If you're ambitious and damn good at your job, you'll start to feel frustrated often at Cisco
Pros
Since working for Cisco after graduating my growth has been tremendous. Cisco is a place where there are many experts you can learn from and gain experience especially if you're like me, someone out of school two years.
Cons
Promotions are slow and its difficult to get recognition. I am lucky in that my manager and I have a good working dialogue and I know he is listening to my concerns. If you're ambitious and damn good at your job, you'll start to feel frustrated often at Cisco. Reason being promotions are slow and those who are the lowest performers are rewarded by keeping their job and those who are worth their salt aren't promoted fast enough. Of course, I'm sure this is common with large companies. In my opinion, Cisco needs to recognize fresh talent quickly, give them (me) opportunities to grow and responsibilities, and promote them quickly.