I’m dedicated to altering the world for the higher. My life is devoted to that mission. I joined Cisco a yr and a half in the past due to the corporate’s ardour for purpose-driven work, and my journey to date has been transformational.
At the moment, I’m a member of the Folks, Coverage & Function (3P) FLEX Rising Leaders Program, which is a management rotational program for early-in-career people to discover careers throughout the numerous 3P groups.
By means of this program, I’ve had such impactful and diversified experiences, from rising Networking Academy’s scholar inhabitants (Cisco’s largest company social accountability initiative!) to supporting Cisco’s Technique, Improvement, and Governance staff on numerous purposeful tasks, and lately, changing into the Chief of Employees for Leslie Gordon, the Vice President of the Workplace of Accessibility. I’ve stored VERY busy and discovered a TON.
So, in honor of working at Cisco for a yr and half now (!!), I wish to share a few of my reflections and learnings from my time in company America. I don’t assume I’m certified to present recommendation but, however I hope anybody studying will come away understanding that A) we early-in-career people undergo most of the similar issues, and B) we encourage honesty about our office experiences!
1. Earlier than assembly with somebody for the primary time, look them up.
It’s underrated how a lot a bit bit of non-public data may also help a relationship or venture alongside.
2. Taking VTO feels bizarre.
It’s exhausting to step away from the tasks I’m concerned in, particularly after I know everybody continues to be working whereas I’m out or might have one thing from me. However my leaders are extremely supportive. Due to my feelings, I’m grateful Cisco has company-wide shutdowns, the place we are able to all recharge with out worrying about lacking any work.
3. When working within the distant and hybrid world, take enjoyable calls!
We regularly miss water cooler speak after we are working in numerous areas, and though further calls would possibly really feel daunting, they’ll find yourself being energizing and create nearer relationships with colleagues. I like doing 1:1s with my fellow FLEXers, whether or not we’re chatting about rotations, popular culture, or our weekend plans—they’re an effective way to recharge. Then, it’s much more enjoyable to catch up in particular person!
![Two young women, Micaela [blond] and her friend from the Flex program, Kathy [brunette], are smiling and standing in front of a graphic “SUMMER HOUSE presented by Cisco" sign. The sign features a grid of illustrated avatars with various faces. Both women are wearing dark sweatshirts with the word "flex" in colorful letters.](https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/10/Micaela-and-Kathy-scaled.jpeg)
4. Community, community, community.
(It’s exhausting! And scary! However SO value it.)
5. Don’t be afraid of reaching out to your skip stage!
There may be a lot to be taught from them, and other people usually love mentoring. The skip stage for my second rotation was Elaine Mason, Senior Vice President of Technique, Improvement & Governance (SDG). I used to be extremely impressed (and grateful!) together with her willingness to present me recommendation and steerage. I’m having the identical expertise with my present skip stage, Brian Tippens, Senior Vice President and Chief Social Affect Officer. Each leaders are additionally FLEX Government Sponsors (dedicating much more time to help early-in-career expertise!), and are examples of the numerous Cisco leaders who go above and past to make themselves accessible to their wider groups.
6. Volunteer when doable.
I didn’t volunteer sufficient this yr. I’m engaged on that for subsequent yr, particularly as a result of Cisco provides us 80 hours of paid day without work referred to as “Time2Give” the place we are able to volunteer with organizations or causes we really feel obsessed with. And sure, that is IN ADDITION (!!) to our VTO!!! Can we pause for a second there and take into consideration how COOL that’s?!
7. When delivering tough information for a venture, attempt to finish on a optimistic observe.
It is very important be capable of talk exhausting information, however keep targeted in your targets and maintain issues transferring ahead. Constructive outlooks are key!
8. This can be debatable, however I’ve discovered that saying “sure” 98% of the time AND delivering on that “sure” has actually helped me construct belief with others.
For instance, I lately stated “sure” to attending Cisco Dwell, Cisco’s annual international convention for IT professionals, business leaders, and tech fans to discover the most recent improvements, as a Cisco Disaster Response volunteer. Though I had by no means been to Cisco Dwell earlier than, and being in Las Vegas for 4 days sounded intimidating, I went and had among the best weeks ever! Plus, I received to spend so much of time in Cisco’s NERV truck. (Test it out! It’s certainly one of coolest issues about Cisco.)
9. Work is completely different than something I’ve skilled in my life.
This can be a marathon for the following 40 years, the place I’ll proceed to be taught the idea of small wins and have a good time them after they occur! Persistence is vital on this skilled world.
10. And final, however actually not least: Work is essential, however the relationships in life exterior of labor are REALLY essential.
Being at an organization like Cisco has proven me the fantastic thing about having work-life steadiness—together with benefiting from Cisco’s “Days for Me”—which they offer us as an organization, as soon as 1 / 4, to assist us reset and join with what issues most exterior of labor.
I’m so grateful for the help throughout my workforce journey to date, and I’m much more grateful to be at Cisco. I can’t wait to come back again in ten years and share every thing else I’ll be taught alongside the way in which!
Which studying do you join with essentially the most? Depart a remark and share!
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