Degree Apprentice Review
at Cisco
Degree Apprenticeship
Sales
Feltham, UK
Review Submitted: February 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Sales Apprentice at Cisco, my role involves supporting the sales team by identifying potential customers, understanding their business needs, and assisting in the sales process. On a day-to-day basis, I engage with clients, conduct research on market trends, and collaborate with internal teams to drive business growth. I also take part in training sessions and mentorship programs to develop my skills in sales strategy, customer engagement, and Cisco’s technology solutions.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme as it provides a great mix of hands-on experience, learning, and professional development. Being part of a global company like Cisco means I’m constantly exposed to new opportunities, innovative technologies, and industry insights. The supportive environment and mentorship have made the experience even more rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since joining Cisco straight after sixth form, I’ve developed a range of new skills while also building on existing ones. I’ve improved my communication and relationship-building skills by engaging with customers and internal teams. My understanding of sales processes and Cisco’s technology has grown through hands-on experience and training. I’ve also developed my problem-solving and analytical skills by working on real business challenges, as well as gaining confidence in presenting and collaborating in a professional environment.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well-structured, with clear training pathways, mentorship, and real-world projects that help me apply my learning effectively. While it is fast-paced, the organisation ensures that there’s plenty of support to stay on track. Regular check-ins and structured development plans make it easy to navigate and progress in my role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Cisco provides a strong support system, from regular check-ins with my manager to mentorship opportunities and training sessions. There’s always someone available to offer guidance, whether it’s for professional development or day-to-day tasks. The collaborative culture makes it easy to ask for help and learn from experienced colleagues.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The Open University offers a good level of support, with online resources, tutor feedback, and study forums. While the learning is self-paced, tutors are responsive to queries, and there are structured deadlines to keep me on track. Balancing work and study can be challenging, but the flexibility helps.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification through the Open University provides a solid foundation in business and technology, which helps me understand key concepts relevant to my role. While a lot of learning comes from hands-on experience at work, the coursework complements this by offering useful frameworks and theories that I can apply in real-world scenarios.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. We have quarterly social events—recently, we recently went to Gravity in Wandsworth for the day with our teams. There are also networking events, volunteering opportunities, and even sports activities, making it a great environment to connect with colleagues outside of work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cisco to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Absolutely! Cisco offers a great working environment with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. The culture is supportive, the people are welcoming, and there’s a strong focus on innovation. As an apprentice, I’ve had access to valuable training, networking events, and real hands-on experience, making it a great place to start a career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cisco?
Be curious and show a willingness to learn. Cisco values people who are proactive, open to new challenges, and eager to collaborate. Research the company’s values and technology, and don’t be afraid to ask questions during the process. Most importantly, be yourself—Cisco looks for people who bring their unique perspectives and energy to the team.
