Cisco Data Scientist Interview Guide

Interview Guide Feb 25

Are you planning to start your new journey at Cisco as a data scientist? Here's an interview guide for you!

The role of a Cisco Data Scientist

WHY CONSIDER DATA SCIENCE ROLE AT CISCO

Cisco Systems is a company that specializes in networking and cybersecurity. The company designs, manufactures, and sells networking equipment such as routers, switches, and other networking devices. 

Cisco Data scientists aim to extract insights from data such as network usage, customer behaviour, and security risks. By using data science techniques such as machine learning and deep learning algorithms, Cisco improves its products and services, identifies patterns and trends, and detects security threats more effectively. Additionally, data science is used in Cisco to improve its business operations and decision making.

APPLYING FOR A DATA SCIENTIST JOB IN CISCO

To apply for a data scientist job at Cisco, you will typically need to follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Cisco careers website and search for open data scientist positions.
  2. Review the job descriptions and requirements to ensure that you meet the qualifications and have the necessary skills and experience.
  3. Create a Cisco account or log in to an existing account to submit your application.
  4. Complete the online application form, including your personal information, education and work experience, and any other relevant details.
  5. Upload your resume and cover letter, highlighting your qualifications and how they align with the requirements of the data scientist position.
  6. Submit your application and wait for a response from Cisco.

It is also important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific role you are applying for. Highlight your relevant education, experience, and skillset to show how you are a great fit for the role. Additionally, it is helpful to research about the company and their products, services, and mission to show how your past experiences could align with their needs.

Cisco Data Scientist Interview Guide

The interview process for a data scientist job at Cisco sometimes varies depending on the specific role and location.  However, it typically includes the following steps:

  1. Initial screening: This is the initial step in the interview process, where the hiring manager reviews your resume and cover letter to determine if you meet the basic qualifications for the role.
  2. Phone/video interview: This is usually the first face-to-face interaction with the hiring manager or HR representative. They will ask you questions about your background, qualifications, and experience.
  3. Technical interview: This is where the hiring manager or a member of the data science team will ask you technical questions about your data science and machine learning skills, and test your problem-solving and analytical abilities.
  4. On-site interview: If you pass the previous step, you may be invited for an on-site interview at Cisco's office. This will typically include further technical interviews with members of the data science team, as well as a presentation of a data science project that you have worked on.
  5. Final decision: After the on-site interview, the hiring manager will consolidate feedback across all interviews, and make a final decision on whether to extend a job offer.

The interview process may vary depending on the specific data scientist position and location you are applying for. It is always a good idea to research the company and specific job opening you are applying for, and tailor your application accordingly.

CISCO DATA SCIENTIST - INITIAL SCREENING 

Overview

The initial screening process for a data scientist job at Cisco will involve a review of your resume and cover letter, as well as an initial phone or video interview. During this screening process, the interviewer will likely ask questions to assess your qualifications, skills, and experience, as well as your fit for the role and the company. They may also ask about your past experience, your technical knowledge and skills, and your understanding of the business and industry. The interviewer may also ask about your motivations for applying for the position, and how you see yourself fitting into the team and the company culture. This initial screening process is often used to determine if a candidate has the qualifications and skills needed for the role, as well as the potential to succeed in the company.

CISCO DATA SCIENTIST - PHONE/VIDEO INTERVIEW 

Overview

The phone or video interview is the second stage of the interview process for a data scientist role at Cisco. During this stage, the interviewer will use a combination of behavioural and technical questions to assess your qualifications, skills, and experience, as well as your fit for the role and the company. They may also ask about your past experience, your technical knowledge and skills, and your understanding of the business and industry. This stage in the interview process is used to determine if a candidate has the qualifications and skills needed for the role, as well as the potential to succeed in the company.

Interview Questions

  1. Can you tell us about your background and experience in data science?
  2. Can you give an example of a data science project you have worked on and the problem is solved?
  3. How do you approach analysing and interpreting large and complex datasets?
  4. Can you explain a machine learning technique you have used and its application in a real-world scenario?
  5. How do you stay current with the latest developments and trends in data science?
  6. How do you communicate your findings and recommendations to non-technical stakeholders?
  7. Can you give an example of a time when you had to align a data science project with a business objective?
  8. Can you discuss a specific experience you have with big data technologies such as Hadoop or Spark?
  9. How do you approach ethical considerations in data science?
  10. How do you think you would fit in Cisco's culture and mission?

CISCO DATA SCIENTIST - TECHNICAL INTERVIEW

Overview

The technical interview for a data scientist job at Cisco typically focuses on assessing a candidate's technical knowledge and skills. This can include questions about specific data science and machine learning techniques, programming languages such as Python and R, and big data technologies such as Hadoop and Spark. The interviewer may also ask about your experience working with large and complex datasets, and your ability to analyse and interpret data. They may also ask you to solve a hypothetical data science problem or walk through a specific project you have worked on in the past. The goal of the technical interview is to determine if a candidate has the necessary technical expertise and experience to be successful in the role.

Interview Questions

As per the articles published by candidates who have attended the technical interview process for data scientist role in Cisco, these were some of the questions that were asked:

  • Can you explain a technical project you have worked on and the data science techniques you used?
  • How do you handle missing data in a dataset?
  • Can you walk us through a machine learning model you have built and explain how it works?
  • Can you explain a statistical method you have used in your work?
  • Can you explain the difference between supervised and unsupervised learning?
  • Can you discuss any experience you have with big data technologies such as Hadoop or Spark?
  • Can you discuss any experience you have with SQL?
  • Can you discuss your experience with a specific programming language such as Python or R?
  • How do you evaluate the performance of a machine learning model?
  • Can you discuss any experience you have with deep learning?
  • Can you discuss a time when you had to deal with a difficult problem or situation in your work?
  • How do you keep yourself updated on the latest developments in data science?
  • Can you discuss any experience you have with data visualization tools?
  • Can you discuss any experience you have with cloud computing platforms such as AWS or Azure?
  • Can you discuss any experience you have with data governance, data management and data quality?
  • Can you discuss any experience you have with natural language processing?
  • Can you discuss any experience you have with computer vision?

It is worth noting that these questions are just examples and the actual questions may vary depending on the specific role and team you are applying for. Also, the interview may also include a technical test or coding challenge to test your skills and knowledge.

CISCO DATA SCIENTIST - ON-SITE INTERVIEW

Overview

The on-site interview for a data scientist job at Cisco typically involves a series of in-person or virtual interviews with members of the hiring team, including the hiring manager, data science team members, and other relevant stakeholders. The purpose of the on-site interview is to assess the candidate's technical abilities, problem-solving skills, and communication skills in a more in-depth and hands-on way.

During the on-site interview, the interviewer usually asks candidates to solve a real-life business problem, share their thought process and explain how they would use data science to solve it. You will often be asked to walk through your past projects, and explain your approach, methodology, and results. You could also be asked to take a technical test; or write code.

They may also ask behavioural questions to evaluate the candidate's ability to work in a team, their leadership skills, and their ability to work under pressure. Additionally, the interviewer will also be interested in the candidate's understanding of Cisco's products and services, and how they would like to contribute to the company.

In the case studies, you may be presented with a business problem or scenario and asked how you would approach it using data science techniques. The interviewer will evaluate your problem-solving skills, your ability to communicate your thought process and your ability to work through the problem with a team.

TIPS FOR DATA SCIENTIST INTERVIEW IN CISCO

Interviews for data scientist positions at Cisco can be quite technical and may include a combination of behavioural and technical questions. 

Here is a guide to help prepare for a data scientist interview at Cisco:

  1. Brush up on your technical skills: Review and practice data science and machine learning concepts, as well as programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL.
  2. Familiarize yourself with Cisco's products and services: Research the company's offerings and understand how data science is used within the company.
  3. Review your projects and work experience: Be prepared to discuss specific projects you have worked on, the problems you solved and the impact of your work.
  4. Prepare to answer behavioural questions: Be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and experience working in a team.
  5. Practice technical questions: Prepare to answer questions about data science and machine learning concepts, big data technologies, and statistical analysis techniques.
  6. Show your enthusiasm to work in Cisco: Express your interest in the company and the role, research about their mission and how your skills align with their goals. I would recommend linking to Cisco's mission and values page.
    Cisco Overview (About, Mission, Vision, Values, Principles).

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY TAKEN UP BY DATA SCIENTISTS IN CISCO

A data scientist at Cisco would mainly be involved in gathering and examining large amounts of data from various sources, such as network usage, customer behaviour, and security threats. Knowledge of analytical methods and machine learning techniques would prove extremely useful as they will discover patterns, trends, and insights that can be used to enhance products and services, detect security threats, and make more informed business decisions. 

  • The responsibilities of a data scientist depend on the department or domain they are assigned to. For example: A data scientist working in the sales and marketing department of Cisco uses customer data and advanced analytics to improve sales and marketing strategies, resulting in increased revenue and customer satisfaction. This includes analysing data to identify patterns, creating personalized marketing campaigns, forecasting future sales and customer behaviour, and conducting experiments to measure campaign effectiveness.
  • Data Scientists at Cisco have to communicate their findings and suggestions to key stakeholders, such as product teams and senior leadership.
  • Data Scientists in Cisco have to update themselves with the latest developments in data science and implement new techniques and tools when required. 
  • Building and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure to support data science projects.
  • Developing and maintaining documentation and reporting on data science projects.
  • Assisting in the development and implementation of data governance and data management policies and procedures.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR DATA SCIENTIST JOB IN CISCO

The specific skills and qualifications required for a data scientist job at Cisco may vary depending on the particular role and location. However, some common skills and qualifications that are typically required include:

  1. Strong DS technical skills: Data Scientists in Cisco are required to have a solid understanding of data science and machine learning techniques, as well as proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL. So this is something we’d strongly recommend being familiar with.
  2. Experience with big data technologies: It’s definitely a bonus if you are familiar with big data platforms such as Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases.
  3. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: The ability to analyse and interpret large and complex datasets, and to apply data science and machine learning techniques to solve business problems is quite important too. Therefore data scientists at Cisco must have a good understanding of the business context in which data science is being applied. That is, the candidates must have a great business acumen. 

It is worth noting that Cisco is a technology company, so they may also look for experience with some of their specific tools or technology. It is always a good idea to research the company and specific job opening you're applying for and tailor your application accordingly.

CONCLUSION

The interview process for a data scientist position at Cisco generally goes through several stages, including an initial screening, a phone or video interview, a technical interview, and an on-site interview. The initial screening would involve reviewing the candidate's resume and cover letter, as well as questions to assess the candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience. The phone or video interview will delve deeper into the candidate's past experience, technical knowledge, and understanding of the business and industry. The technical interview will focus on the candidate's technical abilities, including their knowledge of data science and machine learning techniques, programming languages, and big data technologies. Lastly, the on-site interview may include a combination of technical and behavioural questions, as well as an opportunity to meet with the team and understand the company culture. The overall interview process aims to evaluate the candidate's qualifications, skills and suitability for the position and company.