2023-August-08
Did you know? You can share this story using the social media icons on the upper left. Use the hashtag #WeAreCisco. You can also rate or comment on the story below.
RISE: Empowering Cisco's Next Generation
BY SYDNEY FROST · GLOBAL ANALYST RELATIONS OPERATIONS SPECIALIST · UNITED STATES
WITH HELEN GALL
4 MINUTE READ · 6 MINUTE LISTEN
Do you remember what it was like working at your first job? Almost all of us have experienced the feeling of the unknown and being the newbie at work.
As I celebrate my first Cisco work anniversary, I can look back and reflect on the many lessons I learned in my first year of full-time work and all the incredible people who helped me along the way.
I joined Cisco as a Global Communications summer intern when I was 20.
Little did I know when I accepted the role and was paired to work with the Analyst Relations team, it would transform my life and career.
After a summer soaking up as much knowledge as I could from the communications pros around me, I was offered a full-time job at Cisco upon graduation.
Two of my friends in the internship program, Joy Wada and Michael Ricketts, were also offered full-time jobs and entry into the first cohort of Cisco’s RISE program.
Joy was paired to work with the Integrated Planning Operations team, Michael with the Business-Critical Communications team, and I continued with the Analyst Relations team.
We all worked under different functional organizations within Cisco Global Communications but were united through RISE and our mission to tell Cisco’s stories that inspire the world.
What is RISE?
Cisco’s Global Communications organization offers internship and RISE (Reach, Invest, Succeed, and Elevate) programs to attract, hire, and retain top talent from universities and colleges. This creates a sustainable and diverse pipeline of successful communications professionals.
RISE is a program that converts select high-performing Cisco Global Communications interns into full-time employees.
Each “RISEr” is placed with one team in Global Communications to work with and learn from. They also focus on skills development and prepare for professional advancement opportunities.
Members spend one year in the program contributing their time and talent, supporting early career programs by leading, interviewing, and mentoring the next incoming cohort of interns.
“Mentoring early-in-career talent is so important. It's truly an investment in our future leaders, nurturing their passions and helping them grow and develop their skills. They bring fresh perspectives, ideas, and energy that we can all benefit from. And it's so uplifting to see all that potential! It's also a meaningful way to pay back the support that we've been given along the way.”- Maria Poveromo, Cisco SVP and Chief Communications Officer.
Keeping the door open for the next generation
Dawlat Marshall, a founder of the RISE program, says the program has many benefits, including cultivating the next generation of Global Communications leaders.
“RISE has solidified how important it is to invest in early-in-career programs. Cisco is often seen as a legacy company, but we like to be challenged,” she explains.
“I look for candidates who are going to come in and change the game. RISE helps to keep the door open for the next generation. Like I tell our team, everything you do is an opportunity for the next person, so do it well.”
RISE provided Joy, Michael, and me with the structure to learn and grow in countless ways after college.
We learned about the vast opportunities available in Global Communications, how to advocate for ourselves, and, more importantly, that Cisco is the best place to work, no matter where you are in your career.
As the RISE Program comes up on its first anniversary, its team members are fueled by excitement for what’s to come and what has been accomplished in just one year.
“It is very gratifying to see the progress and blossoming of the team,” explains Carol Woodrow, a RISE founder and leader.
“I remember where you, Joy, and Michael started from day one of being interns all the way to where you are today — flourishing in each of your unique full-time roles. It’s been rewarding to witness and be a part of your journeys.”
RISE held the door open for Michael, Joy, and me to join the Cisco family. We are working to define ourselves and our careers in our early 20s while continuing to keep that door open for the next generation.
Through programs like RISE, we can work towards helping others who are early in their career rise up and make their impact at Cisco!
Interested in the RISE program? Learn more about Cisco’s Global Communications Early-in-Career Programs and Emerging Talent at Cisco.
Related Links
Connect everything. Innovate everywhere. Benefit everyone.
Share your thoughts!
Log in to rate and commentShare your thoughts on the story here!