Unlocking the Cisco Experience

Ayush
5 min readJul 5, 2023

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Here’s an intern walking you through what makes Cisco, rank among the best places to work.

A Blue florescent Cisco Logo
The Cisco logo placed at the entrance of our campus

As My Cisco Internship Journey comes to an end, I really wanted to understand why Cisco constantly ranks as the best place to work. I figured out, and It all came down to the 5C’s

Campus

A walkway connecting to few adjacent office buildings, overlooking a basketball court
A walkway overlooking a basketball court and few office buildings

Cisco’s campus is a vibrant haven that offers an array of amenities designed to enhance both productivity and relaxation. From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I was captivated by the sheer magnitude of its offerings. The sprawling cafeteria catered to diverse culinary preferences, ensuring that every meal was a delightful experience. The presence of a badminton court, box office for movie screenings, breakout areas for brainstorming sessions, and gaming zones for leisure activities added an element of excitement and rejuvenation to our workday. Additionally, the availability of nap rooms provided a peaceful sanctuary for moments of rest and rejuvenation, allowing us to recharge and perform at our best. Cisco’s campus truly embodies a holistic approach to work-life balance, fostering an environment that nurtures both professional growth and personal well-being.

Culture

At the Cisco IT onboarding event with extraordinary lighting and a wonderful host!
At the Cisco IT onboarding event

Cisco’s culture is a testament to its commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation. From the moment I joined as an intern, I was embraced by a warm and supportive community. The company’s culture fosters an environment where every voice is valued and respected, promoting open communication and a sense of belonging. The spirit of collaboration permeates every interaction, as colleagues from diverse backgrounds come together to tackle challenges and drive impactful solutions. Cisco’s culture of innovation encourages us to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and continuously strive for excellence. It is this unique blend of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation that creates a dynamic and inspiring workplace, where creativity flourishes and individuals are empowered to reach their full potential. Cisco’s culture is not just a buzzword; it is a living, breathing embodiment of its values, making it an exceptional place to work and thrive.

Collaboration

A meeting with over 20 offline participants facing each other
A Monthly Check-in with the University Recruiting Team

During my Internship journey I observed the importance of effective
communication and collaboration within a team
. Regular team meetings and brainstorming sessions provided insights into the collaborative nature of software development. I witnessed first-hand how open and transparent communication fostered innovation and problem-solving. Working alongside experienced professionals, I learned the significance of active listening and effective teamwork in delivering high-quality solutions.

Collaboration is at the heart of Cisco’s work ethos. Interns at Cisco have the privilege of working with passionate and talented individuals who collectively strive for excellence. The emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration enables interns to contribute meaningfully to impactful projects. The collaborative environment nurtures innovation, encourages fresh ideas, and exposes interns to a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Connect

A man standing alongside a few others, surrounded by loads of cameras and staff
Chuck Robbins (CEO) visited our Campus and interacted with us

Connectivity lies at the core of Cisco’s internship experience, fostering meaningful relationships and facilitating professional growth. Throughout my internship, I had the privilege of engaging in weekly sync-ups with my manager, buddy, and mentor. These sessions served as invaluable opportunities for guidance, feedback, and learning. Additionally, Cisco’s emphasis on connectivity extended beyond these individual connections. The company organized engaging events such as leadership all hands, team connects, and interns connect sessions. These gatherings provided platforms to interact with leaders, engage with fellow interns, and broaden our understanding of the company’s vision and culture. The focus on fostering connections at all levels created a supportive and collaborative environment, enabling me to build relationships that will extend beyond my internship and continue to shape my career journey.

Career Development & Creativity

You Own your Career

People in a meeting room, overlooking a huge screen with a female speaker in the background
A talk organized by the University Recruitment team, Cisco for startups was the host

Cisco is committed to nurturing talent and supporting interns in their career development. The company provides mentorship, training programs, and professional development opportunities that empower interns to grow both personally and professionally. The focus on career development ensures that interns gain valuable skills and insights that will shape their future success.

Cisco fosters a culture of creativity and innovation. As an intern, you had the opportunity to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and contribute to innovative projects. The freedom to unleash your creativity and bring fresh perspectives to the table adds a unique dimension to the internship experience.

Be it Hackathons or Idea-a-thons, you always had a chance to go beyond what you were expected to do!

Conclusion

My internship experience at Cisco has been a transformative journey that has surpassed all expectations. The culture of collaboration, focus on innovation, mentorship, inclusive community, and commitment to employee well-being have all contributed to making Cisco the best place to work. I am grateful for the opportunities, knowledge, and connections I gained during my time as an intern. Cisco has not only shaped my career but also provided me with a foundation for future success.

If you’re seeking a workplace where growth, innovation, and community thrive, look no further than Cisco. It is a company that not only offers exciting challenges but also empowers individuals to realize their full potential.

A party, with people posing by pointing their fingers to one of the guests
One among the many team outings we had during our internship

Also If you are seeking an internship experience that embraces diversity, encourages collaboration, and offers a stimulating work environment, look no further than Cisco. Prepare to be inspired, empowered, and equipped to thrive in a company that values its interns and provides an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.

Inspired and Wondering how to Crack the Cisco Interview ?

Read more here : https://radicallyayush.medium.com/cracking-the-cisco-interview-8c0339161aa5

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