Six months in, Cisco Portugal’s PROPEL graduate program cohort reflects on growth, challenges, and the power of asking questions
When Leonor finished her Communications master’s degree in 2023, she had already experienced Cisco’s culture firsthand through a year-long internship in Portugal. The experience left such an impression that when she heard about PROPEL, Cisco’s new rotational program for recent graduates, she didn’t hesitate to apply. “The opportunity of exploring different roles and learning more about the business overall was very enticing for me,” she explains.
Six months later, Leonor is one of six associates in Cisco Portugal’s PROPEL graduate program, navigating the complexities of Cisco’s Recurring Revenue Acceleration (RRA) organization, which is the powerhouse that accounts for 51% of Cisco’s revenue. And she’s not alone in her enthusiasm.
What Makes PROPEL Different?
PROPEL is Cisco’s answer to a question many recent graduates face: How do I figure out what I want to do without committing to the wrong path?
The 24-month program offers participants the chance to rotate through three different roles within Cisco’s Customer Experience organization, each lasting approximately eight months. It’s professional development training, hands-on experience, and career exploration rolled into one, all based out of Cisco’s Lisbon office.
For Julie, this structure was exactly what she needed. “I didn’t know which path I wanted to take after graduating, so this program is the perfect opportunity to try things out and see where you fit best,” she says. Currently working as a Renewals Manager for the UKI theatre, Julie has found meaning beyond her core rotation through involvement in the Outreach Committee within PROPEL Lisbon, where they help hire new cohorts and create promotional content.
Beyond the Intern Experience
What strikes all six associates most about their PROPEL journey is how seriously they’re taken from day one.
Vera, who holds degrees in Management from Nova SBE and previously interned at Cisco, noticed the difference immediately. “In some early career programs, people are often treated more like interns, handling administrative or secondary tasks,” she states. “My experience in PROPEL has been the opposite.” Working on the enablement team, Vera was included in meaningful projects from the start, given ownership of initiatives, and encouraged to think creatively. Over six months, her responsibilities have grown steadily, a reflection of her team’s trust in her abilities.
Working with the Renewals Specialists in Security team on Umbrella, Secure Access, and Duo legacy deals, is André, who has mastered the quoting process and begun presenting solutions to end customers. “I’ve learned to manage Duo legacy deals and it gives me the opportunity to have a closer contact with clients,” he notes.
For Carolina, who shadows a Renewals Manager on the Renewals South Team and oversees the entire lifecycle of renewals, witnessing collective progress has been most meaningful. “All the PROPELers who joined with me in September have experienced tremendous development, and it has been truly incredible to go through this journey together.”
The Learning Curve Is Real (And That’s Okay!)
The associates are refreshingly honest about the challenges. Cisco’s portfolio is vast, the technology complex, and the business interconnected in ways that take time to understand.
Leonor describes her learning journey as piecing together a puzzle: understanding how the portfolio works, how teams connect, and how everything fits together. She’s currently focused on gathering customer success stories regarding support services, work that has deepened her understanding of customer relationships. “One thing I wish I had known is that imposter syndrome is very normal,” she reflects. “All of us are in the same boat.”
Carolina is even more direct in her advice to future cohorts: “Be prepared to make mistakes. They are normal and one of the best ways to learn.” Patience with yourself is essential, she adds. You won’t know everything right away, and that’s perfectly okay. Meanwhile, Rute has found her footing in Partner Enablement, producing webinars and working on virtual communities. Her proudest moment? “I haven’t crashed any webinar,” she says with a smile.
The Culture Question
Perhaps the most consistent theme across all six associates’ experiences is their surprise at Cisco’s culture.
“What surprised me the most was how close our group has become,” Leonor shares. “We 100% trust one another and feel like we have each other’s back, and that’s a great feeling.” Rute was struck by the broader environment, noting how relaxed and supportive it feels, with inspiring and helpful colleagues at every turn.
“What surprised me the most was Cisco’s culture. People are truly dedicated and always willing to help,” Carolina adds.
For Julie, this collaborative spirit has tangible benefits. She was invited to join her remote team’s offsite in Scotland earlier this year, an amazing opportunity to connect in person with colleagues she typically works with virtually. “One of my proudest moments in the rotation has been to be able to start approaching problems and queries more independently,” she says.
Advice from the Frontlines
Ask the six associates what advice they’d give future PROPELers, and certain themes emerge consistently:
- Ask questions. Every single associate mentioned this. The culture at Cisco is genuinely collaborative, and people are eager to help, but you need to speak up.
- Take notes and leverage tools. Andre specifically recommends combining diligent note-taking with Circuit, Cisco’s AI assistant, to maximize learning.
- Be proactive. Leonor emphasizes the importance of putting yourself out there: being curious, reaching out to people, setting up calls. Building visibility and connections accelerates your learning curve significantly.
- Build genuine connections. “Even though it’s work, these are the people you’ll spend much of your time with, so invest in those relationships,” Carolina advises.
- Embrace change. Rute’s advice reflects Cisco’s nature as a constantly evolving company. “Cisco is always evolving, so being open-minded and willing to adapt will help you succeed.”
- Leave room for the unforeseen. Carolina learned that when working with customers, change is constant. Adaptability is key.
Julie sums it up with three core principles: be curious about learning inside and outside your rotation, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and make the most of the people you work with. “You might not know the answers to everything, but it helps that you know someone who might!”
Looking Ahead
These six associates are still early in their Cisco Portugal’s PROPEL graduate program journey. With their rotations ahead and career paths still unfolding. But six months in, they’ve already demonstrated something valuable. That curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace the learning curve can transform recent graduates into confident contributors.
As Cisco continues to leverage AI and innovation to drive its business forward, programs like PROPEL ensure that the next generation of talent is ready. It is not just to keep pace with change, but to help create it.
Interested in learning more about career opportunities at Cisco Portugal? Visit our careers page or follow us on LinkedIn for updates on future PROPEL cohorts.
Authors
