This put up was authored by Abinaya, a 2025 intern on the Failure Evaluation Group. 
I believed an internship meant staying behind the scenes — till Cisco put me middle stage, mic in hand, with leaders cheering me on.
What occurs when an intern isn’t simply welcomed however celebrated? Whenever you’re not simply given duties, however trusted with a voice? My Cisco journey wasn’t confined to a desk or display screen — it put me within the highlight, not simply as soon as, however twice inside two to 3 months of becoming a member of as a Failure Evaluation Technical Intern beneath Provide Chain Operations (SCO). I didn’t simply contribute to initiatives — I used to be seen, heard, and trusted in methods I by no means imagined attainable as a newcomer.
In a band alongside eight different interns, I had an opportunity to carry out reside music on the International Manufacturing Operations and Provide Chain Operations Gross sales and Logistics Management (GMO & S&L) all palms assembly the place we sang, and performed devices like cajon and guitar, trying into the viewers as prime leaders of Cisco cheered on us, not simply as interns, however as artists. It was a second the place Cisco stated, “We see you.”
Performing in entrance of the management staff was a surreal combine of pleasure and disbelief. Just some weeks into my internship, there I used to be — on stage, guitar strings buzzing, surrounded by fellow interns, in entrance of among the prime minds of Cisco. In that second, all I may assume was, “How unbelievable is it to be in a spot the place even the most recent voices are heard and celebrated?” That efficiency wasn’t only a musical reminiscence — it was the second I actually felt like I belonged.
However that wasn’t all. A number of weeks later, the mic was symbolic, however simply as highly effective.
I hosted an industrial go to for college kids from my faculty, the place I welcomed varied Cisco leaders who had been additionally alumni, my juniors, and interviewed my seniors who had already transitioned from campus to company to assist the juniors perceive what the leap from faculty to profession appears like, in addition to sharing my very own story of transition as an alumna.
Every little thing was full circle — standing at Cisco, not as a customer however as a bunch for my faculty juniors. I felt a deep sense of satisfaction, pleasure, and gratitude abruptly. Only a 12 months in the past, I used to be of their sneakers — impressed by this surroundings. And now, I used to be the one welcoming them, guiding them, and sharing my journey. It felt like my probability to provide again, to be the voice I as soon as regarded as much as. Extra than simply internet hosting, it was about inspiring, connecting, and making a bridge 
between the place we got here from and the place we’re headed. I felt really empowered as a result of Cisco trusted me to steer, characterize, and have a good time this significant second
These moments weren’t a part of a job description. They weren’t assignments. They had been born out of Cisco’s perception in individuals. It speaks volumes about Cisco’s tradition of belief, openness, and real human connection.
At Cisco, I wasn’t only a line in an org chat. I used to be a part of a narrative — my very own story — and Cisco handed me the pen. I didn’t simply find out about expertise or enterprise right here. I realized that when individuals are trusted, they rise. And I’ll carry that lesson with me properly past this internship.
These alternatives weren’t simply occasions — they had been experiences that confirmed me what it means to develop in a spot that empowers, trusts, and celebrates its individuals, irrespective of how new they’re. Cisco didn’t simply let me be a part of the tradition — it let me create it. That’s the Cisco distinction. If that is just the start, I can’t wait to see what’s subsequent.
Wish to learn extra in regards to the early-in-career Cisco expertise. Try extra tales from our interns.
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