In undergrad at East Carolina College, I stumbled throughout Cisco Reside.
Though I used to be a communications main excited by journalism and mass media, I used to be conversant in the profitable alternatives within the Raleigh-Durham space at numerous tech firms and I wished to land an excellent job at one in every of them sometime. Cisco was the second firm I researched. The very first thing I noticed on the homepage was Cisco Reside. I used to be intrigued by the collaboration with the featured firms that yr, photos of the varied attendees, and, as elementary as this will sound, the colours have been phenomenal. I had no clue what this occasion nor the corporate was about, however the touchdown web page was so inviting, I instantly knew I wished to be part of that world!
After I lastly joined Cisco as a Technical Consulting Engineer in CX, Cisco Reside was nonetheless high of thoughts. On the primary day when the chance arose to ask questions, my instant query was, “How do you qualify to attend Cisco Reside?” The reply I heard was unsatisfying which made me much more decided to search out my option to that convention.
I discovered my alternative after I got here throughout the Ladies of Cisco Govt Shadow Program, the place I noticed the kinds of executives whom I may shadow. I used to be VERY intentional in my utility video and particularly stated, “I wish to shadow somebody who’s closely concerned in Cisco Reside and journey to the convention with their staff. If I can’t be paired with that exec, I’ll withdraw my utility and check out once more the subsequent spherical.”
I turned the primary “shadow” of Heather Henderson Thomas, who had just lately grow to be a director of occasion advertising and marketing, or as I might name her, “the Director of All Issues Cisco Reside!” Heather had beforehand participated within the WOC World Govt Shadow Program as a mentee herself, so she totally understood how this system may impression my profession and expertise at Cisco. Now that she was an government, Heather assured me she was totally ready to meet the function as mentor and provides me an unforgettable expertise.
Oh, how she lived as much as that promise!
Throughout one in every of our bi-weekly check-ins within the early planning phases of Cisco Reside 2024, Heather requested what I in the end anticipated to get out of my mentorship together with her. I realized a very long time in the past to be direct when answering questions. So, I stated, “I wish to attend Cisco Reside!” Her response was, “You’ve obtained it. Cisco Reside! IN-PERSON it’s.” I used to be elated!
As a part of my duties whereas shadowing Heather, I participated in creating and activating the FanCave gamification undertaking. This digital expertise allowed eventgoers to log in to their Cisco Reside app and take an interactive quiz that outlined their persona with names like “Posh Pet,” “Fearless Enjoyable Seeker,” or “Galactic Go-Getter.” Then, based mostly on their outcomes, they acquired suggestions for actions in Vegas, from beautiful culinary choices to adventurous actions to enjoyable rendezvous—there was one thing for everybody.
I initially anticipated to solely work with the staff through the convention, however Heather inspired me to immerse myself into the expertise as if I have been a visitor. With the yellow all-access “Occasion Employees” lanyard and badge she supplied me, I obliged for sure! Amidst that, one other director of occasions, who I’d beforehand met a couple of yr in the past, gave me a every day wristband to the unique IT Management hub house. My entry actually was limitless!
The speaker classes I attended have been empowering and impactful. My favourite was the keynote session with Cisco’s CEO, Chuck Robbins, and Tom Brady. With my particular entry, I used to be allowed to reach early to shadow Heather’s staff as they ready to go dwell. Assembly and watching the affiliate manufacturing staff work was tremendous cool. I even obtained an opportunity to meet up with my favourite Cisco TV colleague who allowed me to face together with her to watch some pre-show Govt Management Staff interviews.
As the world stuffed with excited eventgoers, I stood in entrance of the row the place each member of the ELT could be seated. Earlier than I knew it, they have been making their methods to their seats.
As I took a sip of espresso, I seemed as much as see Chuck Robbins standing lower than three toes away. Initially, I made a decision to not introduce myself, however the alternative was too good to withstand. There wasn’t a crowd round him, nor was he in dialog with anybody—he was simply there. I knew I’d remorse not benefiting from this second, so I launched myself, we shared amusing, and captured the second. It was most undoubtedly the icing on the cake of all the expertise.
Outdoors of the convention itself, the alternatives have been innumerable. My expertise as a “first-timer” was featured on the @WeAreCisco Instagram web page, and recording that was a lot enjoyable! I met so many nice individuals I’d solely ever spoken to via Webex, members of senior management, outdated pals and new colleagues alike, and took part in superb Inclusive Neighborhood actions and occasions. I even had the final word concert-goer expertise on the Cisco Reside Celebration, the place I acquired an unique wristband to the Champions Membership for nice meals and the proper view of Elton John.
Heather described herself as “a rookie exec” within the WOC World Govt Shadow Program, however there was nothing “rookie” about this expertise AT ALL. My expectations of Cisco Reside have been surpassed, and so was my expertise as a mentee.
Alternatives like these are simply one of many many the explanation why Cisco is a good place to work. Whether or not it’s via mentorship applications, revolutionary initiatives, or unbelievable occasions like Cisco Reside, Cisco is a spot the place you possibly can develop, be taught, and obtain your final objectives. They could become higher than you ever imagined.
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