Five years in the past, I discovered myself crusing throughout the Arctic Circle to take part within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s largest train because the Cold War. Walking down the maze-like passageway, I handed miles of cable supporting the community onboard the massive deck amphibious warship, the place knowledge would go by {hardware} with a well-recognized “bridge” image. Standing watch within the Combat Information Center, we utilized telephones with the acquainted “bridge” image as properly. Everything was in sync because it wanted to be, which was solely attainable as a result of we had been afforded the perfect {hardware} within the {industry}.
However, after 15 mixed years in a uniform and plenty of nautical miles traveled, I made a decision to start my transition out of energetic responsibility into the Naval Reserves. During transition coaching, there was palpable anxiousness about whether or not to proceed serving within the reserves and the way a lot info to disclose about this determination on future job purposes. Just as with medical situations, you aren’t required to reveal your army service dedication, however I knew that I didn’t need to be a part of a company that didn’t assist army service within the reserves or National Guard and needed to be upfront that there can be instances that I might need to step away for coaching to meet my commitments. Ultimately, I knew that the precise group would settle for me and my determination to proceed to serve within the reserves and that transparency was the most suitable choice.
One of my buddies was doing a Department of Defense AbilityBridge program and informed me to take a look at the alternatives at Cisco. I utilized for just a few roles, after which issues fell into place after I utilized and interviewed for a gross sales position inside U.S. Commercial Services Sales. While I lacked industry-specific expertise, each the recruiter and hiring supervisor had religion in my means to make a useful contribution to the group. They noticed in my background a tenacious will to achieve success with fewer assets and the flexibility to adapt and overcome unknown challenges. They realized, by talking with me in interviews, that I don’t see failure as an choice, and I work to boost effectivity and effectiveness when attaining an answer. Ever since that day they took an opportunity on me two years in the past, I’ve been lucky to be embraced by a supportive group of Cisconians, making my transition from a army background to the tech {industry} exceptionally clean and seamless, personally and professionally.
This previous March, I had the possibility to take part in and assist Exercise Freedom Shield for my Navy Reserve annual coaching, an air, sea, and land simulation train with the Republic of Korea. I braced myself as I ready to tell my Cisco management of my impending go away of absence. I used to be truly caught off guard after I was met with nothing however assist and encouragement. Their preliminary response was, “How’s your family handling the news? Will they be okay?” I used to be bowled over by their real concern for my household’s well-being. This type response from my management alleviated a lot of the anxiousness I had about the complete state of affairs.
After arriving on the Korean peninsula, I needed to profit from the time out there earlier than the train’s graduation, so I took a practice to Seoul to take a look at the Cisco workplace within the Gangnam District. Even with a language barrier, I used to be welcomed by the identical supportive tradition that I at all times expertise in RTP. After three seemingly lengthy weeks away from household, the place the acquainted “bridge” emblem was current on the watch ground using the world’s best telecommunication gear, Cisco VoIP telephones, my time in Korea got here to an in depth following the profitable train. Finally, I reunited with my household, and it felt good to be dwelling.
I appreciated the chance to placed on the uniform once more, however I’m much more grateful for a corporation that’s thoughtful and assists with my time away. Lots have modified for me prior to now few years: I as soon as wore steel-toe, non-slip boots, however now put on sneakers and flip-flops on the weekend. I hung up my camouflage uniform for a button-down shirt and slacks. I maneuvered warships in formation and now assist the group drive gross sales for a few of the world’s most recognizable and enjoyable manufacturers. I used to eat within the wardroom on board with division heads, discussing naval techniques and operations. Now, I eat lunch within the cafe, collaborating with professionals in Business Development, Customer Experience, Operations, Finance, and Engineering. It wouldn’t be possible with out the optimistic teamwork I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by. I hope hiring managers and recruiters will look to veterans much more when recruiting new expertise due to the extremely numerous expertise we are able to deliver to broaden the enterprise and even embrace just a few sea tales alongside the way in which. I’m ceaselessly grateful to Cisco for being my “Bridge to Possible” and the perfect place to work!
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