An Intern's Calling to Explore Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance

Meet Dana Vazquez, Full-Time MBA '24

MBA Internship: Cisco

Internship Location: San Francisco, CA

Position Before MBA: Senior Associate – Sustainability Strategy and Disclosure, ERM in Cleveland, OH

How did you secure your internship?

I have the pleasure of being in The Consortium at Rice University. I secured my internship with Cisco through the recruiting efforts of The Consortium’s Orientation Program (OP). I networked in a conference environment with the team, which provided unique opportunities to learn about Cisco’s work and culture.

What is your role and responsibilities during the internship?

I am a Rising Leader in Cisco's FLEX Intern Program, which stands for Find, Lead, and Explore. As part of the program, I can network and explore various aspects of Cisco, specifically in the 3P (people, policy and purpose) space. Within the sustainability strategy team, my role involves managing and planning sustainability projects across different business sectors. Additionally, as a FLEXer, I am tasked with delivering a strategic intern project with my cohort, allowing me to further explore another project within the organization.

What department is your internship with?

I work with the sustainability strategy team in the chief sustainability office.

How did your MBA coursework prepare you for this internship?

Many of my courses directly prepared me for my work this summer – both strategy courses, marketing, and many of my electives, namely Special Topics in Finance (with a focus on ESG) and Energy Markets in Transition. The core courses brought in foundational elements to bolster critical thinking and problem solving from a business lens, while the elective courses taught specific skills and theories that are being directly applied to my projects!

How does the internship align with your career goals?

My goal in business school was to explore what a career working for an organization within the ESG team would look like – this is a unique opportunity to not only see within an ESG program and gain additional expertise in the space, but to also explore how ESG spans across the organization and what other paths could be of interest as I grow. I know that I want to be involved in the ESG space as a career, but where I fit in is something I’m excited to continue to explore – being a part of the FLEX program allows me that time!

How do you think the internship will help you with your MBA studies or future career?

My classes have played a significant role in preparing me for the internship. Strategy and marketing courses, and elective courses such as Special Topics in Finance (with a focus on ESG) and Energy Markets in Transition have been especially valuable. Core courses provide a solid foundation for critical thinking and problem-solving through a business perspective. Electives equipped me with specific skills and theories that directly apply to my current projects.

How does the internship align with your career goals?

My goal in business school was to explore what a career working for an organization within the ESG team would look like – this is a unique opportunity to not only see within an ESG program and gain additional expertise in the space, but to also explore how ESG spans across the organization and what other paths could be of interest as I grow. I know that I want to be involved in the ESG space as a career, but where I fit in is something I’m excited to continue to explore – being a part of the FLEX program allows me that time!

How do you think the internship will help you with your MBA studies or future career?

Cisco is a large, global organization with immense reach and impact. Working with experts in the industry and contributing to the team pushes my development forward as an ESG professional. I also have had the opportunity to develop more technical skills, including brushing up on carbon accounting and carbon budgeting knowledge, which is something that is going to continue to be important as the landscape evolves.

What is your favorite part of your internship experience?

The sustainability strategy team has been incredible since day one. I have learned so much from the high impact projects I am part of, and I love how much the team embodies the values and culture of Cisco. I felt immediately trusted with interesting work and respected for my thoughts and opinions. I’ve been given plenty of opportunities for development. My internship cohort has made the experience even more special. Through our summer project, we have learned together and challenged each other to step outside our comfort zones. Cisco’s culture lends itself to a collaborative learning environment, and this experience has been crucial in my own growth as a teammate and leader.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Come into the MBA with an open mind while keeping yourself motivated. It’s easy to be influenced by what’s popular or relevant and feel discouraged about being different or unique. Remember that work takes up a significant portion of our time, often exceeding 40 hours a week. If there’s a way to integrate things that energize you or collaborate with people who inspire you, it will bring immense value to your journey. You never know which opportunities will surprise you if you give them a chance!