This post was authored by Khushi Saxena, a technical consulting engineer intern on the Customer Experience Team.
I never imagined that a global giant like Cisco would notice someone like me — yet here I am, living proof that skills matter more than background. 
Coming from an entirely non-technical background, my first year of college felt like stepping into a completely different world. While others seemed to have a head start, talking about data structures, projects, and hackathons like second nature, I was still trying to wrap my head around the basics. It was overwhelming, to say the least. I remember sitting in my first programming class, struggling to understand simple syntax while others breezed through problem-solving. There were moments when I wondered if I had made the right choice and if I was really cut out for this. But instead of letting it intimidate me, I decided I would put in the work, bridge the gap, and get on par with everyone else. And so, I spent endless nights learning, practicing, and pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.
It was in my second year that I first came across Cisco. Until then, I had only heard of it as a global tech giant, but the more I learned about its work in networking, security, and innovation, the more fascinated I became. It quickly became one of my dream companies, not just because of its reputation but because of the kind of impact it was making in the world of technology. I knew that if I ever got the opportunity, I wanted to be part of something like that.
For me, getting into a good company wasn’t just about fulfilling a dream — it was a necessity. My family had faced financial struggles, and I knew that securing a stable, well-paying job would change everything. I carried that responsibility with me through every late-night study session, every rejection, and every challenge I faced. I wasn’t just doing this for myself — I was doing it to ensure a better future for my family.
Fast forward to my final year, and that opportunity came knocking in the form of Cisco Ideathon 2024, a competition that challenges students to solve real-world problems, testing their technical skills, creativity, and problem solving-abilities. I started having doubts about myself — would I even stand a chance against candidates from more renowned institutions? But Cisco’s hiring process proved that talent speaks louder than labels. Cisco assessed me based on my skills, without considering other factors, which was a huge testament to all my efforts in the past. I was evaluated purely on my abilities, and for the first time, I felt truly recognized for my potential.
When I received my internship + full-time offer, I was overwhelmed with emotions and couldn’t help but cry. It wasn’t just about getting a job — it was validation that hard work, persistence, and passion matter more than where you come from. Throughout the process, all that Cisco cared about was what I could bring to the table. And that made all the difference.
Now that I’ve been part of Cisco, I can confidently say — it’s everything I hoped for and more. From day one, I felt welcomed and valued. Unlike the traditional corporate culture I had imagined, Cisco fosters an environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and innovation. One of the things that surprised me the most was the work-life balance. I had heard horror stories of burnout in the tech industry, but Cisco genuinely prioritizes employee well-being. In fact, we even get a ‘Day for Me’ — a dedicated day off for all employees globally to recharge, focus on ourselves, and step away from work without using our personal leave. It’s a simple yet powerful initiative that shows how much the company values its employees’ mental health and personal time. There’s flexibility, a supportive work culture, and an emphasis on personal growth.
The best part? I’m already getting the opportunity to work on meaningful projects. Apart from my regular work, I’ve also participated in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives — Cisco’s way of giving back to the community. I had the chance to design posters for cancer awareness, create greeting cards for cancer patients, and even paint water bowls for stray animals. Being able to contribute to such impactful initiatives has been incredibly fulfilling. Every day is a new learning experience, and I’m constantly surrounded by brilliant minds ready to help and guide me. I’m not just another intern here — I’m treated as an integral part of the team.
If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s this: never let where you come from define where you can go. No matter your background, if you have the skills, the drive, and the willingness to learn, nothing can stop you. The road may not always be easy, but trust me, it’s worth it.
To every student out there doubting themselves — know this: your talent speaks louder than labels. Keep learning, keep pushing, and when the right opportunity comes, grab it with both hands. Because if I can do it, so can you. And, for that I will always be grateful to Cisco.
At Cisco, we celebrate our employees’ talents and support meaningful career growth. Want to see how we make a difference together? Check out our Purpose Report.
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