By Emma Crome, success programs manager, Cisco. Emma is also the new lead of the Cisco VETS employee network for veteran enablement and troop support.
Careers
After graduating high school I enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy as a Communications Information Systems (CIS) sailor, initially posting to HMAS Parramatta. After leaving the navy I continued to work and travel around Australia for several years before moving back to Brisbane. I chose to kick off my IT career with a small MSP, before moving to Telstra Purple as a business operations lead – leading the national sales support team and building out existing processes to better support our customer success.
Having primarily worked in support and customer focused roles, I was looking for a role where I could dig my teeth into a deeper understanding of customer success, which is where the Cisco CX organisation really stood out to me. I also wanted to join a company that supported their employees to take on stretch assignments – as it is always fascinating learning different ways of working, in such a big organisation.
Connections
I have recently taken on the role of leading the VETs Network in Australia and New Zealand – an employee run community to support veterans within, and to join, Cisco. Continuing to raise awareness of the contributions and skills that veterans can bring into civilian roles is something I am very passionate about. Hosting events that provide career guidance, skills and ongoing support to our veteran community is part of our focus and will continue to raise awareness of the support Cisco can provide to a wider and highly skilled community.
As part of the network we have started relationships with Solider on and With You With Me. We also hosted our first inaugural careers day to provide insights on what a role in technology can offer, and the support avenues available to veterans.
Anzac day is an incredibly important day for me – during the commemoration events it provides an opportunity to stop and reflect on memories and mates who are close to me, as well as taking the time to remember others who have contributed and served, those who have fallen during wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. I find attending a dawn service provides a beautiful opportunity to sit and talk to our veterans, share in their memories and laugh along with some of their stories.
Cisco VETS
We would love to keep the ANZ VETS Network growing! If you’re a veteran looking for a career change and you’re interested in the technology industry, please reach out to us!
