By Cisco Interns,
Publication Date: 2026-08-11 12:00:00
This post was authored by Ethan Okelberry, a technical sales engineer intern on the SLED Team.
Most intern stories start with walking into an office on day one. Mine started at my desk in Roseville, California, logging into Webex.
I had the option to intern in person, but there is no Cisco office near me, so I went fully remote as a technical sales engineer intern. And I will be honest; I had my doubts.
When I pictured a remote internship, I imagined eating lunch alone, awkward video calls, and watching other interns post pictures while I sat at home. I figured I’d learn a lot, but I assumed the connection everyone says matters most just wouldn’t be there for me.
I could not have been more wrong.
From day one, people showed up for me in ways I did not expect. Despite full calendars and important deadlines, coaches from across the company hopped on calls with me and other interns, sharing their journeys, answering questions, and genuinely investing in us. Nobody makes…
