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Carolyn, People Consultant - People Partner at Cisco Systems, Inc: Advize Career Interview

A career journey from international studies and nonprofits to a thriving role as a People Consultant at Cisco Systems, Inc., is detailed in this interview.

The path involved unexpected turns into HR and recruiting, fueled by an MBA and fueled by a passion for aligning people strategy with business goals.

A typical day involves a dynamic mix of immediate needs, medium-term projects like talent development, and long-term strategic initiatives, requiring a blend of analytical skills like data storytelling and strong interpersonal capabilities such as advising, coaching, and conflict resolution.

The most rewarding aspects include the collaborative problem-solving and the competitive challenge of attracting top talent in the tech industry.

Success requires continuous learning, authenticity, and the ability to manage emotional demands while setting boundaries.

Advice for students includes prioritizing internships, networking, and discovering what work truly resonates, with diverse entry-level HR paths available beyond the traditional roles.

Navigating a career as a woman in tech requires self-advocacy and owning a seat at the table, yet the support of inclusive companies makes the journey worthwhile.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Carolyn Wright

People Consultant - People Partner

Cisco Systems, Inc

American University

UCLA Anderson School of Management, MBA

International Relations & Affairs

Technology

Human Resources (HR)

Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of a People Partner at Cisco

Carolyn's career path began with international studies and internships at nonprofits and think tanks, followed by a law firm job where they unexpectedly "fell into HR" and "loved being in recruiting". An MBA from UCLA then facilitated a pivot to the tech industry, leading to an internship and subsequent full-time role at Cisco, where they remain.

Career Path of a People Partner at Cisco

Main Responsibilities Of A People Partner At Cisco

Carolyn, a People Consultant at Cisco, partners with three VPs in sales, aligning "people strategy to business strategy." This includes responsibilities like "recruiting plans, organization structure changes, compensation plans," and generally fostering a positive work culture while addressing employee-related issues.

Main Responsibilities Of A People Partner At Cisco

A Day in the Life of a People Partner at Cisco

A day for a People Consultant - People Partner at Cisco Systems, Inc. involves juggling "short-term immediate fire drills," such as providing last-minute data, alongside medium-term projects like developing talent review processes, and long-term initiatives spanning up to six months, such as preparing for major company events. This variety, encompassing "a mix of very short term to more long term projects," is a key aspect of the role.

A Day in the Life of a People Partner at Cisco

Most Important Skills for a People Consultant or People Partner at Cisco

Carolyn, a People Consultant at Cisco, emphasizes three crucial skills for an HR Business Partner role: "advising...coaching and thought partnership," facilitation of meetings and conflict resolution, and "storytelling through data," a skill becoming increasingly vital in the HR field. This demonstrates the evolving demands of the profession, requiring a blend of interpersonal and analytical expertise.

Most Important Skills for a People Consultant or People Partner at Cisco

Favorite Parts Of Being A People Partner At Cisco

Carolyn, a People Consultant at Cisco, most enjoys the "advising and coaching element" of her role, finding it rewarding to collaboratively create solutions with leaders that improve employee experience and success. This process, from initial consultation to implementing solutions, provides valuable learning opportunities and a sense of accomplishment.

Favorite Parts Of Being A People Partner At Cisco

Biggest Challenges Faced by a People Partner at Cisco Systems

Carolyn's biggest challenge as a People Partner at Cisco is the significant emotional component of the role, being "the face of HR" and often a confidante for employees facing both work and personal difficulties. This requires a skillset in managing emotional demands while ensuring employees feel heard and supported, a challenge that, while rewarding when successful, makes the job difficult at times.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a People Partner at Cisco Systems

Favorite Parts of Working in the Tech Industry as a People Partner

Carolyn, a People Consultant at Cisco, finds the intense competition for talent in the tech industry most rewarding, stating that it "becomes a sort of fun game" of creatively improving employee experience through compensation, perks, and opportunities. This competitive landscape constantly pushes HR professionals like Carolyn to innovate and evolve, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee engagement strategies.

Favorite Parts of Working in the Tech Industry as a People Partner

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Tech Industry According To A People Partner At Cisco

Carolyn, a People Consultant at Cisco, highlights the importance of continuous learning and curiosity to thrive in the fast-paced tech industry, advising against solely chasing trends but instead focusing on "what you're passionate about". A varied and successful tech career is built by a "desire and willingness to continue learning," allowing one to adapt to the industry's rapid changes.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Tech Industry According To A People Partner At Cisco

What a People Partner at Cisco Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Human Resources Industry

Carolyn, a People Consultant at Cisco, wished someone had emphasized the importance of delivering difficult news and setting boundaries early in their HR career. The ability to be "clear is kind," while prioritizing honesty and capability over superficial niceness, and politely declining tasks outside one's role to avoid burnout, are crucial skills that developed over time.

What a People Partner at Cisco Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Human Resources Industry

Entry-Level Jobs for Aspiring HR Professionals at Cisco Systems

Carolyn, a People Consultant at Cisco, highlights the diverse entry points into HR, emphasizing that "there's no one perfect entry-level role." Traditional routes include HR assistant, benefits analyst, or payroll analyst, but experience from other fields, such as sales or finance, is equally valuable, bringing "invaluable" insights and strengthening the HR community.

Entry-Level Jobs for Aspiring HR Professionals at Cisco Systems

Significant Career Lesson From a People Partner at Cisco

A significant career lesson for this People Consultant is the importance of showing up authentically, "in a way that is authentic to who you are," while maintaining professional boundaries. This requires continuous self-learning, as the need to "slam the laptop shut sometimes" and recharge to better serve others highlights the importance of sustainability in a demanding role.

Significant Career Lesson From a People Partner at Cisco

College Experiences That Helped A People Partner At Cisco Succeed

Carolyn's college success stemmed from prioritizing internships, gaining valuable experience in "work norms" even if the specific job content didn't directly translate to their current role. Networking and informational interviews with peers and alumni proved equally crucial, exposing Carolyn to unexpected career paths and helping them discover "what work they actually like doing."

College Experiences That Helped A People Partner At Cisco Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced a People Partner at Cisco's Career

Carolyn, a People Consultant at Cisco, reflects on navigating a career in tech as a woman, noting the need to "own [their] place at the table" and overcome a tendency to self-censor. This self-awareness, coupled with supportive colleagues and Cisco's commitment to inclusivity, has fostered a positive experience, though the constant need for self-advocacy remains a key takeaway.

How Identity Has Influenced a People Partner at Cisco's Career
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