Conquering the New Frontier - the Transition From School to Work

by Charlotte Steddum · Global Marketing and Corporate Communications · United States Respect and Care for Each Other

I was fresh out of college – hanging up my book bag for a briefcase, replacing my college-branded hoodie for a business suit. Sure, I had experienced working in the “real world” in my internships with companies throughout college. But nothing could have prepared me for my first full time day on the job post-graduation.

That is until I walked into the orientation room and saw 50 other people my age with the same excited but uncertain expression on their faces.

Cisco went above and beyond to make my transition from undergrad to the work force incredibly easy. With a full week of orientation to meet my peers, set up my laptop, and learn about the business and all that Cisco has to offer, I couldn’t have been more pleased with the adequate amount of time and instruction for this transition. I met some of my best friends during my week of orientation. We were all in the same boat and took comfort in that.

It soon became clear to me that this initiative to bring young faces into the office to inspire new ideas and outside thinking was not by chance. It was well thought-out and implemented. Cisco didn’t just hire a class of new graduates by chance; they had an important purpose for us. They knew we could bring fresh ideas to the table, and it felt good to know I was coming into an environment where my skills were highly valued.

Years from now when I look back on the start of my career, I am sure I will be able to attribute my success to my first job where I could walk around the office and see colleagues my age, even in such a large and bustling company.