Strategy and Planning Manager MBA (Intern) - United States

Cisco•San Francisco, CA

2d•$44,000 - $185,000

About The Position

Cisco Operations is seeking an MBA intern for its Strategy & Planning Rotation Program. The program offers the opportunity to work on high-priority, enterprise-wide strategic initiatives at a global technology company, partnering closely with senior leaders to solve complex business problems and deliver impact. The intern will lead cross-functional work from concept through execution, translate data into actionable insights, guide senior-level discussions, anticipate risks, communicate effectively, and integrate AI solutions into business processes, analysis, and decision-making. The intern will own a strategic initiative tied to Cisco’s near-term business priorities. Work may include defining a problem and developing recommendations, creating business cases and metrics to evaluate program effectiveness, preparing executive-ready presentations, aligning and coordinating cross-functional teams, and presenting findings to senior leaders. Past rotations have covered distributor planning, customer support models, supply-chain readiness, cloud marketplace go-to-market capabilities, and pilot offer launches.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an MBA program or a related graduate-level business program.
Education should be in business strategy, strategic planning, management consulting, business operations, or a related field.
Expected to continue enrollment in the degree program after completing 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.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and drive initiatives independently with limited direction.

Responsibilities

Own a high-impact strategic 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.
Lead cross-functional work from concept through execution and translate data into actionable insights.
Anticipate risks, communicate effectively, and integrate AI solutions into business processes, analysis, and decision-making.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, subject to plan eligibility rules.
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Basic life insurance.
Potential grants of Cisco restricted stock units, subject to continued employment and vesting terms.
Paid holidays and a floating holiday for non-exempt employees.
Paid birthday day off, year-end holiday shutdown, and paid personal wellness days.
Paid vacation time for non-exempt employees; exempt employees participate in a flexible vacation time-off program.
Paid sick time, with limited carryforward of unused sick time.
Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues.
Optional paid volunteer days.
Annual bonus eligibility for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies.