kids from my school, the place I welcomed varied Cisco leaders who have been additionally alumni, my juniors, and interviewed my seniors who had already transitioned from campus to company to assist the juniors perceive what the leap from school to profession seems to be like, in addition to sharing my very own story of transition as an alumna.
Everything was full circle — standing at Cisco, not as a customer however as a number for my school juniors. I felt a deep sense of pleasure, pleasure, and gratitude . Just a 12 months in the past, I used to be of their sneakers — impressed by this atmosphere. And now, I used to be the one welcoming them, guiding them, and sharing my journey. It felt like my probability to offer again, to be the voice I as soon as seemed as much as. More than simply internet hosting, it was about inspiring, connecting, and making a bridge 
between the place we got here from and the place we’re headed. I felt actually empowered as a result of Cisco trusted me to guide, signify, and have fun this significant second
These moments weren’t a part of a job description. They weren’t assignments. They have been born out of Cisco’s perception in folks. It speaks volumes about Cisco’s tradition of belief, openness, and real human connection.
At Cisco, I wasn’t only a line in an org chat. I used to be a part of a narrative — my very own story — and Cisco handed me the pen. I didn’t simply find out about know-how or enterprise right here. I discovered that when persons are trusted, they rise. And I’ll carry that lesson with me properly past this internship.
These alternatives weren’t simply occasions — they have been experiences that confirmed me what it means to develop in a spot that empowers, trusts, and celebrates its folks, regardless of how new they’re. Cisco didn’t simply let me be a part of the tradition — it let me create it. That’s the Cisco distinction. If that is only the start, I can’t wait to see what’s subsequent.
Want to learn extra concerning the early-in-career Cisco expertise. Check out extra tales from our interns.
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