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.
The Beginning: A Spark at AGH
My story with Cisco didn’t start in a high-tech lab, but in a lecture hall at AGH University of Science and Technology. I remember the day clearly: Cisco was giving a presentation on campus. At the end, they were handing out flyers for their “Incubator” program. At that moment, it was just a piece of paper, but looking back, it was my ticket to a whole new world. I decided to take a chance and apply. That one decision set off a chain reaction: I got into the Incubator, which led to an internship, then the Graduate program, and finally, I landed my current role in Professional Services, specializing in SDA and SD-WAN.
The Secret: Passion Over Perfection
People often ask me what the “secret” to success is. For me, it boils down to one thing: believing in yourself enough to try, even when you don’t feel 100% ready. You don’t need to have every single skill listed on a job description to start. What you do need is genuine fascination. For me, IT wasn’t just a field of study; it was a passion that provided the fuel for my hard work.
I also learned early on that if you want to stand out, you have to do more than just the “basic job.” I started getting involved in extra trainings and delivering presentations. Stepping outside my comfort zone and showing that extra level of commitment is what truly helped me find my place within the team.
The Unexpected Evolution: More Than Just Code
When I was a student, I was laser-focused on technical skills. I thought my career would be all about routers, switches, and configurations. However, the most surprising part of my journey has been the development of my “soft skills” and consulting expertise.
Cisco taught me how to communicate, how to listen to clients, and how to approach problem-solving with a creative lens. Interestingly, this “creative problem-solving” didn’t stay at the office—it leaked into my private life too. I now look at challenges in a completely different way, always looking for a more innovative path forward.
The Most Valuable Lesson: The Freedom to Fail
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned here is that mistakes aren’t setbacks—they are stepping stones. In many places, people are afraid to fail, but I found that Cisco provides a unique space where you are allowed to be a learner. I realized that making mistakes is actually the fastest way to grow. Knowing that I have the space to fail and that it’s a natural part of the process has given me the confidence to take on bigger and bolder challenges.
Cisco in One Word: Networking
If I had to sum up my entire experience in a single word, it would be Networking. But I don’t mean just cables and protocols. I mean the human connection. It’s about the people you meet, the mentors who guide you, and the community you build along the way.
Zuzanna Zajaczkowska’s advice to every student and aspiring professional is clear: believe in yourself and just go for it. If you dream of working for a global leader, she encourages you not to let self-doubt hold you back. Her philosophy is to try, fail, learn, and draw your own conclusions, as she believes the worst thing you can do is stand still. Keep moving forward, keep reaching for more, and see where that next “flyer” might take you.
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