In our “From Student to” series, we delve into the journeys of Cisco Poland team members, tracing their paths from student life to their current roles. Each post highlights their transitions from learners to professionals, offering valuable insights for aspiring talents looking to navigate the tech industry. This time, we’re excited to share the story of Yurii Simakin, a People Leader from the AppDynamics Global Support Team at Cisco.
In a university dorm, an aviation and system engineering student Yurii on the cusp of finishing his bachelor’s degree discovered a Cisco presentation about the Incubator program. Driven by curiosity, he decided to explore it further!
Yurii advanced to a graduate program, mastering both the CCNA and CCNP certifications. His Cisco journey continued with a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) rotation, where he delved into real-world troubleshooting. Yuri’s experience broadened through roles in the PS Service Provider team and a pivotal PEX rotation, culminating in a leadership position as a tech support manager for AppDynamics, further refining his expertise in tech services.
Through each chapter of his journey, Yurii discovered, that the universe rewards the bold, and Cisco’s nurturing ecosystem thrives on open dialogue and daring dreams.
Yurii also unearthed a treasure trove of skills: he became a performer, not on a stage of theatrics, but in the arenas of Cisco’s lively events. His ability to engage, to bring joy, became an art form in itself
The lessons were numerous and profound. Yurii learned that the core of business is human connection—no innovation can thrive without soft skills and empathy. As he transitioned from an individual contributor to a leader, he realized that success is a collective symphony, not a solo act. Change, he discovered, was the only true constant.
Yuri’s advice to fellow travelers on this path: Speak your dreams into existence. Let your hard work be the roots while your voice becomes the canopy that reaches for the sunlight. In Cisco’s vibrant culture, your aspirations resonate, and your values find harmony with others.
If Yurii were to distill Cisco into a singular essence, it would be “community”—a vibrant tapestry of connections where professional ties blossom into friendships that are cultivated around the globe.
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