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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
I am currently completing my Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) alongside my role as a Sales Development Representative at Cisco ThousandEyes. My role focuses on driving pipeline growth across my territory through strategic prospecting, account engagement, and qualifying opportunities for the sales team.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I love it because the combination of academic learning and practical sales execution has strengthened both my leadership capability and commercial impact, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to pipeline generation while developing as a future sales leader.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve developed strong strategic account planning and stakeholder engagement skills, particularly in building and qualifying pipeline. I’ve strengthened my consultative selling approach, commercial awareness, and ability to make data-driven decisions. I’ve also improved my communication, prioritisation, and resilience, while gaining leadership experience through mentoring and peer development initiatives.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The apprenticeship is well structured, with a clear framework that links academic modules to practical workplace application. There are defined learning outcomes, regular progress reviews, and structured assignments that align closely with real business scenarios, which makes it easy to apply theory directly into my sales role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
In terms of support, I receive consistent guidance from my line manager, apprenticeship coach, and wider team. I have regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and access to learning resources, which ensures I stay on track both academically and professionally. The support has been strong and accessible whenever needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive consistent and structured support from my training provider throughout the programme. I have regular coaching sessions and progress reviews, which help keep me aligned to the qualification criteria and EPA requirements. They provide clear guidance on assignments, timely feedback on submissions, and practical advice on how to link academic theory to my role. Whenever I have questions or need clarification, they are responsive and supportive, which has helped me stay confident and on track.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel the qualification has had a strong impact on my performance in role. It has helped me think more strategically, particularly around decision-making, stakeholder management and long-term account planning rather than just short-term targets.
The academic frameworks give structure to situations I face day-to-day in sales, which improves how I prioritise, communicate, and justify decisions commercially. Overall, it’s strengthened both my confidence and effectiveness by encouraging me to apply theory directly to real business challenges.
The academic frameworks give structure to situations I face day-to-day in sales, which improves how I prioritise, communicate, and justify decisions commercially. Overall, it’s strengthened both my confidence and effectiveness by encouraging me to apply theory directly to real business challenges.
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 a range of extra-curricular activities available. There are regular social events and team meet-ups that help build relationships outside of day-to-day work, as well as opportunities to attend networking events, industry conferences, and internal enablement sessions.
There are also initiatives and employee-led groups that encourage collaboration beyond your immediate role, which is a great way to expand your network, develop professionally, and get involved in the wider company culture.
There are also initiatives and employee-led groups that encourage collaboration beyond your immediate role, which is a great way to expand your network, develop professionally, and get involved in the wider company culture.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cisco to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend the apprenticeship because it combines practical, real-world experience with structured academic development. It allows you to apply theory directly into your role, which accelerates both your professional growth and your performance. You’re not just learning concepts — you’re actively using them in a live business environment, which makes the development much more meaningful.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cisco?
For anyone applying, my advice would be to stay organised from the start and be proactive in linking your coursework to your day-to-day responsibilities. Make the most of the support available, ask questions, and seek feedback regularly. Most importantly, take ownership of your development — the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.
