This publish was authored by Chirag Garg, a current Software program Engineering Intern who nearly didn’t apply — however ended up discovering his confidence, group, and profession path at Cisco.
Again in 2023, I used to be doing what most engineering college students do — making use of for internships, taking on-line assessments, and refreshing my inbox prefer it was my job. At first, I felt fairly assured. I had tasks underneath my belt, I’d labored laborious, and I assumed I used to be prepared.
However then … the rejections began piling up.
One after one other.
It was discouraging, actually. I began questioning if I used to be actually minimize out for tech. Possibly I didn’t have “it.” Possibly I used to be simply one other résumé in a large pile. I bear in mind staring on the Cisco internship software and considering, “There’s no means I’ll get in.”
However in some way, I satisfied myself to only click on submit.
That One Sure
When the choice listing got here out, I didn’t even count on to see my identify, however there it was.
I used to be going to intern at Cisco.
That second shifted one thing in me. I felt like possibly, simply possibly, I belonged. I began brushing up on my expertise, revisiting fundamentals, diving into AI and methods — making an attempt to be as prepared as doable.
Then got here Might 2024, and my summer season internship at Cisco started.
Why Cisco Felt Totally different — and Why That Mattered
From the very first day, I knew Cisco was totally different. It wasn’t nearly work. It was about folks.
I met a staff that didn’t count on me to have all of the solutions. They didn’t make me really feel like I needed to show myself each second. As an alternative, they gave me one thing I didn’t even know I wanted — area — area to be taught, area to ask questions (even the foolish ones), area to develop with out concern of failing.
There have been so many little issues that made a huge effect, too. Like how somebody would at all times drop a studying useful resource simply after I was caught, or how informal tea breaks become deep discussions about profession objectives, and the way nobody made me really feel “like simply an intern.”
We performed video games collectively, had random rant periods (sure, these assist), and shared laughs over issues that had nothing to do with code. It felt human. And for somebody who felt misplaced simply months earlier, that meant every little thing.
The Ripple Impact
That summer season at Cisco didn’t simply impression my LinkedIn — it modified how I noticed myself.
I began collaborating extra in school actions. I took on management roles. I turned the AI Lead for the Affiliation for Computing Equipment (ACM CSS) chapter at my school, received a hackathon, and ultimately, obtained a letter for a spring internship and a full-time provide from Cisco.
That one sure modified every little thing. Cisco didn’t simply give me a stepping stone — it gave me a springboard. The truth that I may come again for one more internship after which transfer right into a full-time position confirmed me that at Cisco, development isn’t simply inspired — it’s doable. You don’t have to decide on one path. You’re given the liberty to discover the place you wish to go, trusted to tackle new challenges, and given the assist to really get there.
Beginning the intern journey once more in spring felt acquainted — however in one of the simplest ways. I wasn’t the identical individual I used to be a yr in the past. And Cisco wasn’t only a firm anymore — it felt like a spot I belonged.
#LoveWhereYouWork — And Being Trusted to Do It
As a Software program Engineering Intern, I get to work on the intersection of methods and AI — two evolving areas that genuinely problem and excite me. However actually? The very best half isn’t simply the work. It’s how I’m trusted to do the work. I’ve had the liberty to make choices, the possibility to be taught from errors, and the assist to ask, “Why not do that?”
That sort of tradition? It’s uncommon.
To Anybody Who’s Nonetheless Figuring It Out …
When you’re the place I used to be — observing job boards, feeling such as you’re falling behind, doubting your self — I wish to say this: don’t quit on your self.
Apply for that position even in case you don’t really feel “prepared.” Ask questions even in case you suppose they’re fundamental. Take that probability, even in case you suppose you received’t make it.
As a result of typically, all it takes is one sure.
Cisco was my sure. And in saying sure to me, they helped me say sure to myself.
Are you able to sure to a brand new alternative? Take a look at our careers right here!
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