This submit was authored by Kanak Sabhnani, a latest technical intern on the Safety Staff. 
What if I advised you that the place the place I healed from an damage, found a brand new model of myself, and made lifelong pals wasn’t a hospital or a school — however a tech firm?
Sounds unreal, proper? However that place exists, and for me, it was Cisco.
Let me take you again. Once I received chosen for an internship at Cisco, I used to be thrilled. However beneath that pleasure was a wave of tension.
This was my first in-person internship — my earlier one had been utterly digital. The considered assembly new folks, navigating an actual workplace, being away from household and pals, and adjusting to life in Bangalore scared me. I’m an introvert by nature, so the thought of breaking out of my shell in a brand new setting felt overwhelming.
However then I stepped onto Cisco’s campus.
There was a direct sense of heat. The vibe wasn’t what I anticipated from a company house — it felt extra like a full of life faculty campus. The onboarding actions organized by the Speed up staff had been genuinely participating, like one involving scanning a card and asking folks inquiries to earn factors. For somebody like me who often avoids initiating conversations, this was a breakthrough. That day, I spoke to extra folks than I had in months — and surprisingly, I loved it.
However life had different plans.
On simply my second day, whereas heading again to my shared housing, I met with an accident. A ligament tear in my ankle meant one and a half months of strict mattress relaxation. Being new to town, away from household, and unable to stroll, I used to be terrified.
My first thought was, “How will I handle work?” However Cisco didn’t simply give me an internship — it gave me a assist system.
First, I reached out to my hiring supervisor. Not solely did he reply shortly, however he known as me the identical day. He requested about my well being and provided assist. That second reassured me that I wasn’t alone.
My supervisor was extremely type. Throughout our one-on-one, he advised me to not fear about work and to concentrate on getting higher. It’s uncommon to search out managers who genuinely prioritize your well-being over duties, particularly whenever you’re nonetheless an intern.
Much more touching was the assist from my co-interns. Regardless of barely understanding me, they stayed related — checking in, serving to with each day stuff, and simply being there to speak after I felt low. One night, a couple of even stayed again with me for hours simply to assist me get a cab. It was in these little moments of care, I noticed Cisco wasn’t only a office. It was my secure house.
I’m an intern with the Cisco Safety staff. My function started with backend improvement, and halfway by the internship, I started transitioning into frontend to construct full-stack abilities. My studying journey was well-structured. My supervisor prioritized my development by specializing in upskilling me, which ready me to tackle duties with confidence.
Even whereas recovering from my damage, I stayed concerned by digital conferences. Weekly Thursday demos with my mentor, tech lead, and supervisor had been my anchors. They saved me motivated and jogged my memory that although I wasn’t there in individual, I used to be nonetheless meaningfully contributing.
As soon as I returned to the workplace, every part felt brighter. The social occasions, chai socials, jam periods on the Vedic Tea Spot, and enjoying pool with pals — all of it helped me really feel like myself once more. Not solely did I heal bodily, however emotionally too.
Right here’s what I’ve realized:
- Don’t underestimate the ability of a supportive setting. At Cisco, folks transcend roles — they care.
- Should you’re ever in a troublesome state of affairs — whether or not it’s beginning a brand new job or going by a private setback — the suitable staff could make all of the distinction.
- Be a part of Cisco for the tech, but in addition for the individuals who’ll test in on you, cheer in your small wins, and be there whenever you want somebody.
- Therapeutic doesn’t at all times occur in silence. Generally, it occurs in laughter-filled hallways, heartfelt one-on-ones, and late-night chats with teammates who turn out to be pals.
- I didn’t simply be taught tech at Cisco — I realized how robust I could possibly be after I had the suitable folks round me.
That’s why I #LoveWhereYouWork. As a result of right here, I didn’t simply work. I healed, grew, and found a brand new model of myself. And that’s one thing I’ll carry with me without end.
Are you prepared to find a brand new model of your self, too? Take a look at profession alternatives right here.
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