In undergrad at East Carolina College, I stumbled throughout Cisco Stay.
Though I used to be a communications main enthusiastic about journalism and mass media, I used to be conversant in the profitable alternatives within the Raleigh-Durham space at varied tech corporations and I needed to land an awesome job at certainly one of them sometime. Cisco was the second firm I researched. The very first thing I noticed on the homepage was Cisco Stay. I used to be intrigued by the collaboration with the featured corporations that yr, photos of the varied attendees, and, as elementary as this may increasingly sound, the colours had 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 needed to be part of that world!
After I lastly joined Cisco as a Technical Consulting Engineer in CX, Cisco Stay was nonetheless prime of thoughts. On the primary day when the chance arose to ask questions, my speedy query was, “How do you qualify to attend Cisco Stay?” The reply I heard was unsatisfying which made me much more decided to search out my solution to that convention.
I discovered my alternative once I got here throughout the Girls of Cisco Government Shadow Program, the place I noticed the forms of executives whom I may shadow. I used to be VERY intentional in my software video and particularly stated, “I wish to shadow somebody who’s closely concerned in Cisco Stay and journey to the convention with their group. If I can’t be paired with that exec, I’ll withdraw my software and check out once more the following spherical.”
I grew to become the primary “shadow” of Heather Henderson Thomas, who had not too long ago turn out to be a director of occasion advertising, or as I’d name her, “the Director of All Issues Cisco Stay!” Heather had beforehand participated within the WOC International Government Shadow Program as a mentee herself, so she totally understood how this system may influence my profession and expertise at Cisco. Now that she was an govt, 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 certainly one of our bi-weekly check-ins within the early planning phases of Cisco Stay 2024, Heather requested what I finally anticipated to get out of my mentorship along 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 Stay!” Her response was, “You’ve bought it. Cisco Stay! 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 mission. This digital expertise allowed eventgoers to log in to their Cisco Stay app and take an interactive quiz that outlined their persona with names like “Posh Pet,” “Fearless Enjoyable Seeker,” or “Galactic Go-Getter.” Then, primarily based on their outcomes, they obtained 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 group throughout the convention, however Heather inspired me to immerse myself into the expertise as if I had been a visitor. With the yellow all-access “Occasion Employees” lanyard and badge she offered me, I obliged surely! Amidst that, one other director of occasions, who I’d beforehand met a couple of yr in the past, gave me a each day wristband to the unique IT Management hub house. My entry really was limitless!
The speaker periods I attended had 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 group as they ready to go stay. Assembly and watching the affiliate manufacturing group work was tremendous cool. I even bought an opportunity to meet up with my favourite Cisco TV colleague who allowed me to face along with her to look at some pre-show Government Management Workforce interviews.
As the sector crammed with excited eventgoers, I stood in entrance of the row the place each member of the ELT can be seated. Earlier than I knew it, they had 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 excellent 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 fun, and captured the second. It was most positively the icing on the cake of the complete expertise.
Exterior of the convention itself, the alternatives had 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 by Webex, members of senior management, outdated pals and new colleagues alike, and took part in wonderful Inclusive Group actions and occasions. I even had the last word concert-goer expertise on the Cisco Stay Celebration, the place I obtained an unique wristband to the Champions Membership for excellent meals and the proper view of Elton John.
Heather described herself as “a rookie exec” within the WOC International Government Shadow Program, however there was nothing “rookie” about this expertise AT ALL. My expectations of Cisco Stay had 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 superb place to work. Whether or not it’s by mentorship applications, progressive initiatives, or unimaginable occasions like Cisco Stay, Cisco is a spot the place you possibly can develop, be taught, and obtain your final targets. They could transform higher than you ever imagined.
We’re reaching targets and making progress to energy an inclusive future for all. Discover out extra in our 2024 Goal Report.
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