My name is Charlotte and I'm a Solutions engineer here at Cisco, specializing in security, I joined Cisco in 2022 through the Cisco Sales Associate programme (CSAP).
Coming from a non-technical background, Cisco and the CSAP programme provided me with the opportunity to move into the world of technology, which otherwise would've been very difficult to break into.
The year-long programme provided a wealth of training not only from a technical standpoint, drilling into Cisco's main architectures, but also in how to be an effective salesperson, working with customers and partners to provide a bespoke service enabling them to achieve their business outcomes. The programme provided a safe environment to learn alongside other like-minded graduates allowing me to pursue my interest in security and technology, I couldn't be more thankful for the doors it has opened for me.
Following graduation I moved into the global virtual engineering security team, offering technical assistance to customers and partners on a range of topics, from customer demos, solution overviews and technical support. Since then I have moved onto working with Cisco partners in enablement and developing strong relationships in order to boost the abilities of partners to sell everything Cisco.
One thing about Cisco that I love and will champion is the people, since joining, every single person in every single team I have been in has gone above and beyond to help me develop my career and myself as a person, whether that be with technical understanding or personal goals. There is a true sense of community from the people here at Cisco and everybody strives to help one another through both the good and the bad.
Not only does Cisco provide an environment to continually learn and develop through certifications and trainings, we also have time2give days which allow us to enrich ourselves and focus on things important to us outside of work. I recently completed the Camino De Santiago alongside a few of my colleagues, raising thousands of pounds for disabled and ill children in hospitals to be able to participate in sporting activities. It was an incredible experience made possible through Cisco and I think it embodies what Cisco represents as a company.
I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunities Cisco has, and will continue to provide me as I develop my career, as well as the culture surrounding Cisco.
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