Site Reliability Engineer Intern Review

My day-to-day includes supporting Cisco IOS and AireOS devices, developing automation tools in Python to promote scalable solutions to support a large infrastructure. I collaborate daily with engineers to troubleshoot, standardise, and deploy networking infrastructure at Cisco offices worldwide. To support my work I've learned to leverage platforms like Splunk, Meraki, Catalyst Centre, and more, to assist with both troubleshooting, and planned work.

I was given a high level of responsibility during my internship and treated as a regular member of the team. I was trusted to work independently on tasks and contribute to ongoing projects. The only limitation was a policy requiring any changes involving a 'Change Request' to be supervised by a full-time engineer. Aside from that, I was fully involved in day-to-day operations and decision-making alongside the rest of the team.

During my internship at Cisco, I learned to use Catalyst Center and Splunk, gaining hands-on experience with network monitoring and management tools. I also applied and deepened my understanding of existing skills, including Cisco IOS, Python programming, and theoretical knowledge of routing, switching, and network fundamentals. The work involved practical applications of these concepts in real-world scenarios, alongside collaboration with experienced engineers that required clear communication and effective problem-solving within a team environment.

I received ample support and guidance throughout my internship. Early on, there was plenty of help to get me started, and as I became more confident and independent, the support naturally tapered off. However, I always knew that asking for help was encouraged, and I never felt uncomfortable reaching out when I needed assistance. The team fostered a supportive environment that balanced independence with availability for guidance whenever it was required.

The company culture was great—welcoming, supportive, and collaborative. There were regular social events that helped build connections, and the vast majority of people I interacted with were friendly and open. This supportive atmosphere extended across departments and even across continents, making it easy to feel part of a wider team despite being an intern.

I really enjoyed my internship. I worked from home most days, which gave me flexibility and helped me develop independence. While there were occasional moments of stress—mainly when dealing with unfamiliar tasks or tight deadlines—it was never overwhelming. The work was interesting and meaningful, and I felt like a trusted and valued member of the team. The combination of a supportive culture and the chance to learn and contribute made it a genuinely rewarding experience.

Yes