This publish was authored by Chirag Garg, a latest 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 below my belt, I’d labored arduous, and I believed I used to be prepared.
However then … the rejections began piling up.
One after one other.
It was discouraging, truthfully. 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 an enormous pile. I keep in mind staring on the Cisco internship utility and considering, “There’s no approach I’ll get in.”
However one way or the other, I satisfied myself to simply click on submit.
That One Sure
When the choice record got here out, I didn’t even anticipate to see my title, 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 programs — attempting to be as prepared as attainable.
Then got here Could 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 crew that didn’t anticipate 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 — house — house to be taught, house to ask questions (even the foolish ones), house to develop with out concern of failing.
There have been so many little issues that made a huge effect, too. Like how somebody would all the time drop a studying useful resource simply once I was caught, or how informal tea breaks changed into 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 the whole lot.
The Ripple Impact
That summer season at Cisco didn’t simply impression my LinkedIn — it modified how I noticed myself.
I began taking part extra in faculty actions. I took on management roles. I turned the AI Lead for the Affiliation for Computing Equipment (ACM CSS) chapter at my faculty, received a hackathon, and finally, acquired a letter for a spring internship and a full-time provide from Cisco.
That one sure modified the whole lot. Cisco didn’t simply give me a stepping stone — it gave me a springboard. The truth that I might come again for an additional internship after which transfer right into a full-time function confirmed me that at Cisco, development isn’t simply inspired — it’s attainable. 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 the easiest way. I wasn’t the identical particular person 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 programs and AI — two evolving areas that genuinely problem and excite me. However truthfully? The most effective 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 prospect to be taught from errors, and the assist to ask, “Why not do this?”
That type of tradition? It’s uncommon.
To Anybody Who’s Nonetheless Figuring It Out …
Should you’re the place I used to be — looking at job boards, feeling such as you’re falling behind, doubting your self — I wish to say this: don’t hand over on your self.
Apply for that function even if you happen to don’t really feel “prepared.” Ask questions even if you happen to assume they’re fundamental. Take that probability, even if you happen to assume 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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