US/Canada

What is it like to work here?

For me, it is a dynamic and ever-changing environment. I have the opportunity to work in many different areas, regardless of department. I am able to focus on things that I am passionate about and truly enjoy.

What is a typical "day in the life" like? What do you spend your time doing?

I spend most of my day meeting with my "clients" in HR acquisitions. So, on a day-to-day basis, my work is focused on facilitating the acquisition and making sure it goes smoothly, as far as the IT perspective is concerned.

What are the offices like? What can I expect to see or experience there?

Here, the offices are your standard cubes. However, the buildings at the Research Triangle Park (RTP) campus are phenomenal. We are fortunate enough to have a game room fully stocked with Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, pool tables, Ping-Pong, etc. We are what most people would call "spoiled."

How do you work together with your team?

My team is global. We are spread out from RTP, North Carolina, all the way to Bangalore, India, and many places in between. I have to use the Unified Communications tools that we have, because it isn't possible for me to be all over the world on a daily basis to handle my meetings. I spend a lot of my time using a tool we call "Cisco MeetingPlace" to handle global meetings. TelePresence is also a popular tool that we are fortunate enough to have.

What is your favorite thing about working here?

My favorite thing about working here is the flexible environment that we have. I typically don't work a 9:00 to 5:00 schedule given my global clients. I also like the ability to telecommute. With gas prices going nowhere but up, it is nice to have an employer that understands the financial implication that commuting to the office truly has.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in joining Cisco?

If you are given the opportunity to join Cisco, jump at the chance. You won't regret it.

How have you grown since joining Cisco?

I am not as shy about taking on tough tasks or responsibilities. No one expects me to know everything, and it is OK when I approach people with questions regarding a tough assignment.

What have been your most enjoyable experiences?

The team-building events that we have here. We can take time out of our schedule to give back to the community, as well as participate in other events we hold to build up our teams.

What have been your most challenging experiences?

It seems that most people have been here for a long time and have a full understanding on how to do their job. It's hard to catch up to the wealth of knowledge that folks have here.

How is the work/life balance?

Each situation varies. I have been told that if you let work consume your life, it will. You have to learn to say, "No, I can't make that," or "I have someplace I would like to be." There are times when you will have to work late, and Cisco recognizes that effort, but the company also understands that work is not your life.

What keeps you excited about working at Cisco?

The fast-paced environment, the high level of ethics Cisco holds itself to, and the amazing people I get to work with on a daily basis.