Strategy and Planning Manager MBA (Intern) - United States

Cisco•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

Cisco Operations’ MBA Strategy & Planning Rotation Program offers interns the opportunity to work on high-priority, enterprise-wide strategic initiatives at a global technology company. The intern will partner closely with senior leaders to solve complex business problems, lead cross-functional work from concept through execution, translate data into actionable insights, and guide senior-level discussions that build alignment and momentum. The role involves taking ownership, anticipating risks, communicating effectively, delivering measurable outcomes, and strategically integrating AI solutions into business processes, analysis, and decision-making. The intern will lead a strategic initiative tied to Cisco’s near-term business priorities. Past rotations have included designing and measuring a global distributor planning motion; developing the strategy, operating model, and change management plan for a global customer support coverage model; leading Cisco’s five-year Supply Chain readiness strategy; identifying opportunities to improve go-to-market capabilities in Cloud Marketplaces; and supervising a pilot offer launch program and communicating recommendations to senior partners.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an MBA program or related graduate-level business program, with qualifying education in business strategy, strategic planning, management consulting, business operations, or a related field.
Expected to continue enrollment in the degree program following completion of the internship.
Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, develop actionable recommendations, and lead complex, cross-functional initiatives from definition through execution in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to synthesize complex information, deliver clear recommendations, build stakeholder alignment, collaborate across functions, and influence without direct authority.

Nice To Haves

Experience in technology, management consulting, or corporate strategy.
Skill in developing business cases, financial analyses, and KPIs to evaluate opportunities and measure business outcomes.
Demonstrated experience applying AI and automation to solve complex business problems and streamline workflows.
Proven ability to develop recommendations for senior executives and support high-impact, enterprise-level initiatives.
Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and drive initiatives independently with limited direction.

Responsibilities

Own a high-impact project from problem definition through recommendation.
Develop business cases, metrics, and KPIs to evaluate program effectiveness.
Synthesize insights into clear, executive-ready presentations.
Partner with cross-functional teams to drive alignment and execution.
Present findings and recommendations to senior leaders.
Strategically integrate AI solutions into business processes, analysis, and decision-making.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Basic life insurance.
Restricted stock unit grants may be available to eligible employees, subject to continued employment and vesting terms.
Ten paid holidays per full calendar year.
One floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
One paid day off for an employee’s birthday.
Paid year-end holiday shutdown.
Four paid days off for personal wellness.
Paid vacation or flexible vacation time off, depending on employee classification and eligibility.
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1, with up to 80 unused hours carried forward.
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues.
Optional ten paid volunteer days per full calendar year.
Annual bonuses may be available for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies.