Putting a Chord Between My Passions and Profession at Cisco

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

I grew up in a small middle-class household, eager 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 school, and my household anticipated me to make it large!

In school, I wasn’t actually targeted on learning at first. I used to be extra into studying guitar and going to competitions with my school band each time and wherever doable. We had a variety of enjoyable collectively.

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

That’s once I heard about Cisco Ideathon, a contest that challenges members 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 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 instructed him that I needed to stop. He suggested me, “Give it a shot. Present your entire efforts. There’s nonetheless time to be taught extra. Do it in your mother and pa.” It was that second once I resumed making ready vigorously all day and evening, giving my fullest with the goal and dream of moving into Cisco and attaining 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 superb compensation package deal. That day, I actually danced my method house to see my dad and mom. After I introduced, “I obtained chosen by Cisco! Joyful Birthday, Maa!” It was among the best celebrations and the most effective 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 recognize 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 acquired recognition from leaders for it. Cisco is a tremendous group in supporting workers’ progress in our passions and our careers.

I at all times needed 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 the most effective of each worlds, made doable by the help and alternatives supplied by Cisco. At Cisco, I’ve discovered that it’s doable 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 in your profession and passions to return to life? Discover open roles, advantages, and extra.

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