A Tale of Opportunity and Growth. From Technical High School student to Security Operations Center at Cisco
2 min read
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 Wojciech Radecki, a Technical Consulting Engineer at the Security Operations Center in Kraków.
It all began with a suggestion from a teacher at the Technical School, who encouraged Wojtek to explore the possibilities at Cisco. Initially, he thought his path would solely be in programming, but he soon discovered the fascinating world of networking, which offered so much more.
The teacher mentioned an internship opportunity at Cisco, sparking a series of interviews that led him to the internship program run by CX Academy. During his internship, Wojciech realized that Cisco had an incredible array of technologies and a vibrant community of people. It wasn’t just about SD-WAN or IoT, technologies he hadn’t encountered before—it was about the people and the cutting-edge innovations that made Cisco special.

Following the internship, he participated in workshops focused on SD-WAN and attended a Cisco open day. These events fueled his passion even further, leading him to apply for the graduate program. This step marked the beginning of his journey in Cisco’s Cloud and Managed Services (CMS) – specifically in the Security Operations Center (SOC) at Cisco Krakow.
Throughout this adventure, Wojtek learned several key lessons:
Always be open to trying new things and seeking out opportunities. Embrace every sign and chance that comes your way—this mindset can open doors. Recognize your own value without being limited by age or years of experience. Know that you are a vital part of a team and contribute at a high level. Cisco is rooted in networking in every single aspect, technology and people-wise. Engaging with people can prevent problems and unlock new possibilities. Remember, you’re not alone; learning to communicate effectively is essential.

Cisco in One Word for Wojtek – People
Why? Because without the support of others, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Wojciech’s advice: Take the leap, embrace challenges, and never give up. Age is just a number—focus on finding your path. The worst outcome is not getting in, but remember, Cisco is all about opportunities. They aren’t afraid to invest in passionate young talent. Cisco will give you a chance!