2023-November-09
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From Special Forces to Cisco
BY JEFF ADAMEC · CX LABS ASSET MANAGEMENT LEAD · UNITED STATES
WITH HELEN GALL
4 MINUTE READ · 6 MINUTE LISTEN
In 1995, after graduating high school in New Jersey, I joined the U.S. Army with the goal of becoming a Special Forces Green Beret.
However, I had to wait until I gained more experience and physical capability before attending the Special Forces selection, a rigorous 26-day assessment and test of mental and physical abilities. After three weeks of intense training, I was thrilled to hear my name called as one of the few selected candidates.
Becoming a Green Beret had always been my dream. I spent two more years training before finally earning the prestigious title. I was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group and embarked on a 10-year career as a Special Forces operator.
During this time, I participated in various special operations and worked on classified projects that I am not at liberty to discuss. It was a challenging and fulfilling job, but it also took a toll on me both physically and mentally.
In 2009, during my sixth combat tour in Afghanistan, I was severely injured and had to be medically evacuated back home. I suffered a broken back in four places, a traumatic brain injury, and developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The road to recovery was long and arduous, and it ultimately marked the end of my military career. With no clear path forward and uncertainty about my future, I relied on the support of my wife and two children.
A few years after leaving the military, I decided to pursue a new career in the IT field. Despite having no prior experience or training in technology, I enrolled in IT certification classes. I dedicated myself to learning the necessary skills.
I started taking on short and long-distance IT projects, gaining valuable experience along the way.
One day, a fellow veteran I had attended school with approached me about an open managed services role at Cisco. Although it was an entry-level red badge contract position, I saw it as an opportunity to prove my abilities and potentially advance within the company.
I understood that many veterans might refuse or look down on entry-level positions that don't align with their military experience or authority. However, I was determined not to be that person.
As a former senior non-commissioned officer in Special Forces, I had overseen my own team, served as a senior instructor, and interacted with high-level diplomats and military leaders. I knew my worth and was willing to work my way up from the bottom.
Through hard work and dedication, I quickly made an impact in my role. I took on the responsibility of managing inventory at the Customer Experience (CX) Labs, which had previously been neglected. I developed efficient processes and trained a team of entry-level contractors.
Recognizing my capabilities, I was offered a permanent blue badge employee role as a Technical Consulting Engineer. I became the CX Labs asset manager for CX Americas and the Global CX Labs Asset Management point of contact.
Working at Cisco has been more than just a job for me. I have found a sense of joy, fulfillment, and a workplace culture that rivals my time in Special Forces. Despite a long commute from Fayetteville, North Carolina, I have never felt hindered in my career advancement.
Cisco has become like a family to me. And I am proud to be part of the VETS (Veteran Enablement and Troop Support) Inclusive Community and contribute to veteran issues and programs.
I encourage everyone to identify their aspirations and strive to achieve them. I am grateful to Cisco for providing me with more than I could have ever hoped for. Together, we will continue to exceed expectations.
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