Graduating with my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and securing a post-doctorate place, I used to be nicely on my approach to staying in academia and changing into a professor. After a 12 months into my post-doctorate, I spotted I sought one thing past the satisfaction of publishing in scientific journals and peer recognition. I discovered myself standing at a crossroads, considering my subsequent transfer. That’s when an thrilling alternative at Cisco arrived. The place — Wi-fi System Engineer — appeared tailor-made completely to my educational background. So, I made a decision to take a leap of religion.

As quickly as I joined Cisco, I immersed myself within the cutting-edge realms of safety, networking, and wi-fi communication applied sciences. Each day is intellectually stimulating. I’m surrounded by sensible friends who encourage me to study and develop. The collaborative spirit right here is infectious and fuels my ardour for skilled improvement. Regardless of being comparatively new to the corporate, I’ve had the prospect to contribute to numerous high-impact tasks, from indoor location providers using the newest ultra-wideband know-how to Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC), OpenAFC, tapping into potentials of 6 GHz band spectrum for Wi-Fi, FCC radio laws, and I’ve even been given an unbelievable alternative to use my experience in AI and machine studying to the event of Wi-Fi 7 merchandise. The work I’m a part of is making wi-fi extra accessible for all. I get to use my data in tackling real-world challenges, discovering nice success in remodeling my concepts into merchandise that impression individuals’s every day lives. Seeing my efforts make an actual distinction outdoors a college or lab is actually rewarding.

I’ve felt Cisco’s unwavering dedication to private {and professional} progress since my first day. Right here, each particular person isn’t solely valued, however celebrated for his or her distinctive contributions. Our leaders are devoted to recognizing every particular person’s distinctive strengths and attempt to match obligations with our superpowers, guaranteeing that every one among us has the chance to shine in our roles. At Cisco, this range and inclusivity is the cornerstone of our collective success. It was additionally evident from the beginning of the onboarding course of once I noticed all of the wonderful Inclusive Communities you will be part of, like Girls of Cisco, which I instantly joined. As a lady in tech, discovering a office that really champions the presence and development of ladies has been important for my profession contentment. At Cisco, I don’t simply really feel like an worker. I really feel like a part of a supportive group.

After a while in my function, I puzzled how one can acquire extra visibility for my work. With Cisco being such an enormous firm, I wished to learn to navigate the company panorama and attain new heights in my profession.

So, I joined the Govt Shadow Program, a novel Girls of Cisco initiative tailor-made to its feminine and male ally members. I matched with my government, and she or he invited me to hitch her at one among her offsites, the place I noticed how she managed her day-to-day duties for a couple of days. We had nice conversations. She listened to my considerations and gave me recommendation on navigating robust conditions and reaching my objectives.

Shadowing her was an eye-opening expertise, offering priceless insights into management communication, decision-making in unsure circumstances, and the profession trajectory of our leaders. Whenever you see feminine leaders who began the place you probably did, took a path like yours, and confronted comparable challenges, it offers you energy and evokes you to do the identical factor. The networking alternatives outdoors my instant staff have broadened my horizons and enriched my skilled community, and I proceed to attach with my government mentor frequently. Due to this invaluable expertise, I higher perceive how totally different organizations work internally and in reference to others at Cisco.

As I replicate on my journey at Cisco up to now, I’m crammed with gratitude for the alternatives, help, and progress which have come my means. This isn’t only a job — it’s a satisfying journey the place day by day brings new challenges and alternatives to study and develop. With an organization tradition that nurtures range and inclusion and fosters skilled improvement, I’m excited to proceed down this path and see the place it leads subsequent. Right here’s to navigating new horizons and embracing the infinite potentialities that lie forward.

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