To those that have served, Cisco Salutes You.

I’m rarely at a loss for words. My team will tell you that. However, as I’ve contemplated this year’s Veterans Day, I can scarcely express my immense gratitude to those that have dedicated their lives in the selfless service of others. Maybe it’s what I learned about our Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Marines during my tenure as a Sr. Director leading Cisco’s U.S. Defense business. Or it could be the many family members and friends I know personally who have served. But I think it’s most likely the individuals I work with side by side, day-in and day-out who have, themselves, served in the military and committed their careers and lives in service to America; her freedoms, security, and–of course–her citizens.

I am so very proud of my team, and I am honored today to share their stories so you can hear directly from a few of them. But I also want to list just a few of the areas where Cisco is “serving back” to assure that our Veterans are honored and cared for, long after their “formal” service to this great Nation is complete. I am humbled by the corporate commitment the individuals leading my team have made to our Veterans. They’ve purposed to empower an inclusive future for all through our intentions, our technology, our actions– and particularly through the Military and Veterans programs we’ve established. These programs tap into Cisco’s culture of service by providing training, mentoring and support to transitioning service members, veterans and military families. A few of these programs are listed below, and I would urge you to connect any Veteran searching for their next opportunity to give these programs a look or have them go directly to jobs.cisco.com. The listings they’ll find allow their expertise to be celebrated and their service to continue, with great positions available both in and outside of the government.

I’m excited for you all to meet several of my colleagues that we celebrate today in the highlights below.  I also share and hope you discover all that Cisco has to offer transitioning military members seeking new employment and opportunities. 

I’ll close with this: the approaching holidays remind me of what my Mom often shared with me as a young boy - that angels were all around us. Taking care of every little thing without anybody noticing. Doing God’s work, as it were, and making sure that everything would be alright. To a great extent, I feel like that’s a pretty decent description of what our Nation’s Warfighters do. They quietly and graciously keep the globe spinning. Our job today is to take notice and say thank you.

I’m so proud to say that Cisco has always been the “in the Service Business.” So, on behalf of (and to) the entire Cisco Federal Family, and to all that have served this great nation… Happy Veterans Day. We owe you every gratitude!

Carl De Groote,

VP, Cisco Federal

Meet a few of Cisco’s Finest, (who were America’s Finest, first!)

Once, a Special Forces Engineer, Communicator, and Intelligence Sergeant, SSG Erik Grimsgaardattributes his time in the Army with enabling him to “…focus and dedicate myself to my mission, goals, and work, and to control [my] environment and be resourceful. Oh, and never quit!” As a member of Cisco Federal, the former Staff Sergeant had this to say in regard to “still serving” through his current role; “…I want [my client] to see me as invested in their mission. I think my prior Army service helps build the credibility to do that.” Erik is invested in helping other former military as well, supporting several Veterans organizations both financially and through volunteering.

Erik, on how a career with Cisco Federal is patriotism in action:

“I truly believe that the Cisco team supporting the Federal Government views their jobs as patriotic duties to our Nation.”

Visit Erik on LinkedIn

Former Army Combat Engineer SSG Rob Woodrow wanted to serve in the Armed Forces since he was “a small kid,” with the simple explanation that; “…I felt it was my duty to my country. I made it happen and enlisted when I turned 17 years old. The military provided me the discipline and experience in managing challenging situations and environments that helped me be who I am today.” And today, in additional to daily duties as an Account Manager in Cisco Federal, Rob and his team also spend time mentoring military members to prepare them for transition into civilian life. 

Rob, on how a career with Cisco Federal is patriotism in action:

“Cisco is ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ with our military members no matter where they may be deployed in the world.”

Visit Rob on LinkedIn

CAPT Joseph Beel was a proud Pilot and served as the Commanding Officer of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (today’s Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific), supporting the full spectrum delivery of information centric capabilities across the DoD. One of Joe’s most valuable lessons from his time in the Navy? “…The military drove home to me the tremendous value of teamwork. Diversity of experience, education, culture, perspective, age… always helped us provide a more robust approach and solution to difficult problems. I also gained a tremendous appreciation of the amazing dedication to service and mission accomplishment from our service members, civil servants and industry partners.”

Joe, on how a career with Cisco Federal is patriotism in action:

“It’s extremely rewarding to be able to help our military solve some of their toughest problems, and people across Cisco jump at the chance to help our Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines; we have a special appreciation for those who so selflessly serve our nation.”

Visit Joe on LinkedIn

As a 3rd generation Naval Officer and former Commander of Naval Telecommunications Station Far East, CDR Tina Swallow knows what it means to serve. When asked how she continues to contribute to America’s forces, she is quick to say, “…I absolutely love bringing Cisco Technology to the DoD, building upon the trust between veterans and the requirement to keep our future generation of military leaders, like my son Jonathan, with a qualitative advantage going forward. Cisco Federal gives me that opportunity every day.”

Tina, on how a career with Cisco Federal is patriotism in action:

“I get to support my country with world class technology and solutions that save lives and preserve our freedoms. In the private sector, it doesn’t get any more patriotic than that.”

Visit Tina on LinkedIn

The call to serve is in the DNA of retired PO2 Kelly Jones, a former Naval Cryptologic Technician, who says, “…Coming from a military family, the link between rights and responsibility has always driven my values and choices; giving back to my country for all that it has given me. Serving my country taught me that when people come together as a team, we have the collective resilience, perseverance and creativity to succeed in any circumstance.”

Kelly, on how a career with Cisco Federal is patriotism in action:

“The greatest act of patriotism is giving back to our country for all that it has given us and Cisco lives that value not just in its support for the military and veterans but in its corporate goal to make our nation better as a whole with initiatives that include supporting equality and inclusion, protecting our environment and reducing the impacts of poverty.”

Visit Kelly on LinkedIn

Senior Enlisted Leader and Advisor CSM Gerald Williams joined the Army to see the world, but saw so much more…  “Understanding the art of “Teamwork” has been key to many of my successes in life and career. In the military, you learn to work for the good of the team… how to divide tasks… how to draw on the diverse talents & skills set of each team member, and trust that your team members will cover your blind spots in order to successfully accomplish the Mission.”

Gerald, on how a career with Cisco Federal is patriotism in action:

“As a Defense Strategist, supporting the Army DISA SOF Operation, we work tirelessly alongside of DoD partners to understand their priorities and challenges and help [provide] thought leadership… to deliver innovative solutions that drive mission outcomes.”

Visit Gerald on LinkedIn

Although the path to enlistment for former Army Scout Platoon Sergeant SFC Jason Port’s was a bit of a bumpy one, it’s created smooth roads to a life and career of service ever since. In Jason’s own words; “In my role in DOD Services, I am fortunate to serve an amazing customer base. In turn, it’s my responsibility to give back to help those who are serving. I currently work with the USO… delivering training and education on technology, and on transition skills like resume writing and interviewing techniques. I [also] support our Employee Resource Organization (ERO) and just today spent time talking issues in mental health among veterans dealing with the issues involved in post-service life.”

Jason, on how a career with Cisco Federal is patriotism in action:

“The culture I’ve tried to build on every team I’ve worked on at Cisco is one of selfless service to our customers – going above and beyond to help them meet their missions and get home safely to their families.”

Visit Jason on LinkedIn

When a young man of just 17 felt his life being called in another direction, he was inspired by his late brother who served in the Armed Forces. Not long after, the teenager most people just knew as “Andre” became known as SGT Andre Winkfield, Army Radio, Teletype, and Satellite Operators Chief. 

Even today, Andre proudly recounts, “…I learned so much from the military. It taught me commitment regardless of the circumstances. I learned at a very young age how to interact with different cultures, lifestyles and to lead soldiers. After my active-duty, my work ethic was firmly established and I realized that no challenge is ever too great.”

Andre, on how a career with Cisco Federal is patriotism in action:

“Patriotism in action is a continuous commitment to the Armed forces through the hiring of our veterans, with a dedication to the goals of the DoD mission – complete with volunteerism, mentorship, free-training, and the implementation of innovation and technology that enhances DoD efforts.”

Visit Andre in LinkedIn

Army National Guard Air Traffic Controller SGT Cody Snyder always loved aviation as a kid, and also felt a strong desire to serve others. It’s rare when passion and profession merge, but that’s exactly what it did for this young aviator. Cody explains, “…what better place to live out that dream than serving my Country through Army Aviation!” 

Cody is an organizer and attributes that quality to his success both in service to his country and at Cisco; “I always felt that being an Air Traffic Controller allowed for what we called “organized chaos.” Sales feels that same way. Knowing how to handle stressful situations with professionalism is something Military men and women know very well.” 

Cody’s current role as Strategic Engagement Account Manager allows him the ability to take part in Cisco’s Military in Sales and Leadership (MISL) program. The program enables Veterans and transitioning Military candidates that have a hunger for success, a desire camaraderie, and possess natural leadership talent to be trained to fulfill vital roles within the Cisco organization. 

Cody, on how a career with Cisco Federal is patriotism in action:

“Cisco connects the unconnected. Whether it’s our troops overseas or here, we get to serve in unprecedented times matching our technology with the Military’s mission. It’s my honor to continue to serve America right here at Cisco.”

Visit Cody on LinkedIn

Cisco’s Veteran & Transitioning Military Opportunities

Cisco was named a Top-10 Gold Employer by The Military Friendly? Company, an organization dedicated to supporting our Nation’s Military Community’s service members who are transitioning from the services in pursuit of rewarding civilian careers -- earning a 91-pt. rating for support & retention of Veteran and Transitioning Military employees.

Cisco Networking Academy

The Cisco Networking Academy serves over 300,000 veterans and 90,000 personnel across more than 30 military installations since 1998. This is an incredible opportunity for Veterans and Transitioning Military Members. It’s no secret that technology is changing the world by connecting billions of devices and improving how we live, work, play and treat our planet. Cisco Networking Academy is transforming the lives of learners, educators and communities through the power of technology, education and career opportunities. It’s waiting for you. Explore your future, here.

Cisco Talent Bridge for Veterans

Cisco’s Talent Bridge for Veterans program makes it easy for transitioning service members and veterans to enter the civilian workforce by combining targeted technology training with employer matching capabilities. The program’s aim is to help veterans jumpstart their career and take essential steps towards finding meaningful employment.

Talent Bridge matches critically needed skills and criteria like location, education, certifications, and experience with the most relevant opportunities for each individual. Add a healthy dose of technology through Cisco’s machine learning powered DevNet and military occupational classifications are mapped to civilian job postings, enabling even more successful matches. Download our information sheet to learn more!

IMMEDIATE OPPORTUNITIES

Cisco’s Military in Sales and Leadership (MISL) Program

Cisco is seeking individuals interested in sales opportunities within our Federal and DoD business lines who possess with the unique knowledge and experience that military service provides. Our MISL program serves as the bridge between high potential military talent and a dynamic career enabling candidates to continue serving their country within one of the world’s most progressive and successful technology companies. 

Those selected for the MISL Program will begin in Cisco’s Ignite! Training Program, providing 8-12 weeks of education on Cisco technologies and sales methodologies. Upon completion of Ignite, you will step into a Virtual Sales Account Manager (VSAM) or Virtual Sales Specialist (VSS) role, collaborating with customers to understand their challenges and provide desired business outcomes. You will also be the coordinator of a Cisco team, pulling in the subject matter specialists to help you develop the solution that your customer needs. 

If you are a proven military leader, problem solver, and top performer, make this your next move! Visit the MISL information page to get started now.

An information sheet can be downloaded, HERE.

Ready to enroll? Qualified candidates can sign up here!

Cisco supports Military Spouses as well!

Service members, Veterans, and their spouses alike are – without a doubt – part of the Cisco family. Moving between duty stations can be hard on a military spouse’s career. Cisco can be part of the solution.

Cisco is committed to seeking internally and across the company’s expansive Partner Network to create training and career opportunities for transitioning service members, military veterans and their spouses through a variety of programs. These initiatives include IT training and employment programs that create pathways to meaningful careers in technology. We strive to raise awareness of the value of hiring veterans.“Cisco has always been incredibly supportive to me. I’ve held eight different roles on eight different teams and people have been so kind and willing to help. Often my colleagues will ask ‘how’s your husband doing,’ ‘how’s your family’, etc. It makes all the difference…” 

- Heather Dickey, Cisco Partner Services and Software Manager

Cisco can be a stabilizing force in the life of a military family, and it’s a pleasure to serve those that have so selflessly served us. Download the executive brief, here, or Explore the website, here.

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“We remember those who were called upon to give all a person can give, and we remember those who were prepared to make that sacrifice if it were demanded of them in the line of duty, though it never was. Most of all, we remember the devotion and gallantry with which all of them ennobled their nation as they became champions of a noble cause.”

-- Ronald Reagan