Overcoming My Fears to Land My Dream Job at Cisco

There is a certain fear that washes over you when you realize you’re about to apply for your dream job – at Cisco – the job you thought you’d never get. It wasn’t an easy road to get here, but I’m proud to say that I am, in fact, here. 😀

Throughout my years at university in Malaysia, I studied Computer Science and majored in Networks and Security. I learned a lot about Cisco then, and even had a Cisco NetAcad account. Every time I logged in, I just KNEW this was the place for me.

During my final year everyone was discussing which company they would like to apply to and where their career might take them. It might surprise you, but Cisco was not even on my list. My school results were quite impressive, so that was not what held me back. But, at the time, Cisco was such a large dream for me that I thought I might have a better chance at other companies. Of course, I would LOVE to work at Cisco, but I thought so highly of them that I placed them just out of my reach.

So, for my first job out of school, I took a non-network job and soon felt as if I was going nowhere. I wanted to go back to network and security. It was time. I started applying to Cisco, and it. was. hard.

The requirements were high, just as I thought. At this time, I did not have a CCNA either. That didn’t stop me. I applied for careers that did not require the CCNA, and even an internship role – just so I could work at Cisco! In six months, I applied to four different jobs. I didn’t get any of those jobs.

But I refused to give up! I wanted to join Cisco.

I took this moment to pause and work on other career goals – Plan B, if you will.  I worked on collecting different certifications that might help me to advance my career, and then I thought I’d re-apply to Cisco.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply now to work at Cisco! We’re hiring!

One day, I applied to three more Cisco jobs. It occurred to me before hit “apply” once more that Cisco had rejected me FOUR times now. But, still, my mind was focused on the future, “There’s no harm in trying – so, why not?”

That was the best decision I’ve ever made, because of my determination and my thought on that one day – I managed to land a job at my dream company, Cisco! I became an Associate Systems Engineer (ASE) for Cisco Sales Associates Program (CSAP) in Singapore.

Now that I am here at Cisco, it’s different.  I feel like I am back in college with a revitalized energy! Each day, I am learning, studying, and gaining new knowledge while having a lot of fun with my colleagues! My team and I are always helping each other with understanding new concepts, and we even hang out on the weekends and have planned trips to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand is on our wish list!

I still can’t believe I’m here at Cisco – having the time of my life! Four years ago, this seemed impossible to me, but, now? I’m living my dream!

Are you wanting to apply to work at Cisco, too? Here are my tips!

1. Ignore the scary feeling and intimidation – Cisco is a warm and inviting company that truly loves helping you to grow your skills.

2. Just go for it! Take the risk, jump in – you have nothing to lose by applying! If you don’t send in your application, you will never have the opportunity to possibly land your dream job!

3. Job Notifications – Did you know that you can sign up for job notifications on the Cisco Careers website? You’ll get a notification when new jobs open up so you can apply for them!

4. Once You Have the Interview – work hard to get the role! You are not the only candidate that applied and many are very impressive candidates. Do your best, and learn as much as you can about Cisco prior to your interview. Dress your best to help boost your confidence too!