Putting a Chord Between My Passions and Profession at Cisco

This submit was authored by Karthik Ravishankar, a current Consulting Engineer intern on the Buyer Expertise (CX) Staff.

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 schooling loans for school, and my household anticipated me to make it massive!

In faculty, I wasn’t actually centered on finding out at first. I used to be extra into studying guitar and going to competitions with my faculty band every time and wherever potential. We had quite a lot of enjoyable collectively.

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

That’s once I heard about Cisco Ideathon, a contest that challenges individuals to develop inventive expertise options to real-world issues the place qualifiers get internships with full-time placement alternatives at Cisco. I aspired and dreamt of succeeding. Nevertheless, I used to be hesitant and didn’t really feel like I had the boldness to crack it. I used to be able to stop the Ideathon software 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 advised 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 on your mother and pa.” It was that second once I resumed making ready vigorously all day and night time, giving my fullest with the purpose and dream of stepping into Cisco and attaining the success my mother and father 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 obtained mail from Cisco that I used to be chosen for an internship and full-time supply, together with an excellent compensation bundle. That day, I actually danced my approach dwelling to see my mother and father. After I introduced, “I obtained chosen by Cisco! Completely happy Birthday, Maa!” It was the most effective celebrations and the most effective shock ever for my mother in my life.

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

You understand the most effective 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 obtained recognition from leaders for it. Cisco is an incredible group in supporting workers’ 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 mother and father. 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 the most effective of each worlds, made potential by the assist and alternatives supplied by Cisco. At Cisco, I’ve discovered that it’s potential to observe your passions and construct a profitable profession on the similar time. And for that, I’ll at all times be grateful.

Are you prepared on your profession and passions to return to life? Discover open roles, advantages, and extra.

Subscribe to the WeAreCisco Weblog.

Share: