This publish was authored by Pranav Athrangadan, a Enterprise Analyst Intern on the Materials Planning Crew below Manufacturing Operations inside the Silicon One Operation Crew.

After I first joined Cisco, switching from electrical engineering to enterprise evaluation felt overwhelming. I’ll be sincere; it was a bit scary to alter gears from engineering to a non-technical course. However 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 crew, 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 function, I found that the Cisco campuses themselves have been a supply of inspiration and motivation. They’re not simply buildings however a supply of vitality for me. Each time I really feel low or can’t remedy a job, I do know I can discover a cozy spot to recharge and get impressed. Someday, after I was too drained to unravel a part of an issue assigned to me, I stumbled upon just a little backyard tucked away between workplaces. At first, it was only a quiet place to catch my breath. However quickly, I noticed it was rather more — a bridge to new concepts. Surrounded by nature, my thoughts opened, and creativity flowed. This backyard turned my go-to spot for pondering outdoors the field. The Cisco campus is sort of a second house, 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 gymnasium, pondering I’d attempt boxing, however Cisco had a wider journey in retailer for me. Earlier than I knew it, I attended group lessons I’d by no means imagined myself in — dance, Zumba, high-intensity interval coaching (HIIT), energy and conditioning, primal motion, and abs exercises. Every class opened a brand new chapter of self-discovery, pushing my boundaries and displaying me the energy I by no means knew I had. Amongst these, boxing caught my coronary heart. It started as simply one other class to attempt, 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.

However Cisco’s assist for my well-being doesn’t cease at bodily health. By Webex conferences, I’ve dived into classes about life and monetary planning. These aren’t simply talks. They’re lifelines, educating me methods to make investments, plan, and navigate life’s monetary facets. It’s throughout work hours, but it looks 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 Linked Incapacity Motion Community (CDAN) and Rising Expertise at Cisco. These teams imply quite a bit to me and make me really feel half of a bigger objective. They remind me of my objectives and what I’ve been doing since faculty. I’ve at all times wished to assist others, so I acquired concerned in social service. At Cisco, the will and potential to make a distinction feels proper at house. These teams present how we are able to do it, regardless of our backgrounds or skills.

Being a part of Rising Expertise has been extremely useful for me. It’s helped me see that I can do extra, despite the fact that I’m normally shy. I at all times wished to talk in entrance of individuals and share my concepts, but it surely was exhausting to beat my nervousness. The assist and friendship I’ve discovered on this neighborhood helped me to beat my worry. It opened my eyes to how we are able to assist one another. That approachable, supportive ambiance makes Cisco greater than only a office.

Even reaching out to leaders and administrators is simple right here. I bear in mind being so nervous to speak to my director through the very first week, however as soon as I did, it was like chatting with an outdated pal. That openness is a bridge to studying from one of the best and breaking down limitations. That encouragement and constructive suggestions I obtained was a turning level, illuminating the trail from being an observer to an lively participant in Cisco’s tradition of innovation.

Exterior of my assigned mission, other than my crew, I additionally participated in an intern case examine competitors that was not only a job however a blast! It was a novel 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 crew and firm, showcasing us interns to the world.

I’m simply getting began, and I already really feel totally different. Extra 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 might be the particular person I at all times wished to be. I’m constructing a bridge in direction of one thing new and thrilling — studying, reaching, and belonging. Cisco’s not simply the place I work; it’s the place I develop, join, and am empowered to be my greatest.

Powering an inclusive future for all is what we do at Cisco. Uncover the facility of our objective.

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