FORMER THE HENLEY COLLEGE STUDENT FLYING HIGH AT CISCO

After completing her A levels at The Henley College (@henleycol) in 2020, Rhiannon Dodson-Edwards embarked on a degree apprenticeship in Digital and Technology at Cisco (@Cisco). 

Alongside her apprenticeship Rhiannon has also become the Chair of the Young Executive Success Club for the charity Dress for Success. 

Speaking about the first few months of her degree apprenticeship, Rhiannon said: 

“As a degree apprentice at Cisco, I have been able to study for a BSc in Digital Technology and Solutions, whilst also rotating through different sectors of the business to gain exposure to the company. 

Currently, I have been working in my first rotation for three months within the Enablement department, which specialises in creating training and events for internal employees and external partners on Cisco products and insights. For example, I recently hosted my own Spotlight session, which is a 30-minute event, on the subject ‘Competitive Insights on Secure Remote Workforce’. 

My Enablement team also gave me the opportunity to plan and execute my own virtual charity event for Dress for Success, Greater London, and fully supported me in doing so. I was able to broaden my skills of project management, technical abilities, communications and delivery and execution that I can transfer to future rotations. 

Cisco also gives you the opportunity to complete further qualifications. In November of 2020, I achieved my CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) which was a major milestone for me and something I am still extremely proud of completing. 

I have two more 3-month long rotations left for my first year as an apprentice and in the second year I will do two six-month long rotations and third year spend a year within a sector.  

When I first joined Cisco, I thought I knew exactly where I wanted to spend my rotations and what role I wanted to graduate into. I never thought I could be technical, yet I passed my CCNA and surprised myself! 

Whilst at The Henley College I studied A Levels in Economics, Politics and English Language and Literature as well as an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), and thoroughly enjoyed all my courses. My teachers were all incredibly supportive during my two years at the College and I know that I will keep in contact with them in the future.”