How One Cisco Product Inspired Me to Break into Tech

This post was authored by Adil Syed, a CX Product Management Specialist Intern on the Enterprise Networking Architecture Team.

Being at Cisco for me is more than just an internship or work experience. It’s a full circle moment.

When I was ten years old my brother gave me a hand-me-down Cisco Linksys AE1000, a wireless adapter that served as the only means of having internet on my computer. That was my very first introduction to Cisco and to the world of technology. From that day forward I spent almost every day on my computer with the Cisco logo on that USB stick accompanying me. Whether I spent time studying or browsing the web, I would always see that Cisco logo and blue Wi-Fi symbol lighting up in the corner of my eye.

As the son of immigrants and a first-generation college student, I didn’t have much growing up, but every afternoon, stepping off the school bus, there was one thing I always looked forward to: getting on my computer.

That product became my lifeline and with it I could explore, learn, and create. The only downside was any time my parents needed me away from a screen, all they needed to do was unplug and hide the USB. In hindsight, Cisco probably earned some extra points with my parents for making a product that could shut me down in seconds.

I grew up with my parents instilling in me the value of every opportunity. When I found the opening for the CX Product Management Specialist Intern on Cisco’s career site, I jumped on it. I was excited that it perfectly aligned with my background in data science and business. Product management was a dream role and something I knew I had the strengths for.

Dedication to Growth

After the joy of getting my offer, it began to actually dawn on me: I was about to start working at Cisco. I was nervous, I mean, this is a global leader in networking and technology. After just a few weeks into my internship though, I realized I made the right choice pursuing this opportunity.

Cisco hosts “Mentor Mondays” for interns, giving us direct insight from senior leaders on their careers, sharing valuable advice we can carry far beyond our time here. One quote that really stayed with me came from Liz Centoni, Executive Vice President and Cisco’s Chief Customer Experience Officer. When she was asked, “What made you stay with Cisco for so long?” her answer was simple: the culture.

I felt that deeply. Despite my initial nervousness, those nerves faded after just a few conversations on my first day with my manager, Sravani, and leaders within my Customer Experience Product Management (CXPM) team. Everyone here is responsive, approachable, and genuinely invested in developing early-in-career talent.

It’s the kind of environment that makes you look forward to coming in each day, and it’s helped me break out of my own shell. I never hesitate to offer solutions, share ideas, or ask questions, knowing I’m surrounded by people who want me to succeed.

One of the most rewarding and unique parts of my internship has been working with my team. My manager took time to learn what I wanted to work on and aligned my strengths in automation and product strategy to help me succeed and challenge me to grow in new areas. As a result, this summer has been a cascade of learning and growth, both in understanding the work my team does technically with products, and especially through my project. I was given a clear structure and taught the internal workings of how we, as a team, operate. After familiarizing myself with my team and our products, I built an Agentic AI automation tool centered around Cisco product IDs. I’m grateful for the opportunity to create something that can be used long-term and have a high impact.

Coming Full Circle

As I go into my final semester at UNC Chapel Hill this fall, I cannot help but reflect on how far I have come since the days of that hand-me-down adapter. It’s surreal to think that the same Cisco logo I stared at every day is now on the badge I wear. Cisco has given me more than just skills, it’s given me a community, mentorship, and the confidence to push myself beyond what I thought I could do. I never imagined that I would get to be at the same place, working in a group that sparked the passion I developed for technology so many years ago. I have Cisco to thank for that.

I’m grateful for every experience I’ve had here, and if I’ve learned anything, it’s that fate always has a funny way of taking you where you are meant to be. These last ten weeks have been the most incredible period of learning and growth, and I wouldn’t change it for a thing. My journey with Cisco truly came full circle, I’m excited for the future, and to see how others might find their own full-circle moments here.

Read experiences from other Cisco Interns to learn more about early-in-career life at Cisco.

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