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 because the Chilly Battle. Strolling down the maze-like passageway, I handed miles of cable supporting the community onboard the massive deck amphibious warship, the place information would cross via {hardware} with a well-known “bridge” image. Standing watch within the Fight Info Middle, we utilized telephones with the acquainted “bridge” image as nicely. Every little thing was in sync because it wanted to be, which was solely potential as a result of we had been afforded the most effective {hardware} within the {industry}.
Nonetheless, after 15 mixed years in a uniform and lots 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 choice on future job functions. Simply as with medical circumstances, you aren’t required to reveal your navy service dedication, however I knew that I didn’t wish to be a part of a company that didn’t assist navy service within the reserves or Nationwide Guard and needed to be upfront that there could be occasions that I might need to step away for coaching to satisfy my commitments. Finally, I knew that the correct group would settle for me and my choice to proceed to serve within the reserves and that transparency was the best choice.
One among my buddies was doing a Division of Protection SkillBridge program and instructed me to take a look at the alternatives at Cisco. I utilized for a number of roles, after which issues fell into place after I utilized and interviewed for a gross sales function inside U.S. Business Providers 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 crew. They noticed in my background a tenacious will to achieve success with fewer sources and the flexibility to adapt and overcome unknown challenges. They discovered, via talking with me in interviews, that I don’t see failure as an choice, and I work to reinforce effectivity and effectiveness when attaining 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 neighborhood of Cisconians, making my transition from a navy background to the tech {industry} exceptionally easy and seamless, personally and professionally.
This previous March, I had the possibility to take part in and assist Train Freedom Protect 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 depart 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 type response from my management alleviated a lot of the anxiousness I had about the complete state of affairs.
After arriving on the Korean peninsula, I needed to profit from the time obtainable earlier than the train’s graduation, so I took a practice 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 all the time expertise in RTP. After three seemingly lengthy weeks away from household, the place the acquainted “bridge” emblem was current on the watch ground using the world’s best 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 previously few years: I as soon as wore steel-toe, non-slip boots, however now put on sneakers 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 crew drive gross sales for a few 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 expertise we will deliver to increase the enterprise and even embody a number of sea tales alongside the way in which. I’m without end grateful to Cisco for being my “Bridge to Attainable” and the most effective place to work!
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