• Name
    Pari
  • Job Title and Employer
    Cross Functional Degree Apprentice
  • Employer
    Cisco
  • Provider
    QA
  • Levels
    Level 4 (Higher) Apprenticeship
  • Training Provider and Qualification
    Digital and Technological Solutions (Level 4)
  • Occupations
    Computing, technology and digital
  • Apprenticeship Start Date
    Jul 2020
  • Skills Gained
    confidence communication presentation software
  • What are your interests outside of work?

    Outside of work, I really enjoy dancing, swimming, and diving!

GetMyFirstJob Ambassador

Hello, I Am Pari

I decided to pursue the apprenticeship route as I was never the type to concentrate just on my studies alone. I wanted to get more hands-on!

Tell us more about your experience

As part of my day-to-day role at Cisco, I learn about the company. This includes its hardware, software, partners, customers, and how we sell to our partners and customers to try and improve its functioning. I am currently trying to really perfect my presentation skills and learn how to demo a product successfully. I’ve also been trained on specific Cisco software and websites that we use to gather data – it’s another good skill to have picked up.

One of the most exciting projects I’ve been involved in while in my apprenticeship at Cisco is one in which I had to contact partners from France to create a portfolio that consisted of all the incentives and rebates Cisco has. It was a really interesting experience! I was so proud when I had my first connection recognised by my rotation manager, it was great to see my hard work noticed.

“I have found that I learn better with hands-on experience and an apprenticeship is definitely great for that style.”

I decided to pursue the apprenticeship route as I was never the type to concentrate just on my studies alone. I have found that I learn better with hands-on experience and an apprenticeship is definitely great for that style. If you’re not considering going to university, I would say that an apprenticeship is a great alternative. The hands-on experience is just one added bonus, but it is important it is hard work – it won’t be the easier option.

When I got my apprenticeship, I had never applied for a job before. My role as an apprentice at Cisco is my first job. For me, it was really hard to put my CV together and actually understand the application process. However, my cousins and parents were a great help in this situation, and with their support, I was able to secure my position.

The onboarding process when I started was really helpful. It helped me get used to the office environment and the managers really went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and answer any questions that I had. QA was also really helped by providing office hours for their apprentices outside of designated sessions. In these hours, we can ask any questions regarding the module we’re studying and ask for help with our assignments.

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