5 years in the past, I discovered myself crusing throughout the Arctic Circle to take part within the North Atlantic Treaty Group’s largest train for the reason that Chilly Warfare. Strolling down the maze-like passageway, I handed miles of cable supporting the community onboard the big deck amphibious warship, the place knowledge would cross via {hardware} with a well-recognized “bridge” image. Standing watch within the Fight Data Heart, we utilized telephones with the acquainted “bridge” image as nicely. Every little thing was in sync because it wanted to be, which was solely attainable as a result of we had been afforded one of the best {hardware} within the {industry}.
Nevertheless, after 15 mixed years in a uniform and plenty of nautical miles traveled, I made a decision to start my transition out of lively responsibility into the Naval Reserves. Throughout transition coaching, there was palpable anxiousness about whether or not to proceed serving within the reserves and the way a lot data to disclose about this resolution on future job functions. Simply as with medical situations, you aren’t required to reveal your army service dedication, however I knew that I didn’t need to be a part of a company that didn’t assist army service within the reserves or Nationwide Guard and wished to be upfront that there can be instances that I may need to step away for coaching to satisfy my commitments. Finally, I knew that the fitting group would settle for me and my resolution to proceed to serve within the reserves and that transparency was the most suitable choice.
Certainly one of my pals was doing a Division of Protection SkillBridge program and advised me to take a look at the alternatives at Cisco. I utilized for just a few roles, after which issues fell into place after I utilized and interviewed for a gross sales position inside U.S. Industrial Companies Gross sales. Whereas I lacked industry-specific expertise, each the recruiter and hiring supervisor had religion in my means to make a invaluable contribution to the group. They noticed in my background a tenacious will to achieve success with fewer assets and the power to adapt and overcome unknown challenges. They realized, via talking with me in interviews, that I don’t see failure as an possibility, and I work to reinforce effectivity and effectiveness when reaching an answer. Ever since that day they took an opportunity on me two years in the past, I’ve been lucky to be embraced by a supportive group of Cisconians, making my transition from a army background to the tech {industry} exceptionally easy and seamless, personally and professionally.
This previous March, I had the prospect to take part in and assist Train Freedom Defend for my Navy Reserve annual coaching, an air, sea, and land simulation train with the Republic of Korea. I braced myself as I ready to tell my Cisco management of my impending go away of absence. I used to be truly caught off guard after I was met with nothing however assist and encouragement. Their preliminary response was, “How’s your loved ones dealing with the information? Will they be okay?” I used to be shocked by their real concern for my household’s well-being. This sort response from my management alleviated a lot of the anxiousness I had about your complete scenario.
After arriving on the Korean peninsula, I wished to take advantage of the time obtainable earlier than the train’s graduation, so I took a prepare to Seoul to take a look at the Cisco workplace within the Gangnam District. Even with a language barrier, I used to be welcomed by the identical supportive tradition that I at all times expertise in RTP. After three seemingly lengthy weeks away from household, the place the acquainted “bridge” brand was current on the watch ground using the world’s most interesting telecommunication gear, Cisco VoIP telephones, my time in Korea got here to an in depth following the profitable train. Lastly, I reunited with my household, and it felt good to be residence.
I appreciated the chance to placed on the uniform once more, however I’m much more grateful for an organization that’s thoughtful and assists with my time away. Heaps have modified for me up to now few years: I as soon as wore steel-toe, non-slip boots, however now put on footwear and flip-flops on the weekend. I hung up my camouflage uniform for a button-down shirt and slacks. I maneuvered warships in formation and now assist the group drive gross sales for a number of the world’s most recognizable and enjoyable manufacturers. I used to eat within the wardroom on board with division heads, discussing naval ways and operations. Now, I eat lunch within the cafe, collaborating with professionals in Enterprise Improvement, Buyer Expertise, Operations, Finance, and Engineering. It wouldn’t be possible with out the optimistic teamwork I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by. I hope hiring managers and recruiters will look to veterans much more when recruiting new expertise due to the extremely numerous abilities we are able to convey to develop the enterprise and even embrace just a few sea tales alongside the best way. I’m ceaselessly grateful to Cisco for being my “Bridge to Attainable” and one of the best place to work!
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