Internship Experience at Cisco ✨
Since my final year at college, I felt under a lot of pressure to take advantage of every learning opportunity before I entered the workforce as a designer. I was considering every worst-case scenario that can happen during my graduation internship and how would I find the best for myself because the path to get here hasn’t always been straightforward:
Will I be given mundane tasks to complete?
Will I be able to contribute effectively to the team?
How will I fit into the corporate work culture and make a place for my skills?
Am I deserving of being here?
After spending the last 6 months at Cisco, these thoughts feel like distant memories, yet I can still clearly recall the level of anxiety I felt before beginning my internship journey at Cisco.
Looking back at my journey now, Cisco has been my building block and a dream come true ❤️
Here are my key takeaways:
1. Go beyond your comfort zone
With beginner apprehensions at work thinking, I don’t have the skills to carry out certain projects- I saw it all in the first few months. But Cisco has so much to offer right from stretch assignments where you can work with another team to events where you can steal the limelight with your talent showcase. It is just how you take these opportunities ahead for your growth
2. Keep your opinions
Though I did restrain myself from putting across my opinions in a room full of experienced professionals, there was a safe space within the team where I felt my voice and opinions were heard. I became confident enough to discuss any issue which bothered me during my internship with my team.
3. Say a big YES to networking
Cisco gave a plethora of opportunities to build and nurture new connections formed. I’ve met some of the smartest people in the last 6 months and learned immensely from the enriching communications with them.
4. Build the culture
As an intern, I felt welcomed and appreciated even in a room full of new people. I firmly believe each individual added to the team is like a single block of Jenga who is capable of multiplying the aura of providing comfort and a sense of belonging to anyone new and that’s how a rich progressive work culture can be formed.
5. Establish your authenticity
It is crucial in building long fostering relationships that go beyond just work. I believe self-awareness is the foundation of authenticity, accepting my flaws and owing my mistakes with credibility is my biggest lesson learned
PS: That’s how 6 months flew by with the best dream team!
