Europe

Reflections on Cisco Amsterdam

As the soft strains of music pulled around the corners and through the windows and whirled up through the holes in the roof to drift in melancholy waves through the crimson leaves, I sat with a splattering of earth and dust on the stone floor during a sweltering summer afternoon. As I lay there deep in thought, it was flitting through my mind what the future has in store for me. The phone rang, and with a burst of enthusiasm, I answered it...it was my recruiter from Cisco Systems. I was wondering what she was going to say, as I had been through an intensive interview process a few days before. With much anticipation, I was waiting for her to give me some good news, which she did. When she told me that I was accepted to be part of the Cisco Sales Associate Program based in Amsterdam, I was speechless. At that point, feelings of emotion were gushing forth into unknown terrain. It was yet one of the best things that had happened to me thus far.

I have to admit that I waited with much anticipation until I arrived in Amsterdam. It did not take me long to realize that there was much to get used to here. However, I adapted quite easily to the changes.

Working for Cisco Systems is the most amazing experience for me and is one of the main highlights of my life. The kaleidoscope of culture at Cisco is simply amazing and fascinating for me. In my opinion, the CSAP is the epitome of cultural diversity and globalization in the workplace. I find every individual simply unique, different, and extremely interesting. Furthermore, what I find so fascinating is that we come from different cultures, yet we are so similar in so many ways, and we collaborate and work extremely well together. In my opinion, we, the CSAP group, are going to be tomorrow's leaders, ambassadors of our countries and proof that the world can live in peace and harmony where we respect and help each other. We are proof that the world can be a better place.

Cisco Systems has an extremely progressive corporate culture. We as employees are encouraged to be open and honest, and our suggestions as graduates are valued and enthusiastically considered. Working at Cisco is extremely fast-paced. My experience has been akin to a whirlwind. I have learned so much in so little time. It's simply amazing! At Cisco, we all try to be the best, reaching for the stars at all times, knowing that if we fall, we will only fall against the clouds.

The knowledge I have obtained over the past three months is tremendous, and it is extremely valuable. We have to do presentations, cold calls, and role-plays at all times, and we are trained to provide solutions with speed, intelligence, and precision. We have had the honor of meeting influential people who are part of the Cisco team and who have shared their knowledge with us and given us useful advice. The managers and staff at Cisco are committed to helping us be a success. They are open to new and creative suggestions and ideas. The atmosphere at Cisco Systems is vibrant and energetic, and this, I think, has rubbed off onto every one of us. At the end of the day, I feel valued as an individual and so privileged to be part of the team. I am constantly motivated. Furthermore, I believe that being part of the Cisco team is a stepping-stone to a successful career part for us all.

Every day is a new experience for me, and every day just gets better and better. I am pleased to say that I feel so privileged to share my life with all my colleagues here. I am honored to be part of the Cisco family and more so to meet every one of these fascinating individuals. Every individual has inspired and illuminated me through their presence, in some way or the other. I have had the most amazing memories of my life with Cisco in Amsterdam; I cannot compare my experience to anything. It is like comparing a raindrop to an ocean; the grains of sand to a desert; and a lightbulb to a bright, shining star. As surely as the tide turns and the waters of the ocean meet the sand, now and forever these memories will remain with me, eternally.