Turning into a Cisco Expat: Mexico Metropolis to Lisbon
4 mins read

Turning into a Cisco Expat: Mexico Metropolis to Lisbon


After I lately accepted a brand new position at Cisco as a Software program Consulting Engineer for Service Supplier in our Lisbon, Portugal Buyer Expertise (CX) Heart – I knew my life was about to vary. The deal was executed, and the transition dates have been agreed upon. I used to be about to change into an expat, or an individual residing exterior their native nation. Alfonso holds out a flag in front of him.

This modification didn’t simply imply a brand new position, in a brand new space of curiosity, however it could additionally imply shifting to a completely new nation. I’d be relocating from Mexico Metropolis to the sunny metropolis of Lisbon. I used to be about to commerce tequila for wine, my “bolillo” bread for “pastéis” pastries, and the “Hola” greeting for “Olá”.

My profession would even be switching gears. As a former Collaboration Consulting Engineer, I used to be going to refocus my profession at Cisco to cater to my deepest pursuits in DevNet and networks automation & orchestration.

Massive life adjustments like these all the time put you to the check, and this variation for me was no totally different as my mind conjured up questions like, “Will my transition course of go as deliberate?”, “Will I adapt with ease to town, and to being there on my own?” and “How effectively will I embrace these new applied sciences?”.

Happily, amid all this uncertainty, Cisco all the time had my again.

From the relocation whereabouts (immigration, authorized, and so on.) to my staff’s assist in Lisbon, I couldn’t have been luckier. That luck was prolonged when – throughout the identical week that I arrived in Portugal – my staff had organized a volunteer exercise at an area farm and we have been in a position to meet, safely, in individual. This was in actual fact the primary time many people met in individual, and it was a real deal with in these occasions.

A Cisco water bottle in Mexico City

My staff consists of gifted engineers and extraordinary folks from many various locations, and with all kinds of cultures and languages – Portugal, Spain, Italy, Morocco, and naturally, Mexico – multi function place, on one staff! CX Lisbon additionally has a vibrant neighborhood of expats from greater than 40 totally different nationalities. That is the ability of Cisco and our expertise and our mission to energy an inclusive future for all.

If I’ve a query about residing in Lisbon, there’s all the time a fellow Cisconian ready with one of the best suggestions in hand. (Kudos to my Mexican mates who arrived earlier than me and helped me with very important info all through the method.) And my mentor, colleagues and supervisor have additionally been serving to me adapt, whereas embracing the brand new applied sciences via hands-on coaching and shadowing, in addition to ramping up in tasks with prospects. It’s an important feeling to know you’re so supported.

Very quickly in any respect, I used to be in a position to instantly collaborate with the Conexión Latinx Inclusive Group right here in Portugal and all through the EMEAR area. My first contribution was, after all, A Day of the Lifeless occasion! I used to be invited to prepare and co-host a session showcasing this noble custom and alluring others to interact. What a beautiful alternative to showcase my Mexican tradition in Europe!

On the finish of the day, making these large life adjustments is rarely simple. The uncertainty and uneasiness are all the time onerous to confront. Nevertheless, Cisco and the staff right here in Lisbon made the transition as easy as attainable. I’m assured that this can be an incredible journey, and we’re simply getting began!

 

Able to develop with us? Try our careers now!

Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *