It All Began With a Textual content
It was semester break, and everybody was upskilling for the upcoming campus placement drives. One night time, I used to be simply chilling at dwelling when a WhatsApp group chat message popped up. “Have a look at this! Cisco is organizing one thing known as Code with Cisco (an occasion for college college students to unravel real-world challenges by means of coding). We will take part in teams of three, lets?” One other message adopted, “Be fast, the appliance closes at midnight!” I wasn’t prepared, my resume was a complete work-in-progress, I had little to no time.
I virtually determined to go on the chance, however my buddies satisfied me to strive my luck. I rapidly added a number of Cisco Networking Academy certifications and a networking undertaking from highschool, and hit submit. I had no concept at the moment that this determination would form my profession.
Carefree however Curious
Hey everybody, I’m Satyajit, and my journey into tech isn’t a typical one. I didn’t get right into a top-tier college, however as an alternative, made my manner by means of a non-public establishment, the place I took pc science, not for the standing or future pay, however for the love of know-how.
I lived a carefree life, pursuing hobbies, happening spontaneous journeys and to live shows with buddies, and binge-watching reveals.
Faculty was a cycle of deadlines and concept. I wasn’t actually excited about a profession or my future till a good friend landed an internship on the finish of sophomore yr, and I noticed I used to be a bit behind. That each one modified when that WhatsApp message popped up. My staff didn’t make it to the finale, however I acquired an internship interview invite from Cisco.
Earlier than the interview, I used to be requested to submit a model of my resume stripping away all personally identifiable data, like my title, deal with, school, and GPA. I had by no means skilled something prefer it earlier than. With any assumptions out of the best way, I used to be in a position to deal with simply giving my greatest.
Two weeks later I acquired a name — I GOT THE INTERNSHIP.
The Shift Begins
Strolling on to the Cisco Bangalore campus was even higher than I anticipated primarily based on the social media posts I had seen. Then, nerves set in. “Do I do know the coding language? Is my data sufficient? What if I mess one thing up?” However as time glided by, I met my supervisor, mentor, staff, and fellow interns, and all the pieces fell into place. Sure, I confronted challenges. Sure, I acquired caught. Sure, I stared clean at strains of code not figuring out what to do. However in each step somebody was there to unravel my challenge and inform me that it’s okay.
Issues felt acquainted once I returned for my spring internship, the place I used to be fortunate to proceed engaged on the identical undertaking. I wasn’t simply shadowing anymore — I used to be a contributor. I used to be answering questions, collaborating throughout groups, and even presenting to senior management. It was scary, but it surely was the place my confidence was actually constructed. Pondering again, I can hardly imagine that I used to be truly engaged on vital issues to be used in actual world purposes.
Outdoors of labor, we constructed group, whether or not we had been watching motion pictures within the “Field Workplace,” jamming within the music room, or attending thrilling Speed up (intern and early expertise) occasions. Past that, I actively appeared for tactics to present again and keep concerned, volunteering at occasions, talking at pre-placement talks, and internet hosting campus excursions for incoming interns. I even participated in a promotional video for brand new expertise hires, representing the early-in-career expertise.
Possession Turns into Actual
Now, I’m a full time software program engineer. At first, issues felt related — I’m on the identical staff, with the identical supervisor, and even sitting on the similar desk, however the stakes have modified. I’m not simply accountable; I’m accountable, engaged on time-critical deliverables that have an effect on my complete staff. That realization felt scary at first, but it surely’s pushed me to talk up when I’m caught or don’t perceive one thing. My new mantra is: talk clearly and ask questions.
I additionally discovered that taking my profession critically doesn’t imply giving up my life exterior of labor. I nonetheless binge-watch reveals, journey, and have loads of hobbies. I’ve discovered to make work part of my life, not a factor I’ve to always stability.
What Modified vs. What Stayed the Similar
What modified most was my sense of possession. In school, my targets had been short-term — end the project, go the examination. Now, I believe when it comes to affect. I’m extra assured in talking up, making calls, and understanding how my technical decisions tie again to actual enterprise outcomes.
What hasn’t modified is the core of who I’m. I’m nonetheless curious, nonetheless studying. Progress added accountability, however I didn’t lose myself.
Take the Leap
One factor I learnt at Cisco is that rising doesn’t imply that I’ve to be a special particular person. Applications like Code with Cisco gave me a possibility to begin my tech profession. Now that I’m at Cisco, the tradition — the place everyone seems to be heard, mentorship is commonplace, and you’re trusted with vital work, regardless of your stage — formed me professionally.
If you’re questioning in the event you ought to take the leap, do it. Cisco isn’t searching for the proper resume; it’s searching for the particular person and their potential.
Are you able to take the leap? Discover open roles on our profession website.
