This post was authored by Abinaya,a 2025 intern on the Failure Analysis Team.

I thought an internship meant staying behind the scenes - until Cisco put me center stage, mic in hand, with leaders cheering me on.

What happens when an intern isn't just welcomed but celebrated? When you're not just given tasks, but trusted with a voice? My Cisco journey wasn't confined to a desk or screen - it put me in the spotlight, not just once, but twice within two to three months of joining as a Failure Analysis Technical Intern under Supply Chain Operations (SCO).  I didn't just contribute to projects - I was seen, heard, and trusted in ways I never imagined possible as a newcomer.

In a band alongside eight other interns, I had a chance to perform live music at the Global Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain Operations Sales and Logistics Leadership (GMO & S&L) all hands meeting where we sang, and played instruments like cajon and guitar, looking into the audience as top leaders of Cisco cheered on us, not just as interns, but as artists. It was a moment where Cisco said, "We see you."

Performing in front of the leadership team was a surreal mix of excitement and disbelief. Just a few weeks into my internship, there I was - on stage, guitar strings humming, surrounded by fellow interns, in front of some of the top minds of Cisco. In that moment, all I could think was, "How incredible is it to be in a place where even the newest voices are heard and celebrated?" That performance wasn't just a musical memory - it was the moment I truly felt like I belonged.

But that wasn't all. A few weeks later, the mic was symbolic, but just as powerful.

I hosted an industrial visit for students from my college, where I welcomed various Cisco leaders who were also alumni, my juniors, and interviewed my seniors who had already transitioned from campus to corporate to help the juniors understand what the leap from college to career looks like, as well as sharing my own story of transition as an alumna.

Everything was full circle - standing at Cisco, not as a visitor but as a host for my college juniors. I felt a deep sense of pride, joy, and gratitude all at once. Just a year ago, I was in their shoes - inspired by this environment. And now, I was the one welcoming them, guiding them, and sharing my journey. It felt like my chance to give back, to be the voice I once looked up to. More than just hosting, it was about inspiring, connecting, and creating a bridge between where we came from and where we're headed. I felt truly empowered because Cisco trusted me to lead, represent, and celebrate this meaningful moment

These moments weren't part of a job description. They weren't assignments. They were born out of Cisco's belief in people. It speaks volumes about Cisco's culture of trust, openness, and genuine human connection.

At Cisco, I wasn't just a line in an org chat. I was part of a story - my own story - and Cisco handed me the pen. I didn't just learn about technology or business here. I learned that when people are trusted, they rise. And I'll carry that lesson with me well beyond this internship.

These opportunities weren't just events - they were experiences that showed me what it means to grow in a place that empowers, trusts, and celebrates its people, no matter how new they are. Cisco didn't just let me be part of the culture - it let me create it. That's the Cisco difference. If this is just the beginning, I can't wait to see what's next.

Want to read more about the early-in-career Cisco experience. Check out more stories from our interns.

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