It’s Magic: Role Spotlight — Fostering Impact Through Mutual Respect and Winning Together
At Meraki, the energy and passion of our employees shapes our vibrant community and empowers us to make intuitive and secure technology for our customers. Our ongoing series, It’s Magic: Role Spotlight, highlights dynamic roles at Meraki and how employees are positioned to make an impact on a massive scale. We’ll delve into life and culture at Meraki and uncover the unique qualities that distinguish us. Welcome–we’re happy you’re here.
Priya Selvarathinavel, Software Engineer on the Meraki MX (Meraki SD-WAN) team, Bangalore, India
What is the main focus of your role?
The primary focus of my role is to build product features based on customer feedback and specific requirements. Product managers gather customer needs and prioritize them, and then the engineering team develops the features. I’m deeply engaged in designing systems to ensure efficiency and simplicity, aligning with Meraki’s ethos. Once the systems are designed, I implement the features in the Meraki firewall firmware, collaborating with other teams for integration and testing. We work closely with the dashboard and quality assurance (QA) teams to ensure smooth functionality.
How would you describe the culture of your team?
The culture of the MX team closely resembles the overall Meraki culture. Our seven-person team is tight-knit, collaborative, and inclusive. We support each other and work together to complete tasks. We share knowledge and assist each other, fostering growth and unity within our team. We embrace a balanced work approach and acknowledge that projects require time. Additionally, we value the importance of personal needs alongside professional commitments.
What do you love most about your position?
I love that I can put my energy into my work without getting caught up in the minutia of processes. Since we have structured workflows for any given task, I can be efficient and consistent in my work, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. I’m also fulfilled by the impact potential I have at Meraki. Engineers are given the autonomy to innovate, improve, and disrupt the industry. Moreover, there is mutual trust in our team, which facilitates a supportive atmosphere. Even when mistakes are made, our team always helps each other win.
How have your leaders been supportive of you?
Every week, I have sync-up meetings with my manager, where we discuss my current projects and future objectives. My manager asks me about my areas of interest and encourages me to explore new facets of engineering. We strategize on personal growth opportunities, training, and technical and leadership courses I could take. Additionally, our work environment fosters opportunities for personal initiative, allowing the pursuit of individual projects. I have the autonomy and room to refine frameworks and drive meaningful change.
If a candidate were considering a role at Meraki, what differentiating factor would you tell them about the company?
Working at Meraki is fulfilling, fun, and peaceful. The sense of fulfillment is derived from the significant impact each individual can make while being acknowledged every step of the way. The Meraki atmosphere fosters positivity and camaraderie, where respect and support are the norm. Helping others is encouraged, and people genuinely want to lend support. The combination of fulfilling work, thoughtful processes, and kind, caring people creates a peaceful and balanced work experience, one that eliminates unnecessary stress.
How would you describe Meraki magic?
The magic at Meraki stems from mutual respect and winning together.
Interested in career opportunities with Cisco Meraki? Check out our careers site!