What wasyour dream job when you were little?For me,it wasn't so muchthe position -I just knew that I had to help people and have an impact on my community.I thought, perhaps, this would lead me to working in healthcare or with a non-profit.Little did I know -being an employeeatCisco would provide me theopportunities Iwas looking forto make a positive impact on my community!  

In college, I learnedabout how large corporations made(arguably) some ofthe largest impacts on society. "Yeah, right," I thought, "probably in negative ways."  

But while recruiting for internships, I found myself over at the Cisco table where I was greeted with the biggest smiles and warmest introductions -it was anunexpected greeting at these type of job fairs.After chatting a bit, I raced home to learn even more about Cisco -I knew they were a technology company, but what made those recruiters SO passionate about their jobs? 

That night, I learned that Cisco is not only a leading technology company, but they have a billion otherpositive aspects.In truth, a "billion" might be an over exaggeration, but it sure did feel spot on as I read through oneFANTASTICbenefit after the next. From fun eventsand benefits that promote healthy living with a focus on mental health awareness to -the most important for me -Ciscowasfueled by the impact they're making on society!  

Not only was I selected to become a Cisco intern, but as of July 2019, I accepted a full-time role with the World's#1 Best Place to Work! I now work on theCustomer Partner Services (CPS)teamwithin Operationsas a Deal Manager and it is a great fit for me! 

In my role I directly supportourAccount Managers with critical or complex deals by providing lead time analysis, Supply Chaincommunicationsand more.We work together to strive for overall customer satisfaction. And I know that along with our team's collaboration and the Cisco products that connect the unconnected, the underserved, and sometimes even the most vulnerable in our world -I amplaying a key part in serving our community and worldat large.  

And my impact doesn't stop there -I also serveon theCPS Giveback Committeefor our Raleigh, North Carolina offices.  

The committee started in the fall of 2019 with a goal of planning one giveback event for each month of the year, in the hopes of achieving 100% participating in FY20.We volunteered our time ata local food bank, and a committee member partnered with ourConnected Black ProfessionalsEmployee Resource Organization (ERO)to hold a live history museum thathonoredBlack History Month. 

Towards the end of the year, I planned two Salvation Army events that meant so much to me as I love the holiday season and giving back feels even more important in this time. Our team also helped around 8,000 angels thatreceivedgifts and warmclothes. 

Working at this event reminded me that we can make a difference and make others feel specialin their time of need -and Cisco gives us the time to do this, too! We receive 5 days every year to give back that's separate from our PTO -and in response to the events of 2020, Cisco gave us 5 more days to volunteer.  

2020 may have thrown our plans off course, but toward the end of the summer, we were back on track withvirtual tutoring events, and a clothing supply drive for Winter of 2020. 

Being part of this committee motivates me to do my day job exceptionally well so I can make room in my schedule to participate in these monthly activities. My dream of helping others is being fulfilled, and for that, I'm forever grateful to Cisco. 

We know the work will always be there, butnow-more than ever -is the time to help those in need.How are you planning to give back thisholiday season? 

Ready to join our teams that give back?Apply now. 

Subscribe to the We Are Cisco Blog