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 initiatives beneath my belt, I’d labored onerous, and I assumed 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 reduce 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 software and pondering, “There’s no approach 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 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 perhaps, simply perhaps, I belonged. I began brushing up on my abilities, revisiting fundamentals, diving into AI and techniques — making an attempt to be as prepared as doable.
Then got here Might 2024, and my summer time internship at Cisco started.
Why Cisco Felt Completely different — and Why That Mattered
From the very first day, I knew Cisco was completely different. It wasn’t nearly work. It was about folks.
I met a staff 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 a substitute, 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 big impact, too. Like how somebody would all the time drop a studying useful resource simply once 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 all the things.
The Ripple Impact
That summer time 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 grew to become the AI Lead for the Affiliation for Computing Equipment (ACM CSS) chapter at my faculty, received a hackathon, and finally, bought a letter for a spring internship and a full-time provide from Cisco.
That one sure modified all the things. 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 function confirmed me that at Cisco, progress 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 need to go, trusted to tackle new challenges, and given the help 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 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 techniques and AI — two evolving areas that genuinely problem and excite me. However truthfully? One of the best half isn’t simply the work. It’s how I’m trusted to do the work. I’ve had the liberty to make selections, the prospect to be taught from errors, and the help to ask, “Why not do that?”
That form of tradition? It’s uncommon.
To Anybody Who’s Nonetheless Figuring It Out …
When you’re the place I used to be — gazing job boards, feeling such as you’re falling behind, doubting your self — I need to say this: don’t hand over on your self.
Apply for that function even should you don’t really feel “prepared.” Ask questions even should you suppose they’re fundamental. Take that likelihood, even should 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.
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