Case Studies

NAME : Britta Baltes   NATIONALITY : German   UNIVERSITY ATTENDEND : University of Applied Sciences Muenster & International School of Economics Rotterdam   DEGREE OBTAINED : Betriebswirtin FH & Einddiploma HEAO   AGE : 24   JOB TITLE : Associate Sales Representative (ASR)

 

What attracted me to apply to the Sales Associates Program?

Sales Associates Program is a great opportunity of starting a career with the worldwide market leader for network solutions. Having an outstanding reputation for business excellence and innovation Cisco is a great company to work for. Cisco invests in the knowledge and development of its employees. This intense training program gives me the chance to develop my sales skills, acquire a good technical knowledge and work on my interpersonal skills. Furthermore, Sales Associates Program gives me a deep insight into the company and its culture. Cisco culture is truly international. I like working in an international atmosphere among a group of young energetic people with the same interests.

 

Assessment Centre experience

The Assessment day gave a good insight into Cisco, its culture and open communication. Questions, curiosity and new ideas were not only welcome but asked for. All Cisco employees were friendly and showed a great commitment to Cisco. I felt valued as an individual throughout the whole day. Therefore, going through the application process was challenging but also a great experience. At the end of the day I was exhausted but content and my desire to work for Cisco was even higher.

 

Experiences and Achievements since being on the Program

I have been with Cisco for two months and already learned a lot about sales techniques, presentation skills, Cisco in general and not to forget about Cisco products and solutions. Working together with people from many different countries, it is a great experience to learn about different cultures.

 

Challenges

Having no technical background it is a bit of a challenge to absorb the huge amount of technical information on Cisco products and solutions. But having excellent technical training I feel confident of being able to keep up the pace. As Cisco is operating in the high-technology industry being responsive to change and keeping up with the latest trends is a key success factor. It is fascinating how Cisco manages to stay ahead of time. Managing our time is also crucial for us as ASRs. Additional to trainings and classes with role plays, presentations and cold-calls, there are other tasks to be accomplished, e-mails to be read and voice-messages to be answered. It is your responsibility to organize yourself. Overall, this program is a great preparation for the “real world” and with entering the field next year I am looking forward to the real challenge.

 

“Cisco`s responsiveness to change truly fascinates me”

 

Most enjoyable

It is amazing how much Cisco invests in our development. Everyone is truly committed – trainers, our management team and we even get the chance to meet and listen to managers up to the level of VP. What I also find most enjoyable is getting to know so many new and interesting people and making friends. Together we enjoy experiencing Amsterdam.

 

Cisco culture

Everyone at Cisco is committed to its open culture. Open communication, teamwork, frugality and thriving for business excellence are among the values of Cisco culture. Giving back to the community is highly valued at Cisco. This is regarding to supporting the team, being frugal, sharing knowledge and also getting involved in volunteering programs. Teamwork at Cisco is great. Sales Associates Program consists of people that are fun, energetic, engaged, determined, open for new and different opinions and approaches, highly motivated, positive thinkers and team players. We work together in teams and help each other learning from each other.

 

Be part of it!

At this early stage of the program I cannot really tell where this career is going to take me. But I definitely know that this program is an outstanding opportunity I will never get anywhere else. Working for Cisco means endless opportunities in a fast changing environment together with people from all over the world. Be part of it!