This submit was authored by Allison Liu, a current UX Analysis Intern on the Expertise Design & Incubation (XDI) Staff, a part of the Buyer Accomplice Expertise (CPX) Staff.
After I began on the College of California, Irvine, I used to be a music nerd trying to educate little youngsters music. However then the pandemic hit, and I noticed its impression on varied musicians. It ranged from being unable to play music in individual in orchestral, chamber music, and solo enjoying conditions to struggling to transition to on-line educating settings. This hit me exhausting 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 palms, I made a decision to discover new areas I’d by no means skilled, particularly expertise. I centered on taking basic laptop science, together with becoming a member of golf equipment associated to that area. Nevertheless, I spotted the logic behind detailed code doesn’t click on inside me.
It wasn’t till sooner or later I stumbled upon the UX/UI Design area, which unveiled that artistic considering in expertise by way of a special method was doable. From studying the basic design course of to constructing my first venture, I really like how I can leverage real-world knowledge from customers to give you artistic 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 tasks, serving to these needing help redesigning their web site platforms. I used to be lucky sufficient that every one these experiences in class and extracurriculars led me to my position 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 motive is that I’m gaining precious 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.
After I heard concerning the emphasis Cisco locations on work-life steadiness, I used to be skeptical at first. Now, again for my second 12 months, I do know the corporate has a real concentrate on worker well-being, and that is simply a part of it. My supervisor totally trusts me to get my work performed, permitting me to have a versatile schedule, attend intern occasions, attend conferences, have solo work time, and take breaks when wanted. Throughout these break occasions, I examine the scores for potential music that I’m excited about enjoying, observe my instrument, and even take a fast stretch outdoors for some sunshine, and after I come again, I’m extra engaged with my group, extra centered on my design and analysis work, and fewer pressured. Then, after I wrap issues up, I totally shut down work and activate music mode.
I volunteer at varied music organizations, together with Via the Employees, 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 increase funds and promote the significance of kid security and music schooling. I additionally spend time jamming some chamber music with my mates across the Bay Space. We play a wide range of music, together with anime, pop, classical — you title it.
In the long run, Cisco helps me obtain my goals as a musician whereas making me a greater worker. I’ve gained precious profession expertise, loved a versatile work schedule, accomplished venture work that pursuits me, and skilled the work-life steadiness Cisco is so well-known for, making it a excellent spot to work.
Are you able to strike the proper steadiness in your profession? Discover a possibility now.
Subscribe to the WeAreCisco Weblog.
Share: