Placing a Chord Between My Passions and Profession at Cisco

This publish was authored by Karthik Ravishankar, a latest Consulting Engineer intern on the Buyer Expertise (CX) Crew.

I grew up in a small middle-class household, desirous to be taught music, however cash was usually tight. My mother has a incapacity that makes strolling tough, so my dad was the one one who might work. Rising up, I banked on training loans for faculty, and my household anticipated me to make it huge!

In faculty, I wasn’t actually centered on learning at first. I used to be extra into studying guitar and going to competitions with my faculty band each time and wherever attainable. We had lots of enjoyable collectively.

In my sixth semester, issues began getting critical after the primary pupil of our batch obtained positioned. I spotted I wanted to provide the distractions a again seat for some time, and intention to get a job placement.

That’s once I heard about Cisco Ideathon, a contest that challenges members to develop inventive know-how options to real-world issues the place qualifiers get internships with full-time placement alternatives at Cisco. I aspired and dreamt of succeeding. Nonetheless, I used to be hesitant and didn’t really feel like I had the arrogance to crack it. I used to be able to stop the Ideathon utility course of halfway as I didn’t really feel like I had the expertise to reply the questions requested by the interviewers.

So, I met with my Cisco Networking Academy mentor and informed him that I wished to stop. He suggested me, “Give it a shot. Present your entire efforts. There may be nonetheless time to be taught extra. Do it in your mother and pop.” It was that second once I resumed getting ready vigorously all day and evening, giving my fullest with the intention and dream of moving into Cisco and reaching the success my dad and mom had at all times hoped for me.

When my mother’s birthday got here alongside on the 7^th of August, I couldn’t even afford a cake. However then, at 10 AM, I acquired mail from Cisco that I used to be chosen for an internship and full-time supply, together with a great compensation bundle. That day, I actually danced my manner house to see my dad and mom. Once I introduced, “I obtained chosen by Cisco! Blissful Birthday, Maa!” It was among the best celebrations and one of the best shock ever for my mother in my life.

Getting a hug out of your father and mom in your achievement is at all times a priceless feeling.

You understand one of the best half? Not solely am I at Cisco, however I’m enjoying guitar once more. I’ve even had the chance to share my music at work at numerous socials and acquired recognition from leaders for it. Cisco is an incredible group in supporting staff’ development in our passions and our careers.

I at all times wished to be taught music and earn cash, however I used to be inspired to pursue engineering by my dad and mom. Then later, I began loving engineering, too. Now, I’ve the chance to proceed my engineering journey whereas additionally delving into the world of music, all whereas rising my profession. It’s one of the best of each worlds, made attainable by the assist and alternatives offered by Cisco. At Cisco, I’ve realized that it’s attainable to comply with your passions and construct a profitable profession on the similar time. And for that, I’ll at all times be grateful.

Are you prepared in your profession and passions to come back to life? Discover open roles, advantages, and extra.

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