Why you should Intern at Cisco: The Breakdown

So, you want to intern at Cisco? Great choice and I’ll tell you exactly why.

But where to start? There are so many parts of Cisco that have jumped out to me as astounding – in all seriousness. Sometimes I’ll come out of a meeting and wonder “Did that just happen?”, “Was everyone really that nice and accommodating or was it just a farce?”. Every doubt I ever have is swiftly eradicated just as soon as it comes, by the sheer support that each and every person in Cisco offers selflessly.

The People:

Let’s talk about that first then, the people. By this point, whether you are a prospective intern trying to get a grasp of what Cisco offers or even just a curious reader, it’s likely that you would have experienced Imposter Syndrome at least some time in your life.

I didn’t expect to, but as soon as I entered Cisco, the vast amount of knowledge that everyone around me was just carrying in their brains, was intimidating! Deep down, I was fired up, because after all; you are the product of your surroundings, and if everyone around you is a competent professional, surely that means I can be one too?

“But how can I approach them to ask for some of their knowledge?” I thought. The idea of asking for help was daunting. Everything I had ever done, I had tried to do myself, but it turns out, I hardly had to ask. Everyone is so open to offering their help and guidance, and so eager to get to know every new face, that you feel at home as soon as you step into the office. Or in my case – open up Webex, Cisco’s team messaging software.

My cohort of interns is a testament to my generation’s intellect and drive. My team in my department impresses and inspires me every day and the inclusive communities that I have got involved in span across the globe and facilitate and enable webinars, events, and social settings that allow me to network, grow as a professional and bounce off of others.

The Culture:

Which leads me onto my next point – the culture. Somewhere within all of Cisco’s onboarding paperwork was a list of Cisco’s core values. “Change the world”, “Focus intensely on Customers”, “Win together”, “Always do the right thing”, “Respect and Care for each other”, and my favourite, “Make Innovation Happen”. Initially, after having read through the document once in excited awe, I moved on to address the other documents, but in writing this article I have rifled through my emails to find them again because as an active intern at Cisco, this selection of values is a mirror image of what I experience on a daily basis.

Aside from making irrefutable friends, gaining indisputable work experience, and engaging in team bonding “exercises” like traveling to Wendy’s after work or attending themed backyard cinemas, what I love most about Cisco are the challenges.

‘Challenges’ don’t always mean opening a code base and being completely floored. If you are looking for an opportunity that is unafraid to entrust you with responsibility regardless of your experience level and will adamantly support you along the way – then you’ve come to the right place. Officially, I am a Software Engineer intern and typically do Software Engineering stuff; however, since being within Cisco for what is approaching 2 months, I believe I have already worn many hats outside of my standard ‘role’ such as being a part of data analysis, project management and leadership projects and boy, am I excited to work on many more.

The Space

My Cohort and I spent a while trying to come up with a name for ourselves, and we eventually settled on “Hybrinterns”. A hybrid word in itself – it exists to express our existence in our hybrid working environment as well as highlight our uniqueness and ferocity. For me, Cisco has been best for surrounding me with like-minded people who are eager to aspire. If that sounds like you, it very well may be and we’re looking for you especially!

I usually spend my days by my laptop and monitor, cycling through different projects and interjecting here and there. Work time is flexible and never monotonous, and your intern family or reassuring manager is only a few clicks away in times of need. From time to time, we venture into the Bedfont Lakes office, or organise impromptu events to get some fresh air and rekindle stale bonds, and each time I’m reminded of why it is such a great organisation for me to be involved in.

Brushing past the fact that the Bedfont lakes campus is utterly beautiful and surrounded by Fairy-Tale-Esque greenery, we are eagerly looking forward to slowly coming back into the office in the safest way and getting ready to make more memories and learn more things whilst we’re at it.

What else?

Well firstly, I’m surprised that you are still tentative. Some things that really get me out of bed are the virtual events that different communities hold from time to time. Or perhaps, the weekly riddle competition that never has the answer that you think it may be. Being a Cisconian is a trait that I am proud to have (alongside being a Hybrintern of course). But Cisco is all about embracing and curating your best self. I personally, am excited to find out the person that you are cooking up, and the person you will become regardless of where life takes you.

Photo Sources: My Samsung Galaxy S10+ Camera, and others.