This submit was authored by Allison Liu, a current UX Analysis Intern on the Expertise Design & Incubation (XDI) Group, a part of the Buyer Associate Expertise (CPX) Group.
After I began on the College of California, Irvine, I used to be a music nerd trying 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 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 fingers, I made a decision to discover new areas I’d by no means skilled, particularly expertise. I centered on taking basic pc science, together with becoming a member of golf equipment associated to that subject. 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 subject, which unveiled that artistic considering in expertise by means of a unique strategy was potential. From studying the elemental design course of to constructing my first challenge, I like how I can leverage real-world information from customers to provide you with artistic and progressive 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 position at Cisco as a UX Design Intern in 2022 and UX Analysis Intern in 2023.
You would possibly marvel why I’d return to Cisco for 2 summers in a row. The principle purpose is that I’m gaining worthwhile profession expertise as a full-time intern and am nonetheless in a position to pursue my ardour for music as a result of Cisco gives 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 give attention to worker well-being, and that is simply a part of it. My supervisor totally trusts me to get my work finished, 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 examine the scores for potential music that I’m serious about taking part in, follow my instrument, and even take a fast stretch exterior for some sunshine, and after I come again, I’m extra engaged with my workforce, extra centered on my design and analysis work, and fewer confused. Then, after I wrap issues up, I totally shut down work and activate music mode.
I volunteer at numerous music organizations, together with By means of the Employees, the place I mentored two cello college students who have 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 pals across the Bay Space. We play quite a lot of music, together with anime, pop, classical — you title it.
Ultimately, Cisco helps me obtain my desires as a musician whereas making me a greater worker. I’ve gained worthwhile profession expertise, loved a versatile work schedule, accomplished challenge work that pursuits me, and skilled the work-life steadiness Cisco is so well-known for, making it a good spot to work.
Are you able to strike the suitable steadiness in your profession? Discover a chance now.
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