In a recent blog @ellie_ulrich asked where does genius come from? Does genius only exist in certain people or can anyone be a genius? By definition: “exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability” but is this all innate or learnt?
At Cisco we truly believe everyone has the potential to be a genius. Look at the common traits in the go-to genii: passion for their subject, the ability to observe, and their ability to question and take action.
But how do companies go about the search for geniuses?
In the second of the geniuses wanted series we look at where we find those geniuses, what we do and why it makes a difference.
In February alone, Cisco has met with over 4,000 young people across a number of careers fair and work experience programmes. It seems that there are “geniuses” all around us and with the ever increasing challenge around skills it is important we get out there, shout about who we are and let the eyes of new digital leaders see into our world.
Following on from lasts year “Building a Vision for Growth” event, we went back to see the kids of Tomlinscote School and Surrey Heath Schools. Supporting the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math’s (STEM) zone we attracted nearly 1,500 kids aged between 14-18 year old and thanks to last year’s success we were the first company they visited #ciscoinside/out! It was great seeing some familiar faces, including Rosie who last year was too young to apply for our apprentice program (more on Rosie next time).
Our demo this year showcased our DX80s and the power of collaboration, hooking the kids up to a variety of colleague back at our offices in Bedfont Lakes, Green Park and even New York. It always great when you see their, sometimes horrified, reaction as someone on the other side of the screen suddenly says “I can hear everything you are saying…”!
But it wasn’t just the kids who were interested; Jonathan, one of our amazing apprentices, demonstrated our technology to the Mayor of Surrey! An awesome event that showcased the power of kit and the array of great talent we have within Cisco.
The following week we turned our attention to a different group of potential geniuses. Research shows that girls tend to learn and thrive in STEM subjects when in a single sex environment. Always looking to quantify her research, our own genius @kbaddele, decided to put science to the test: could we create a girls only work experience that would inspire and build confidence them to consider a career in tech?
36 A-level students, 150 volunteers and mentors, 4 days and 9 projects later it was by far one of the most fulfilling, enjoyable and inspiring weeks of my career. Seeing the girls deliver extraordinary pitches in the Cisco Dragon’s Den, with business ideas ranging from healthcare solutions featuring nano-technology, to apps that support community cohesion through English language learning, was inspirational.
I was fortunate to host one of the groups for two days. Taking the time to meet and understand their passions was incredible; from an active vegan who campaigns to demonstrate the impact of eating meat, not only for the welfare of the animals but for the economic impact it has across the world; to a financial genius who understood the difference between profits and margin from a business perspective at only 17 years old. I was amazed at their knowledge, their openness to learn and explore new ideas!
The crucial takeaway was that 100% of the delegates said that we had influenced their future career decisions! But don’t take my word for it; see the answers we received when we asked are you inspired to consider a career in digital/tech? What has changed your mind?” the result even surprised me …
“Definitely! I am very interested in pursuing a career in the technology field; the range of skills and roles available, the flexibility and the fast-paced change of the technology industry are only a few of the reasons why I would love to pursue a career in this field”
Bhavana Murikinati
“The experience has been very eye-opening to careers in digital/tech and I have definitely been inspired to consider working in this sector. Coming here has confirmed my interest in this sector and surpassed my expectations as I had not realised the extent of the impact Cisco technologies have in the world”.
Xanthe Blain
To finish the month we attended a ground breaking one day, sub-regional digital skills and careers event in the Camden Roundhouse. Cisco are the Tech stakeholder for the Mobilize: LDN events in partnership with TechMix and the GLA. The first of 5 events, MOBILIZE:LDN is an economic growth programme, supported by the London Enterprise Panel to help businesses deal with the challenge of hiring talent trained with the correct tech skills and address the ‘digital skills gap’.
The aim of the program is to connect employers and educators to young people to explore digital careers and have meaningful conversations around their digital future.
On the Cisco stand we were joined by our apprentices where we demonstrated the Internet of things; using the makey makey boards, static energy generators and DX units.
The event was great and we are looking forward to the next one at the Copper Box, Olympic Park. Interested? Register here today
Capturing the inspiration from the first event, see what Cisco believes in, why talent is important and why we are committed to the digital skills gap.
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Great post Hema. Step by step inspiring more women to join our industry.