- Name: Navid Rastegar-Panah
- Role and Program: Marketing Manager – Central Marketing Organization
- Degree: Business Marketing & Finance
- University Attended: Santa Clara University
- Location: San Jose, CA
- Date Joined Cisco: July 21, 2008
What is it like to work here?
Working at Cisco is like working for many different little startups with still the big corporation feel. When I say all the little startups, my point is that I have the opportunity to work in both a horizontal direction and also a vertical direction. There is so much to learn and it makes everyday really exciting and very challenging.
What is a typical "day in the life" like? What do you spend your time doing?
The question with no true answer. Well, one thing you will have going on almost everyday is a meeting. One day it’s with Asia, the next it’s with Emerging Markets, and the next is with Europe. There is no typical day here at Cisco (it is better that way). It is a constant team effort; so do not think it’s a cube job. There are always events and lunches to attend that help you learn more about Cisco. Just the other day I had the opportunity to listen and watch in person John Chambers speak to Mexico City, Toronto, New York, and San Jose (through TelePresence).
How do you work together with your team?
There are multiple lines of communication we use. One is just getting up and walking over to their cube and saying hello and catching up with new projects and such. Second is either using MeetingPlace or WebEx. This way we can be presenting to our colleagues in Japan without having to fly there (also going along with Cisco’s Green Initiative).
Why did you choose to work at Cisco?
I chose Cisco Systems, Inc. for many reasons, but I believe in working as a team and having the opportunity to learn from my colleagues and gain experience. Cisco provided this opportunity to “Collaborate.”
What is your favorite thing about working here?
I must say it is all the cool opportunities provided. I love the fun new technology and exciting events you can attend with your teammates.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in joining Cisco?
My advice for anyone interested in joining Cisco would be two things: Be ready for a fast pace work life that involves communicating and collaborating with co-workers and team members. In my role, I have had to speak with over 15-20 people for every project to be successfully completed. Cisco understands the meaning of bringing different roles together to help build a network. My other advice would be to know how to use time management and implement it with your work-life balance. Everyone loves to come into work going 150 percent all the time, but in reality you are only going 125% about 80% of the time. My mentor and manager both understand that, and always advise me to go 100% for 100% of the time. This way you do not burn yourself out within the first year of being a Cisco team member.
