This post was authored by Chirag Garg, a recent Software Engineering Intern who almost didn't apply - but ended up discovering his confidence, community, and career path at Cisco.

Back in 2023, I was doing what most engineering students do - applying for internships, taking online assessments, and refreshing my inbox like it was my job. At first, I felt pretty confident. I had projects under my belt, I'd worked hard, and I thought I was ready.

But then ... the rejections started piling up.

One after another.

It was discouraging, honestly. I started questioning if I was really cut out for tech. Maybe I didn't have "it." Maybe I was just another resume in a massive pile. I remember staring at the Cisco internship application and thinking, "There's no way I'll get in."

But somehow, I convinced myself to justclick submit.

That One Yes

When the selection list came out, I didn't even expect to see my name, but there it was.

I was going to intern at Cisco.

That moment shifted something in me. I felt like maybe, just maybe, I belonged. I started brushing up on my skills, revisiting fundamentals, diving into AI and systems - trying to be as ready as possible.

Then came May 2024, and my summer internship at Cisco began.

Why Cisco Felt Different - and Why That Mattered

From the very first day, I knew Cisco was different. It wasn't just about work. It was aboutpeople.

I met a team that didn't expect me to have all the answers. They didn't make me feel like I had to prove myself every second. Instead, they gave me something I didn't even know I needed -space- space to learn, space to ask questions (even the silly ones), space to grow without fear of failing.

There were so many little things that made a huge impact, too. Like how someone would always drop a learning resource just when I was stuck, or how casual tea breaks turned into deep discussions about career goals, and how no one made me feel "like just an intern."

We played games together, had random rant sessions (yes, those help), and shared laughs over things that had nothing to do with code. It felt human. And for someone who felt lost just months earlier, that meant everything.

The Ripple Effect

That summer at Cisco didn't just impact my LinkedIn - it changed how I saw myself.

I started participating more in college activities. I took on leadership roles. I became the AI Lead for the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM CSS) chapter at my college, won a hackathon, and eventually, got a letter for a spring internshipanda full-time offer from Cisco.

That one yes changed everything. Cisco didn't just give me a stepping stone - it gave me a springboard. The fact that I could come back for another internship and then move into a full-time role showed me that at Cisco, growth isn't just encouraged - it's possible. You don't have to choose one path. You're given the freedom to explore where you want to go, trusted to take on new challenges, and given the support to actually get there.

Starting the intern journey again in spring felt familiar - but in the best way. I wasn't the same person I was a year ago. And Cisco wasn't just a company anymore - it felt like a place Ibelonged.

#LoveWhereYouWork - And Being Trusted to Do It

As a Software Engineering Intern, I get to work at the intersection of systems and AI - two evolving areas that genuinely challenge and excite me. But honestly? The best part isn't just the work. It's how I'mtrustedto do the work. I've had the freedom to make decisions, the chance to learn from mistakes, and the support to ask, "Why not try this?"

That kind of culture? It's rare.

To Anyone Who's Still Figuring It Out ...

If you're where I was - staring at job boards, feeling like you're falling behind, doubting yourself - I want to say this:don't give up on yourself.

Apply for that role even if you don't feel "ready." Ask questions even if you think they're basic. Take that chance, even if you think you won't make it.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one yes.

Cisco was my yes.  And in saying yes to me, they helped me say yes to myself.

Are you ready to yes to a new opportunity? Check out our careers here!

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