This put up was authored by Allison Liu, a latest UX Analysis Intern on the Expertise Design & Incubation (XDI) Group, a part of the Buyer Accomplice Expertise (CPX) Group.
Once I began on the College of California, Irvine, I used to be a music nerd trying to educate little youngsters music. However then the pandemic hit, and I noticed its influence on varied musicians. It ranged from being unable to play music in particular person in orchestral, chamber music, and solo enjoying conditions to struggling to transition to on-line educating settings. This hit me onerous since I didn’t know what to do if I couldn’t pursue music alone. I didn’t really feel safe.
With extra time on my arms, I made a decision to discover new areas I’d by no means skilled, particularly expertise. I centered on taking elementary pc science, together with becoming a member of golf equipment associated to that subject. Nevertheless, I noticed the logic behind detailed code doesn’t click on inside me.
It wasn’t till in the future I stumbled upon the UX/UI Design subject, which unveiled that artistic pondering in expertise by means of a distinct method was attainable. From studying the basic design course of to constructing my first challenge, I like how I can leverage real-world knowledge from customers to give you artistic and revolutionary options. I added a second main in Informatics, which examines the interaction of individuals and expertise. From there, I gained the basics of design and labored on solo and nonprofit tasks, serving to these needing help redesigning their web site platforms. I used to be lucky sufficient that every one these experiences at school and extracurriculars led me to my function at Cisco as a UX Design Intern in 2022 and UX Analysis Intern in 2023.
You would possibly surprise why I’d return to Cisco for 2 summers in a row. The principle motive is that I’m gaining useful profession expertise as a full-time intern and am nonetheless in a position to pursue my ardour for music as a result of Cisco gives flexibility in each my private and work life.
Once I heard in regards to the emphasis Cisco locations on work-life stability, I used to be skeptical at first. Now, again for my second yr, I do know the corporate has a real concentrate on worker well-being, and that is simply a part of it. My supervisor totally trusts me to get my work finished, permitting me to have a versatile schedule, attend intern occasions, attend conferences, have solo work time, and take breaks when wanted. Throughout these break instances, I examine the scores for potential music that I’m all in favour of enjoying, follow my instrument, and even take a fast stretch outdoors for some sunshine, and once I come again, I’m extra engaged with my crew, extra centered on my design and analysis work, and fewer pressured. Then, once I wrap issues up, I totally shut down work and activate music mode.
I volunteer at varied music organizations, together with By the Employees, the place I mentored two cello college students who had been unable to afford music classes, and the Jenny Lin Basis, the place I performed in a string quartet to increase funds and promote the significance of kid security and music schooling. I additionally spend time jamming some chamber music with my associates across the Bay Space. We play a wide range of music, together with anime, pop, classical — you title it.
Ultimately, Cisco helps me obtain my desires as a musician whereas making me a greater worker. I’ve gained useful profession expertise, loved a versatile work schedule, accomplished challenge work that pursuits me, and skilled the work-life stability Cisco is so well-known for, making it a excellent place to work.
Are you able to strike the suitable stability in your profession? Discover a chance now.
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