Building a Career at the Biggest Company You’ve Never Heard Of
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I’d just finished business school at The University of Warwick when I joined Cisco in 2015 through the Cisco Sales Associate Program (CSAP).
This pathway wasn’t well-known among U.K. university graduates, but it’s a world-class early-in-career talent sales program at Cisco. The program offers a structured foundation for a sales career with internal mobility, and it provided the launchpad to a sales career I never imagined.
What’s CSAP?
CSAP is a three-month boot camp followed by six months of hands-on experience, and from day one, I was thrown into the deep end. I got to work with some of the U.K.’s biggest media clients as a Virtual Sales Account Manager, attending meetings about how Cisco enables some of the U.K.’s most famous TV programs and radio stations to thrive — including popular shows like “Love Island.”
After three years in Global Virtual Sales (GVS), including a stint as Team Leader, I transitioned into a Commercial Sales field role. There, I owned strategic engagements with major media clients and led a team of Virtual Sales Account Managers.
When the pandemic hit, I shifted focus to finance, legal, and high-end retail sectors, including some of the world-famous department stores in the U.K., such as Selfridges. Cisco fully supported my move by setting a flexible schedule that helped me balance learning with new responsibilities.
Stepping into my dream roles
I’ve always known I wanted to lead, and Cisco’s culture of promoting from within made that ambition feel achievable.
About three years ago, I stepped into my first leadership role, leading nine account managers across London and the southern regions of the U.K. and Ireland. This was the most excited (and nervous!) I’d been moving into a new role, but it was 100 percent the right move for me. My leader at the time really encouraged me to go for it and threw his support behind me. He helped me identify gaps in my skills and experience and worked closely with me on my development, something you often find here at Cisco.
Then, in December 2024, a role I’ve wanted since very early on in my career became available: Theatre Lead for Global Virtual Sales and Engineering, UK and Ireland. It was the role directly above the one I was currently in, and when I went for it, I made sure I took the advice of my Cisco mentors. In January 2025, I began the role, overseeing four First-Line Managers and a team of 31 Account Executives.
This is probably my sixth role within Cisco, and I’ve had the opportunity to work under seven or eight different managers, learning from each along the way. That’s why I’ve stayed at Cisco for so long — although it’s one company, the opportunity to learn, develop, and grow is immense!
Planning for your next career move?
For those looking to advance their career, my tip is this: It’s important to be proactive and honest about your ambitions with your managers. There are always options to pivot and grow. Leaders here understand that you won’t stay in one role forever, and that flexibility is key.
I’ve experienced firsthand the incredible variety and the freedom to explore new roles, without ever leaving the company. If I ever feel ready for a new challenge or want to try something different, I know I can easily move to another role.
I also strongly believe that you’re in charge of your own career. My leaders have supported my goals, but ultimately, it’s up to me to take ownership. Cisco offers a wealth of internal resources for aspiring leaders, including self-guided courses on platforms like Mindtickle, Skills Studio, and LinkedIn Learning, as well as formal leadership training. The company also recently launched Time to Grow, which gives all employees four dedicated hours each month to build new skills and explore emerging technologies.
Another great thing about Cisco is the people you meet on your journey. Early on, I sought advice and connected with people across the business, simply by messaging them and asking for a coffee. Plus, I’ve made some of my best friends through CSAP and the wider company. I’ve been to Cisco birthdays, holidays, weddings, and even christenings!
Looking back, I’m grateful I chose Cisco over other paths I considered. The variety, culture, and opportunities here are unmatched. It truly is the biggest company you’ve never heard of, and I’m proud to be part of it.
Want to explore the never-ending opportunities at Cisco? Learn how we support career growth and discover open roles at careers.cisco.com.
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