At a Glance
- Tasks: Train in a dynamic environment, mastering technical solutions and collaborating with sales teams.
- Company: Join Cisco, a leader in technology with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Gain industry certifications, mentorship, and a competitive salary while working remotely.
- Other info: Experience rapid growth in a supportive cohort with real-world applications.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career in tech sales with hands-on experience and cutting-edge AI tools.
- Qualifications: Technical degree or proven curiosity in tech; strong communication and collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Cisco Sales Associates Program (CSAP) | EMEA Associate Solutions Engineer – United Kingdom
Training Location: London
Year 2 location: UK–Bedfont Lakes
Target Start Date: March 1, 2027
You will train alongside a diverse cohort of high‑calibre individuals from across the EMEA Region, building a rich professional network and long‑lasting friendships. This hub‑based environment provides a “safe‑to‑fail” setting where you can master your craft through AI customer simulations and mentored on‑the‑job activities. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with Cisco Associate Sales Representative(s) to provide technical solutions that drive business outcomes. You will expand your expertise across Collaboration, Security, Networking, and Cloud to bridge the gap between technical requirements and business value. You will learn from industry experts and dedicated coaches using our own leading‑edge technology. To support your growth, you will be paired with a mentor—an alumnus of the Cisco Sales Associate Program—who has successfully navigated the program. Supported by a team committed to your success, you will earn industry‑standard certifications and gain the expertise required to thrive in elite technical sales opportunities across our global organisation.
Your Impact
The CSAP Graduate Program is a 12‑month global accelerator designed to develop high‑potential individuals into Technical Sales Champions. Built on a model of Education, Exposure, and Experience, the program offers a clear progression:
- Month 1–3: Participate in immersive Bootcamp training and foundational technical skill‑building.
- Month 3–12: Complete three rotational assignments for real‑world technical sales experience.
- Beyond 12 months: Transition into a Solutions Engineer role to discover, demonstrate, and design solutions for complex customer challenges.
Our learning philosophy prioritises experiential growth, with the majority of your development occurring through coached, real‑world practice within a hub‑based cohort of peers. This immersive approach ensures you grow and learn through direct application rather than in isolation.
A key part of this Program is our AI‑First Mandate. As an Associate Solutions Engineer (ASE) in our Global Sales Enablement & Acceleration team, you will build strong AI skills by using advanced learning platforms and artificial intelligence to design technical solutions and improve strategic decision‑making. This trajectory is designed for those looking to outpace the traditional career curve! Through quarterly competency checkpoints, high‑performers can validate their skills and fast‑track into further technical roles before the program concludes. Upon successful completion of the 12‑month Early In Career (EIC) program, as a Solutions Engineer (SE) you will join our Global Virtual Engineering (GVE) team. GVE is a best‑in‑class technical presales organisation that provides software and Solutions Engineering services to customers, partners, and internal sales teams. You will discover, demonstrate, and design solutions to address complex customer challenges.
Minimum Requirements
- You hold a technical degree (Engineering, CS, STEAM) or come from a non‑traditional background with real‑world proof of technical curiosity—like a home lab, certification, or side project—and possess the skills to turn complexity into clarity.
- Fluent in English and the primary language of the country for which you are applying.
- Legally authorised to work in the country of hire without company sponsorship.
Preferred Requirements
- AI‑native mindset with a high degree of learning agility; passionate about networking and software (Java/Python) and eager to use AI to automate and innovate the engineering process.
- High emotional intelligence with the ability to navigate a matrix‑based organization, influencing stakeholders and collaborating within a hub‑based cohort to drive team success.
- Analytical resilience, capable of maintaining focus and creativity when solving sophisticated technical hurdles or translating complex requirements into tangible business value.
- Confident communicator who can deconstruct “black box” technologies into simple, persuasive narratives for diverse audiences.
Associate Solutions Engineer – CSAP - London, UK employer: Cisco Systems Inc
Cisco is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, particularly for those in the Associate Solutions Engineer role. Located in London, you will benefit from a collaborative hub environment that encourages innovation and personal growth through hands-on training, mentorship from industry experts, and access to cutting-edge technology. With a strong focus on employee development, Cisco offers clear pathways for career advancement and the opportunity to build a robust professional network within a diverse cohort of peers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Solutions Engineer – CSAP - London, UK
✨Join Tech Meetups and Hackathons
Dive into local tech meetups and hackathons where you can connect with fellow software enthusiasts. These events are fantastic for networking and can land you some serious contacts who might point you towards trainee roles like the one at Cisco Systems Inc.
✨Show Off Your Projects on GitHub
Make sure to have a solid portfolio on GitHub showcasing any projects or contributions to open-source software. This not only highlights your coding skills but also shows your commitment to learning and engaging with the developer community—key traits that Cisco Systems Inc will be looking for!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still at uni, don’t miss out on your career services. They often have exclusive connections with companies looking for trainee engineers. Plus, they can help you polish your interview skills and get your foot in the door when applying for roles at places like Cisco Systems Inc.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Always check out Cisco Systems Inc's careers page and apply directly through our website. We love when candidates show enough interest to go straight to the source—it shows initiative and might just give you that extra edge to stand out as a trainee in software engineering!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Solutions Engineer – CSAP - London, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects!:As a trainee in software engineering, your portfolio is your best friend. Make sure to highlight any personal projects or contributions to open-source on platforms like GitHub. This not only demonstrates your coding skills but also your ability to work collaboratively and learn new technologies.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:When applying for a software development trainee role at Cisco Systems Inc, make sure your CV reflects relevant skills and technologies. Mention specific programming languages you’re familiar with, any relevant coursework, and projects that align with what Cisco Systems Inc does. This tells us you’ve done your homework!
Be Genuine in Your Cover Letter:We really want to see your passion for software development! In your cover letter, share why you're excited about the opportunity at Cisco Systems Inc and what you hope to learn. This is your chance to show us your enthusiasm and motivation for jumping into the world of engineering.
Highlight Your Learning Ability:As a trainee, your eagerness to learn is key! Emphasise instances where you quickly picked up new skills or technologies. This can go a long way in proving that you’re ready to tackle challenges and grow within the team at Cisco Systems Inc.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cisco Systems Inc
✨Code with Confidence
Since this is a trainee role in software engineering, expect some coding challenges or technical questions. Brush up on your programming fundamentals and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of algorithms and data structures. Practise coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank so you can tackle any unexpected questions with ease.
✨Show Off Your Projects
As a trainee, your portfolio can really set you apart! Bring along examples of any personal projects or contributions to open-source to showcase your skills. Explain what tools you used, what challenges you faced, and how you overcame them – this can demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Brush Up on Team Dynamics
Software engineering isn't just about coding solo – it's about collaboration too. Be prepared to discuss how you work within a team, manage conflicts, or take feedback. Maybe think through a few examples of past team experiences that you can reference during the interview to show you’re adaptable and ready to grow.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As you’re applying for a trainee position, the recruiters at Cisco Systems Inc will be looking for your motivation and potential to grow. Be honest about what you don’t know yet, but balance that out by expressing your enthusiasm for learning new technologies and methodologies. This attitude can be just as important as your current skillset!
