This post was created by Abinaya, trainee 2025 in a team of failure analysis. 
I thought the internship meant to stay behind the scenes – Cisco gave me a central internship, a microphone in my hand, with leaders encouraged me.
What happens if the trainee is not only welcome, but celebrated? If you don’t just have tasks, but you trust in your voice? My Cisco journey was limited to a table or screen – this imposed me to the center of attention, not only once, but twice within two to three months of connection as a technical trainee for failure analysis in the supplier chain operations (SCO). Not only did I not contribute to the projects – I was visible, heard and trust in a way that I never imagined as a newcomer.
In the band, along with eight other trainees, I had a chance to play live music on global manufacturing operations and sales chains Sales and Logistics (GMO & S&L) All Hands, where we are blood, and played instruments like Cajon and guitar, look at the audience as the highest leader Cisco, not only in our minds. It was at the moment when Cisco said, “We see you.”
Before the leadership team, he was presented by an incredible mixture of excites and distrust. Just a few weeks for an internship, I was there – on stage, guitar strings of hum, surrounded by other trainees, in front of some of the best Cisco. At that moment I could only think,, “How unbelievable is to be in a place where the latest voices are heard and celebrated?” This performance was not just a musical memory – it was a moment I really felt like I belonged.
But that wasn’t all. A few weeks later the microphone was symbolic, but equally strong.
I hosted an industrial visit for students from my college, where I welcomed various Cisco leaders, who were also graduates, my juniors, and spoke to my seniors who have already moved from the campus to a corporate to help the juniors understand what to and also share their own story as graduates.
Everything was full of circle – standing in Cisco, not as a visitor, but as a host for my colleges. I felt a deep feeling of pride, joy and gratitude at once. Just a year ago I was in their shoes – inspired by this environment. And now I’m the one who welcomed them, led them and shared their day. This is like my chance to return, be a voice I once looked up at. More than just hosting, it was an inspiration, connection and bridge creation 
Between where we came from and where we are heading. I felt really seized because Cisco trusted me to lead, tea and celebrate this meaningful
These moments were not part of the job description. They weren’t tasks. They were born from the faith of Cisco into people. He talks about the volume of the culture of trust, openness and the real human connection Cisco.
In Cisco I was not just a line in the cat org. I was part of the story – my own story – and Cisco handed me a pen. Here I did not know only about technology or business. I learned that when people are trustworthy, they go. And I will take this lesson with me far from this internship.
These opportunities were not just events – it was an experience that showed me what it means to grow on the site that seizes, trusts and celebrates its people, no matter how new they are. Cisco didn’t let me be part of the culture – it made me create. That’s the difference Cisco. If it’s just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what happens next.
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