Misplaced, Discovered, and Flourishing: My Journey with Cisco

This publish was authored by Chirag Garg, a current Software program Engineering Intern who nearly didn’t apply — however ended up discovering his confidence, group, and profession path at Cisco.

Again in 2023, I used to be doing what most engineering college students do — making use of for internships, taking on-line assessments, and refreshing my inbox prefer it was my job. At first, I felt fairly assured. I had tasks below my belt, I’d labored laborious, and I believed I used to be prepared.

However then … the rejections began piling up.

One after one other.

It was discouraging, truthfully. I began questioning if I used to be actually reduce out for tech. Perhaps I didn’t have “it.” Perhaps I used to be simply one other résumé in a large pile. I keep in mind staring on the Cisco internship utility and considering, “There’s no manner I’ll get in.”

However someway, I satisfied myself to only click on submit.

That One Sure

When the choice record got here out, I didn’t even anticipate to see my title, however there it was.

I used to be going to intern at Cisco.

That second shifted one thing in me. I felt like possibly, simply possibly, I belonged. I began brushing up on my expertise, revisiting fundamentals, diving into AI and programs — making an attempt to be as prepared as doable.

Then got here Might 2024, and my summer season internship at Cisco started.

Why Cisco Felt Totally different — and Why That Mattered

From the very first day, I knew Cisco was completely different. It wasn’t nearly work. It was about individuals.

I met a staff that didn’t anticipate me to have all of the solutions. They didn’t make me really feel like I needed to show myself each second. As an alternative, they gave me one thing I didn’t even know I wanted — area — area to study, area to ask questions (even the foolish ones), area to develop with out worry of failing.

There have been so many little issues that made a huge effect, too. Like how somebody would all the time drop a studying useful resource simply once I was caught, or how informal tea breaks was deep discussions about profession targets, and the way nobody made me really feel “like simply an intern.”

We performed video games collectively, had random rant classes (sure, these assist), and shared laughs over issues that had nothing to do with code. It felt human. And for somebody who felt misplaced simply months earlier, that meant every thing.

The Ripple Impact

That summer season at Cisco didn’t simply influence my LinkedIn — it modified how I noticed myself.

I began taking part extra in faculty actions. I took on management roles. I turned the AI Lead for the Affiliation for Computing Equipment (ACM CSS) chapter at my faculty, gained a hackathon, and finally, received a letter for a spring internship and a full-time supply from Cisco.

That one sure modified every thing. Cisco didn’t simply give me a stepping stone — it gave me a springboard. The truth that I may come again for one more internship after which transfer right into a full-time position confirmed me that at Cisco, development isn’t simply inspired — it’s doable. You don’t have to decide on one path. You’re given the liberty to discover the place you need to go, trusted to tackle new challenges, and given the assist to truly get there.

Beginning the intern journey once more in spring felt acquainted — however in the easiest way. I wasn’t the identical particular person I used to be a yr in the past. And Cisco wasn’t only a firm anymore — it felt like a spot I belonged.

#LoveWhereYouWork — And Being Trusted to Do It

As a Software program Engineering Intern, I get to work on the intersection of programs and AI — two evolving areas that genuinely problem and excite me. However truthfully? One of the best half isn’t simply the work. It’s how I’m trusted to do the work. I’ve had the liberty to make choices, the prospect to study from errors, and the assist to ask, “Why not do that?”

That form of tradition? It’s uncommon.

To Anybody Who’s Nonetheless Figuring It Out …

In the event you’re the place I used to be — watching job boards, feeling such as you’re falling behind, doubting your self — I need to say this: don’t surrender on your self.

Apply for that position even when you don’t really feel “prepared.” Ask questions even when you assume they’re primary. Take that likelihood, even when you assume you gained’t make it.

As a result of generally, all it takes is one sure.

Cisco was my sure.  And in saying sure to me, they helped me say sure to myself.

Are you able to sure to a brand new alternative? Take a look at our careers right here!

Subscribe to the WeAreCisco Weblog and by no means miss a narrative!

Share: