This put up was authored by Allison Liu, a latest UX Analysis Intern on the Expertise Design & Incubation (XDI) Workforce, a part of the Buyer Associate Expertise (CPX) Workforce.
Once I began on the College of California, Irvine, I used to be a music nerd seeking to educate little kids music. However then the pandemic hit, and I noticed its impression on numerous musicians. It ranged from being unable to play music in particular person in orchestral, chamber music, and solo taking part in conditions to struggling to transition to on-line educating settings. This hit me onerous since I didn’t know what to do if I couldn’t pursue music alone. I didn’t really feel safe.
With extra time on my fingers, I made a decision to discover new areas I’d by no means skilled, particularly expertise. I targeted on taking basic laptop science, together with becoming a member of golf equipment associated to that subject. Nevertheless, I noticed the logic behind detailed code doesn’t click on inside me.
It wasn’t till someday I stumbled upon the UX/UI Design subject, which unveiled that inventive pondering in expertise via a unique method was attainable. From studying the basic design course of to constructing my first challenge, I really like how I can leverage real-world knowledge from customers to give you inventive and modern options. I added a second main in Informatics, which examines the interaction of individuals and expertise. From there, I gained the basics of design and labored on solo and nonprofit initiatives, serving to these needing help redesigning their web site platforms. I used to be lucky sufficient that each one these experiences in class and extracurriculars led me to my function at Cisco as a UX Design Intern in 2022 and UX Analysis Intern in 2023.
You may surprise why I might return to Cisco for 2 summers in a row. The principle purpose is that I’m gaining invaluable profession expertise as a full-time intern and am nonetheless in a position to pursue my ardour for music as a result of Cisco affords flexibility in each my private and work life.
Once I heard concerning the emphasis Cisco locations on work-life stability, I used to be skeptical at first. Now, again for my second 12 months, I do know the corporate has a real give attention to worker well-being, and that is simply a part of it. My supervisor absolutely trusts me to get my work achieved, permitting me to have a versatile schedule, attend intern occasions, attend conferences, have solo work time, and take breaks when wanted. Throughout these break instances, I research the scores for potential music that I’m inquisitive about taking part in, observe my instrument, and even take a fast stretch exterior for some sunshine, and after I come again, I’m extra engaged with my staff, extra targeted on my design and analysis work, and fewer pressured. Then, after I wrap issues up, I absolutely shut down work and activate music mode.
I volunteer at numerous music organizations, together with By the Workers, the place I mentored two cello college students who had been unable to afford music classes, and the Jenny Lin Basis, the place I performed in a string quartet to elevate funds and promote the significance of kid security and music training. I additionally spend time jamming some chamber music with my buddies across the Bay Space. We play a wide range of music, together with anime, pop, classical — you title it.
Ultimately, Cisco helps me obtain my goals as a musician whereas making me a greater worker. I’ve gained invaluable profession expertise, loved a versatile work schedule, accomplished challenge work that pursuits me, and skilled the work-life stability Cisco is so well-known for, making it a excellent place to work.
Are you able to strike the best stability in your profession? Discover a chance now.
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