(WACO) — Networking is all about creating connections.

Jonathan McElmurry, a Texas State Technical College alumnus and network engineer at Cisco Systems Inc. in Richardson, recently enlightened TSTC students about job opportunities in the computer networking industry.

“I want students to know that getting a job at Cisco is within their grasp. Apply as many times as needed, and it’s not out of your reach. This school prepared me perfectly to get in the door and get a job,” McElmurry said.

McElmurry graduated from TSTC in August 2017 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in in Computer Networking and Systems Administration and started working for Cisco three months later.

Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking for the internet.

“Cisco gives us 40 hours a year to give back, and the first thing I wanted to do was come back to TSTC and advocate for Cisco,” McElmurry said. “It’s so important to have someone come back and let other students know that a company like Cisco is a real opportunity for them.”

Cyber security and digital forensics student Lori Wise said that McElmurry’s advice was all she needed to have the courage to apply at Cisco.

“I think it’s so important that a company wants to invest in you. And he (McElmurry) was a big help in what information to add to my resume and what to expect during the interview process. I’m going to apply immediately,” Wise said.

TSTC instructor John Washington was more than happy to organize the meet and greet when McElmurry reached out to him.

“I think it gives the students something real when the alumni come back and talk and give advice to the current students. It’s more real for them, and Jon has really embraced the Cisco culture to become a great advocate,” Washington said.

Before ending his discussion with the students, McElmurry offered some guiding wisdom that he says allowed him to thrive at his job.

“Don’t worry about knowing everything; you never will. This school lets you get prepared to do well in this industry and anything else you can learn along the way,” McElmurry said.

TSTC students visit the Cisco campus in Richardson with Washington once a year and can network with other alumni through the TSTC alumni LinkedIn account.

Registration for fall classes at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.