I took quite the leap from my local community college to landing a full-time position on a global team at Cisco.

I was a student at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina, pursuing a degree in Business Administration: Marketing. Between classes on weekdays and on weekends I worked to avoid piling up student loans, covering any school expenses that financial aid couldn't. I also figured that working while studying would present me as a standout candidate in the job market, even if I was earning an associate's degree rather than heading straight for a bachelor's.

Just as I was nearing the finish line of my coursework, my school sent out an email introducing Handshake, a platform connecting students with potential employers. Curiosity piqued, I set up my account and started scrolling through job listings. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon an internship opportunity at Cisco. Yes, the Cisco! Consistently ranked as one of the best places to work, and they had a marketing internship right in my city. I thought, "Why not? The worst they can say is no, right?" I met the basic requirement of needing an associate's degree, which I was about to achieve, so I decided to take the plunge and apply.

Fast forward to a mundane evening, while slogging through a law assignment, I noticed a missed call. The voicemail was from Cisco! I listened twice, barely believing my ears, then quickly returned the call, hoping I hadn't missed my chance. Three rings later, someone picked up offering me an interview, and my journey began.

Three weeks after that initial call, I got another one. But this wasn't just about the internship - it was something much better. Cisco offered me a full-time position! And the cherry on top was that I was joining, Amplify, Cisco's early-in-career marketing program which provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and training before transitioning into a full-time role within the company, allowing me to learn the ropes at a pace that suited me. I had secured a job before even finishing college, a feat many graduates struggle with as they try to find not just a job, but a career aligned with their degree.

My first Amplify Webex meeting with the Fiscal Year 25 cohort was a revelation. Even though my new job was remote, it connected me with a globally diverse group. We had people from all over - Texas, New York, even Europe and Asia! During our first week, we were encouraged to set up one-on-one calls to get to know each other better. These conversations were enlightening, helping us connect with one another and share our nervous excitement about stepping into the corporate world together.

In the first month of the Amplify Program, we got our main assignment, a competitive analysis project focusing on messaging and strategies of Cisco's competitors. Our cohort was split into groups, assigned two competitors, and executive leaders. We worked together over the course of the program researching the companies, their strategies, and compiling the information into a concise ten-minute presentation we delivered in front of one another and Cisco marketing leaders, showcasing our understanding of each company and its alignment with Cisco's business.

My heart pounded as I presented to vice presidents and senior vice presidents for the first time in my career, but this project was an incredible opportunity because it increased my visibility within Cisco and deepened my understanding of the company. It provided me with crucial insights that proved invaluable once I joined my team - the Global Advocacy team where I'm focusing on database management.

Thanks to Amplify, I've honed the skills to quickly learn and adapt to my new role. Collaboration across teams and regions has been a highlight, especially as I assist with Cisco Live San Diego, Cisco's global annual conference where IT professionals, industry leaders, and tech enthusiasts gather to explore the latest innovations. This experience has been eye-opening, teaching me that teams here are truly united when we have common goals.

Reflecting on this journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way. It's a testament to taking chances and embracing new challenges. Cisco's commitment to growth has allowed me to explore different roles and projects, expanding my skills and network. As I continue to grow within my role and on my team, I'm eager to contribute and learn more. Who knew that a leap of faith could lead me here to Cisco, turning my "why not?" into "what's next?"

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