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Rising up in Augusta, G.A., my mother and father solely noticed one path for me. They thought that sending me to varsity to earn a level for a particular career was one of the simplest ways to organize me for the true world. On the time, the South was nonetheless racially divided, and the potential for fulfillment for a lady of coloration like me was restricted. So, I attempted to observe the trail my mother and father needed for me and enrolled on the College of South Carolina. I discovered myself in an auditorium filled with strangers listening to a professor speak about issues that didn’t curiosity me in any respect. I couldn’t connect with the expertise and had nobody to stroll me by it, so I left to make my very own manner.
I attempted a number of careers and was capable of make a snug dwelling for myself and my household, however I nonetheless felt caught. I used to be not rising. I like to be taught. That’s what energizes me, however I didn’t really feel like I used to be studying something. After which, I used to be launched to Cisco by the OneTen program, truly, by somebody I had beforehand employed. I appeared it up, and people phrases spoke to me on the proper time. “Nice jobs for Black expertise. No diploma required.”
Up till my interview with Cisco, once I went to an interview, I wore my greatest swimsuit and made certain that my make-up was finished to current the perfect model of myself, however there was one thing completely different with this place. After I learn the job description, it stated, “Like polka dots?” I like polka dots. “Blue hair? Don’t care.” That sounds just like the woman that I’m. So, I interviewed carrying a t-shirt from Wal-Mart, and I had a headwrap on. I’ve by no means, ever interviewed like that in my complete profession. I used to be blown away once I had a proposal that day.
I discovered from that interview that Cisco and OneTen are trying on the skillset and all the additional … who cares? And I appreciated that chance.
Now I’m with an organization that invests in me. Cisco not solely employed me however empowers me. They offer me the instruments I want to achieve my profession, the talents I must develop, and even assign me a mentor who helps me discover the subsequent door to open. I’m studying a lot now. Me and my OneTen cohorts, we’re on a pathway, they usually’re asking us, “The place do you need to be in a 12 months? In two years? The place do you see your self down the highway? What can we do to make that occur?” Cisco desires you to succeed. They’ll pay in your courses, certifications, and development, they usually imply that. They’re right here to help you in so some ways. I’ve by no means been part of one thing like that.
Everybody on my crew has taken a distinct path to get right here, however we present up every day to work arduous and be taught, and all of us deliver helpful abilities and new views to the desk, even with out school levels. What makes us completely different than Mark Zuckerberg and Invoice Gates? When individuals come collectively and speak, lovely issues occur. We simply want the chance to be put in entrance of the correct individuals. The management crew at Cisco will get it and supplies that chance.
My largest takeaway since becoming a member of Cisco is figuring out that there are nice firms and nice individuals on the market. So, in the event you’re interested by altering your profession, don’t be afraid. Check out Cisco and check out the OneTen program as a result of the 2 of them collectively have actually made an incredible distinction in my life.
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