In our “From Student to” series, we explore the journeys of Cisco Poland team members from their student days to their current roles. Each post shares their transition from learners to professionals, providing valuable insights for aspiring talents eager to navigate the tech industry.
In the heart of AGH University’s Applied Computer Science department, a student named Witold Dankiewicz navigated the uncharted waters of a world transformed by COVID-19. Seizing a golden opportunity, Witold embraced an internship with Cisco to dive into the Java ecosystem—an exciting pivot from his Python endeavors.
Amid the digital hustle, Witold found his place within CX CLOUD Team, a collective dedicated to crafting innovative tools. For three transformative months, he engaged in the creative process, coding and collaborating to contribute to the team’s vision. The experience was rich with learning, and as the internship drew to a close, a new horizon beckoned: the chance to join the Big Data Broker (BDB) team.
The BDB team was the heartbeat of Cisco’s scripting universe—a platform where employees could pen, craft, and execute their scripts with finesse. Witold’s role became intertwined with the TAC team, fostering a synergy that bridged creativity with technical support.
The secret to landing this coveted role? Passion. Since high school, Witold knew that computer science was his calling. It was more than a discipline; it was a quest for continual growth and self-improvement. A clear vision, paired with relentless study and the thirst for additional knowledge, paved his path.
Along the way, Witold honed a myriad of skills. Technical prowess was a given, but the real surprise came in his rapid adaptation to English, a testament to his role in an international team. It was an unexpected and simple joy—language skills that not only broke barriers but also brought immense satisfaction.
Lessons abounded in this chapter of Witold’s life. Mistakes, he learned, are universal—no role is immune to them. Rather than lamenting errors, Witold discovered the value in embracing them as opportunities for growth. Cisco provided a sanctuary where one could stumble, learn, and rise without fear. A mistake wasn’t an end; it was an invitation to evolve.
If asked to encapsulate Cisco in a single word, Witold would choose “happy.” It’s a place where positivity thrives, where the atmosphere buzzes with enjoyment, and teams are infused with humor. Smiling faces are the norm, reflecting a culture where joy is not just encouraged—it’s the standard.
So unfolds Witold’s story—a journey from AGH’s classrooms the vibrant corridors of Cisco, filled with his favourite Python, personal evolution, and the irreplaceable warmth of a supportive workplace.
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