Cisco Ideathon- CX Interview Experence for Intern + FTE

Hello fellow Geeks! I’ll be sharing how I got selected as CX intern via Ideathon at Cisco(India).

First of all, consistency is the key. Ideathon is longer than most hiring process (spanning for around 4 months) and thus you need to stay motivated and do your best at each step. Ideathon consists of tests, video submission and interviews in the following order.

Before briefing about the rounds let’s focus on the most important thing – Registration. You can register for Ideathon through your college. You’ll have to complete one or two course(s) like Python, CCNA: Introduction to networks on Netacad in order to become eligible to take part in the Ideathon. Registration usually happens in the month of August. I completed Python course to become eligible.

Round 1: The first round is the preliminary quiz round in which the basics are tested. We got 55 questions in 30 minutes which covered the Basics of Networking, Linux, C++ and aptitude. It was a online but proctored test. 

Round 2: This was a very interesting round, a video submission round. 

• We were given 3 topics and we needed to make a video of ourselves giving solution to those problem (you need to choose one out of them) in 90 seconds. 
• I chose to speak on “How AI can be leveraged to provide better healthcare services”. I researched well, and tried to keep it interesting and also gave examples of existing models.

Round 3: In round 3 we needed to take a competency test. We answered 60 questions in 25 minutes. And there is no right or wrong answer to these question, It’s more like what you would do in a particular situation. 

Round 4: Round 4 was written test round, which was also the last round before interviews. 

• The test had 25 MCQ questions and 1 coding question in 60 minutes. 
• The majority of questions were from Networking domain.
• Tip- CCNA: ITN can help you throughout this process.

Round 5: Round 5 marks the beginning of the interview rounds. 

• First is the Technical interview. 
• My interviewers made sure I’m comfortable before beginning which I think reflects why Cisco is such a good place to work at. 
• As I’m from EIE background, the questions asked to me were mostly related to Python and Networking basics. 
• Some questions being the difference between switch and router, configuration of networking devices(very basic) etc.
• Suggestion- A good knowledge of the company shows that you’re genuinely interested for the role and the company.

Round 6: As we were selected for customer-facing role, technical round was followed by a Managerial interview round. 

• The interview felt like a casual conversation. 
• I was given situation and asked how I would act, any recent event in which I was able to overcome my unfavourable situation and some more questions.

Round 7: The last round was the HR interview round, where I was asked about my future plans, some basic questions about Cisco (like the products and competitors) and lastly I was told about the stipend and CTC if my internship gets converted to PPO.

I still vividly remember the day when the results were declared, I got selected! Journey of Ideathon from August to November was a real roller coaster ride. But I’m glad I made it. 

Do visit their Ideathon page in order to get even a clearer picture. All the best!