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Cisco, at least it's not flipping hamburgers

Hardware Engineering Manager
Current Employee
Has worked at Cisco for less than 1 year
May 2, 2008
San Jose, California
2.0
Doesn't RecommendNo CEO Opinion
Pros

Regular paycheck, industry standard. It will not go away tomorrow.

The company is the network hardware standard. When anyone is putting in network infrastructure, anything that will connect to the internet, it will go through a Cisco Systems product at one point or another. That means the company will last a few years, so there will be consistent employment.

If you work hard enough to convince your boss you are worthy and you get a mediocre or better review on your yearly talent review, you will get paid every other week. This does not mean you are delivering quality work or innovation, but you are playing the game well.

It is sad. There is so much opportunity here.

Cons

Innovation is out the window. It is becoming process-laden and totally red-tape encumbered. Layoffs every time they need to make numbers. Management-heavy.

You want 100 words or more. Hmm. Why? This is exactly the problem we are having at Cisco. You set a rigid guideline, which requires people to fill up space, even when it does not have meaning. We are experiencing the same here. Why host a 1-hour meeting when the point could be conveyed in 15 minutes?

Cisco used to be a highly innovative company, delivering cutting-edge products. Now? We struggle to get 100 words instead of focusing on the product.

Advice to Management

Stop 'saving money' in foolish ways.

Communicate and collaborate better.

Promote telecommuting.

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