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 for the reason that Chilly Struggle. Strolling down the maze-like passageway, I handed miles of cable supporting the community onboard the big deck amphibious warship, the place knowledge would cross by {hardware} with a well-recognized “bridge” image. Standing watch within the Fight Info Middle, we utilized telephones with the acquainted “bridge” image as properly. All the pieces was in sync because it wanted to be, which was solely potential as a result of we have been afforded one of the best {hardware} within the {industry}.

Nevertheless, 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 info to disclose about this determination on future job functions. Simply as with medical circumstances, you aren’t required to reveal your army service dedication, however I knew that I didn’t wish to be a part of a corporation that didn’t assist army service within the reserves or Nationwide Guard and needed to be upfront that there can be instances that I might need to step away for coaching to meet my commitments. In the end, I knew that the correct group would settle for me and my determination to proceed to serve within the reserves and that transparency was the best choice.

One in all my buddies was doing a Division of Protection SkillBridge program and informed me to take a look at the alternatives at Cisco. I utilized for a number of roles, after which issues fell into place once I utilized and interviewed for a gross sales position inside U.S. Business Companies Gross sales. Whereas I lacked industry-specific expertise, each the recruiter and hiring supervisor had religion in my skill to make a invaluable contribution to the staff. 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, by talking with me in interviews, that I don’t see failure as an choice, and I work to boost 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 group of Cisconians, making my transition from a army 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 Defend 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 go away of absence. I used to be really caught off guard once 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 bowled over by their real concern for my household’s well-being. This sort response from my management alleviated a lot of the anxiousness I had about your entire state of affairs.

After arriving on the Korean peninsula, I needed to take advantage of the time out there earlier than the train’s graduation, so I took a prepare 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 at all times expertise in RTP. After three seemingly lengthy weeks away from household, the place the acquainted “bridge” brand was current on the watch flooring using the world’s most interesting 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 dwelling.

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. Tons 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 staff drive gross sales for a number 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 Growth, 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 abilities we are able to carry to broaden the enterprise and even embody a number of sea tales alongside the way in which. I’m eternally grateful to Cisco for being my “Bridge to Doable” and one of the best place to work!

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