I’ve all the time been a career-oriented particular person. That mentioned, when my place at my earlier firm was eradicated a couple of years again, I made a decision to take a brief sabbatical to deal with some inventive tasks and discover self-employment alternatives. Sadly, this temporary sabbatical took a protracted flip due to the COVID pandemic. I resumed my job search in the direction of the tip of 2021, and with my 25+ years of expertise, I used to be capable of get a number of interviews and affords in a brief span of time, together with one from Cisco.

I did my due diligence on all the businesses I obtained affords from and noticed that Cisco was named the #1 Finest Office, not simply within the U.S. a number of instances, however in lots of different nations. So, lots of people made the willpower that Cisco is a superb place to work, no matter their background and tradition, which indicated to me that Cisco cared about its folks and promised an inclusive setting. The individuals who had interviewed me at Cisco had definitely been extra welcoming and pleasant in the course of the interviews in comparison with the interviewers at different firms.

Cisco wasn’t the very best paying of the job affords. The title was two ranges decrease than my earlier place, the place I used to be a Senior Director. I used to be conflicted between the logic of more cash and a greater title and the emotion of experiencing an inclusive, numerous, nice office. However the extra I learn in regards to the firm, the extra I felt inclined to take an opportunity on Cisco. My coronary heart and intestine gained, and right here I’m, finishing one 12 months as a Cisconian.

My expertise up to now has been higher than I ever anticipated! Going into my position, I had mentally ready myself for some disappointment and adjustment working at a decrease degree. As an alternative, the expertise I convey to this group could be very a lot appreciated and revered. I’m thought-about a Topic Matter Professional in my space of sourcing and vendor governance. My supervisor understands and values my expertise and lets me work very independently, solely stepping in after I ask for his assist on one thing. My Vendor Administration workforce in Cisco IT, in addition to my Hybrid Cloud, Infrastructure, and Operations (HCIO) shoppers are all extraordinarily supportive and useful.

I’ve additionally joined the Girls of Cisco Worker Useful resource Group, amongst different Inclusive Communities. At some point, I learn a message the place somebody was speaking in regards to the tattoo they obtained — a dialog that will have been taboo at any of my different workplaces — and shortly, there have been other people posting about their physique artwork. As I learn by the messages and noticed the photographs, I thought of a nostril piercing I used to have. My mother had one too. It’s a cultural factor for us.

I’m initially from India and have been within the U.S. for 25 years. I’ve spent half of my life in India and the opposite half within the U.S. and am nonetheless very linked to my roots and tradition, however I’ve additionally adjusted and tailored myself to life right here within the U.S. — I’m now a mix of the East and West. In my earlier jobs within the finance and insurance coverage industries, I had felt that my nostril ring was a career-limiting alternative. Nobody had really mentioned something, however the way in which folks checked out me, it was obvious that it will maintain me again in my profession. So, I eliminated my nostril ring, and the piercing finally closed. Now, I’m considering of getting my nostril pierced once more — on my subsequent journey to India! — as a result of I really feel Cisco’s work tradition would assist that. It’s such part of me, my tradition, and it jogs my memory of my mother. I really feel comfy and accepted for who I’m, and I may be my complete self at Cisco!

In my whole 25+ 12 months profession, I’ve labored in numerous nations, geographies, and for numerous firms and shoppers in a number of industries. By no means have I labored for such an organization the place even the Government Management Group strives to attach with their workers and create an setting the place everybody feels included and appreciated, no matter who they’re and the place they’re from.

I’m glad I took the possibility on Cisco, and now I, too, can say that it’s a fantastic place to work!

Are you prepared to seek out your house at Cisco? Be you, with us in your subsequent position.

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