After an eventful year and a half navigating the intricate world of OT security, filled with audits and countless challenges, my journey took an unexpected turn. One day, I received a call from a recruiter at Cisco. They were searching for a Security Specialist. What an incredible coincidence—just as I had completed my CCNP Enterprise certification, Cisco reached out.
Initial Skepticism and the “Sales” Fear Factor
At first, I was skeptical. The role was in pre-sales, and just hearing the word “sales” made me uneasy. As someone deeply entrenched in the technical side of cybersecurity, I wasn’t sure if this path aligned with my aspirations. Could I thrive in a role that involved engaging with clients and promoting solutions?
Research, Advice, and Taking the Leap
Before making a decision, I embarked on thorough research. I reached out to close friends, sought advice from mentors, and spoke to individuals who had transitioned into similar roles. The more I learned, the more I realized that pre-sales wasn’t just about selling—it was about understanding client needs, designing tailored solutions, and leveraging technical expertise to bridge gaps. Encouraged by the potential to grow and diversify my skill set, I decided to give it a shot.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
Joining Cisco marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career—one that challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace a role that was as dynamic as it was rewarding. In my next blog, I’ll share the details of the interview process, my onboarding experience at Cisco, and how it shaped my perspective on cybersecurity.
An Ask
I invite you to share your thoughts, memories, or even your own experiences in the comments below. Your feedback and support will be invaluable in shaping this narrative, and I look forward to continuing this adventure together. Thank you !
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LinkedIn: Syed-Adil Hussain
Email@: thecyberguy90@gmail.com

Feel free to reach out to me in English, German, Urdu, or Hindi—I’m fluent in all four languages. Whether you have questions, want to share your own experiences, or just fancy a friendly conversation, I’m here! Your thoughts and insights are always welcome.