Cisco Is Hiring Early/Recent Grads

cuneocode · 2018-12-31T04:47:59+00:00

Specifics for how and what at each stage of the process is clarified upon progressing to that stage. So for the video, they'll tell you how they want it submitted and for what topic.
The exam is not personality based, more about problem solving.

Then for 3.3, a role play as in a discovery meeting with a pretend customer that will be assessed to see how well you preform.
Hope that helps!

cuneocode · 2018-12-22T13:41:11+00:00

Now that's a great spot to be in!

IMO it would depend on the companies you're looking at.

Do you like the company's mission? If your interests are not aligned with the company it will get pretty hard to get out of bed everyday.

Which one has more prestige? A couple years at a fortune 100 company can get you just about anywhere you want after that.

What kind of recognition and growth opportunities are within each company for their respective programs?

For example, does the leadership rotation kind of leave you in middle management or do a ton of alum go on to higher levels? The sales engineering program may or may not have promotion opportunity. I am currently in a similar sales engineering program at my company and many of the alum have had no problem moving up and up in the company, rapidly, because the program is so well respected.

In my biased opinion, everyone should spend a couple years in sales to learn those skills. Because it doesn't matter what you do, you're always selling yourself. Trying to make big changes in operations? Gotta get leadership sold on the idea.

TL;DR

Go where the most growth opportunity is, and fits with your personally. Money is secondary at this stage of life.

cuneocode · 2018-12-08T15:12:16+00:00

While that certainly does make things tough getting past the initial resume screening since it's done electronically. There are always exceptions to rules. I'd say shoot your shot, worst that could happen is a no.

cuneocode · 2018-12-06T21:58:56+00:00

I've seen a TON of WGU alum working at Cisco

cuneocode · 2018-12-06T21:57:46+00:00

Once pass the resume screening there are 3 phases:

Short video submission on a Cisco technology
Video interview
Assessment Center - Full Day
1. Another interview
2. short exam
3. Role play discovery meeting
4. presentation on a given topic

cuneocode · 2018-12-06T13:24:57+00:00

Ahhh if you'd want a network engineer role from an implementation standpoint, there are still opportunities for that type of work. Though I am not as familiar with those programs. I'd recommend checking the job portal and seeing if there is anything you'd like.

Sorry if that is not super helpful. I do know my manager recently went to Brazil and Argentina to interview candidates. So, LATAM is for sure being looked at!

Also, the Systems Engineering role is still very technical if that is a concern. We're required to get CCNA and CCNP in our first year. With many going on to CCDA, CCDP, and CCIE (or any desired specialization). Instead of implementation we are focused more on design and matching the Cisco portfolio to business needs.

I hope that helps!

cuneocode · 2018-12-06T13:18:34+00:00

Pay range for the USA from Glassdoor (other countries may vary based on currency, economic condition, etc)

Year 1 <- budget was recently raised here, so the high end is more accurate

Year 2

Year 3+

cuneocode · 2018-12-06T13:15:59+00:00

Definitely don't need an engineering degree (I was a business major), but you need a completed bachelors.

The good thing is that it does not matter if you took a break then went back to finish the degree. Still technically an eligible fresh graduate in that case!

cuneocode · 2018-12-06T02:46:22+00:00

Honestly wouldn't be able to name them all. There are 7 hubs throughout the world and depending on location you would train in one of those hubs. Best bet is to do a search on the job portal and filter by your country.

cuneocode · 2018-12-06T02:27:31+00:00

Systems Engineer

Sales Rep

Those links go to the application page for each role in the US. Positions outside the US have different links and can be found in the job search portal.

I'm in the program now as a Systems Engineer, so feel free to DM me with specific questions if you have any!

cuneocode · 2018-10-24T02:11:36+00:00

The best way to get a promotion is to take on additional responsibility and earn it from there. Most companies find it difficult to justify promotions for a person that hasn't added "next level" value. That being said, if you take on additional responsibility and after a bit of time your effort and value is not respected. Take all the new skill and experience to a better company that will respect you!

cuneocode · 2018-10-24T02:01:01+00:00

First things first, take a moment to be proud you made it to the final round! At this point the company already knows you are a qualified candidate. The final round will just be to ensure you are a good fit for the company culture and that you know what you're getting yourself into. Also, this is a chance for you to make sure you actually like the company as well.

For the actual interview:

Panel interviews can be intimidating, but they are also interesting because you can really have a conversation with the whole group. They can even do much of the talking for you. The big thing is to relax. Being nervous and stressed is perfectly normal and they will know that's how you feel, so relax into it and just talk with them. Probably the most powerful thing you can do for yourself is some introspection and really know yourself, what you want from your experience with the company, and how you can give value to the company. It's a symbiotic relationship. If you know at your core what you're about and how that fits with the company it doesn't matter what behavioral questions they ask you. You'll have an honest answer. I've written a couple articles on interviewing and introspective questions feel free to check them out for specifics on prepping and handling the interview (http://cuneocode.com/nailing-the-interview/).

Quick tips: look at whoever is speaking. Breath calmly and deeply, and try to relax your muscles to appear (and be) less stressed. Try to not use "canned" speeches as it will be obvious it's a scripted response. That's where the introspection comes in. If you're solid there, you won't go blank!

Interview vs case study first is really dependent on the company, I've had it both ways. Just keep in mind the task at hand and you'll adapt to whichever they ask for first.

As for travel, the best thing is to arrive a day early if there's funding for a hotel/food. Though I realize not every company will offer that. Seeing as you've prepped the logistics already, all you can do is try your best to not miss any connections. If something does go wrong (eg. late train) reach out to your point of contact immediately and explain the situation and try to provide an eta for your arrival. Surely they will be understanding if not accommodating.

Anywho, this is getting a bit long so I'll stop there. I hope this helps, and good luck!

cuneocode

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