From Cellular Coding to Cisco Intern: My Tech Transformation Story

This put up was authored by Najid Navas, a Software program Engineer Intern on the HR IT Staff.

Najid sits on the Cisco sign in front of the buildings on the campus in Bangalore Rising up in a rural space, my immense curiosity about tech was simple, however my household wasn’t financially match to purchase a laptop computer, not to mention my dream laptop — a MacBook Professional.

Within the tenth grade, I decided that appeared audacious on the time — to turn out to be a software program engineer. The catch? The one college providing laptop science was a whopping 30 kilometers away. However willpower kicked in, and I embraced the day by day commute. So, with no private laptop computer, I started coding C++ on my cell phone! The wrestle was actual, however so was my willpower to be taught.

I secured a spot in one in every of Kerala’s high engineering schools, however then COVID got here. Conventional, in-person faculty plans have been on maintain, however my eagerness to be taught by no means took a backseat.

Nonetheless and not using a laptop computer and with time on my arms, I obtained artistic. I discovered a job as a gross sales consultant with a significant cellular cost service. I labored day and evening, together with my on-line research, and even obtained promoted to gross sales supervisor. After three months of arduous work and gaining worthwhile expertise, I used to be ticking objects off my dream record — a brand new scooter, paid faculty charges, a shiny new cellphone. Lastly, probably the most important one — I had saved sufficient to purchase my first laptop computer. Though it wasn’t the coveted MacBook, it marked an vital milestone.

I dived into internet improvement, labored on pattern tasks, joined tech golf equipment, and even obtained concerned with startups. The tech group grew to become my assist system, serving to me bridge the hole created by the shortage of formal training throughout these unsure instances.

Then, placement season started. Daily was a brand new problem, and summoning the braveness to confront that uncertainty, give my finest, and nonetheless fall brief outlined my journey with private power and willpower. My inbox echoed with rejection emails, every one a reminder of the uphill battle I confronted.

When Cisco got here to our faculty for on-campus placement, I put my coronary heart and soul into these interviews. After three nail-biting days, the end result was out — I used to be in!

And on becoming a member of day, there it was — my dream MacBook Professional. As I held it, the burden of gratitude and accomplishment sank in. I couldn’t assist however shed a tear, desirous about how far I’d come from coding on a cell phone, navigating by means of challenges, and now, holding in my arms the very best companion for my skilled endeavors. The MacBook Professional wasn’t only a laptop computer; it was a testomony to the assumption Cisco had in me. Organising my first MacBook wasn’t only a tech improve. It was a tangible step right into a world of innovation and progress, symbolizing the thrilling journey forward.

Najid smiling at the camera working on his MacBook Pro in a Cisco office I at all times advised my mother that an organization like Cisco would select me and supply me with the instruments I wanted to succeed. I vividly keep in mind nights once I immersed myself in “Day within the Life” movies of various software program engineers. These movies weren’t only a glimpse right into a workday; they have been home windows into the type of life I aspired to steer. I envisioned a future the place I’d craft elegant options, collaborate with good minds, and contribute to improvements that make a distinction.

These movies fueled my willpower, serving as a relentless reminder of the life I used to be working in the direction of. These earlier rejections have been merely stepping stones in the direction of a brighter, extra fulfilling future. So, when Cisco embraced me into its household, it was the belief of a imaginative and prescient I had painted for myself. I grew to become not only a Cisconian however a participant within the narrative of these “Day within the Life” movies — a testomony to goals taking form in probably the most extraordinary methods. And now, as I navigate by means of my very own “Day within the Life” at Cisco, its dynamic environment, the myriad of alternatives, vibrant group, constructive power, and the real connections I’m making, I can’t assist however really feel the resonance of these aspirations turning into a tangible actuality. It’s not nearly getting a job. It’s a few dream materializing due to ardour and willpower. It’s my bridge to attainable — MacBook included.

Are you prepared to find your “Day within the Life” at Cisco? Discover your path now.

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