16/10/2024

Cisco Vice President Lin Suzhen- A media degree gives me an advantage and makes communication smoother

By mnbbs.net

During her presentation at the North American Taiwanese Technology Conference, Sue Lin, the Vice President of Product Operations at Cisco, recounted her inspiring journey from a liberal arts graduate in Taiwan to an executive at a leading Silicon Valley tech company. She credits much of her success to her degree in media studies.

Reflecting on her university experience in Taiwan, Lin shared how majoring in media studies shaped her perspective. Upon her arrival in the U.S., she quickly recognized a trend: individuals with computer science degrees often landed higher-paying jobs, which limited her opportunities in the advertising sector. This realization ignited her determination to enter the tech industry.

To facilitate her transition, Lin invested $5,000 in a five-month boot camp, where she earned a certificate as a systems engineer. She kicked off her tech career in a technical support role and fueled by curiosity and a commitment to learning, she consistently adapted her career path. Over a span of 25 years, Lin navigated through six companies, held 15 different positions, and acquired 21 professional licenses and certifications.

Describing her career development, Lin compared it to assembling a Swiss Army knife—she acquired diverse skills that, while initially uncertain, ultimately became valuable growth opportunities that opened unexpected doors.

Although her career has not been in media-related fields, Lin views her education as a significant asset rather than a misstep. She firmly believes that her media degree offers her a competitive edge in the tech sector. “My communication skills have made me a more effective leader,” she explained, allowing her to effectively connect with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. “This is my secret weapon that sets me apart in the tech world,” she proudly stated.