Secrets for Success: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Starting the MDP at Dell Technologies

Marketing Development Program | Global

Originally Published: May 3, 2023

The Marketing Development Program is designed to attract and retain top talent from Universities, Community Colleges, and Vocational Programs, as well as Diversity & Inclusion conferences to build the marketing talent pipeline. Program members experience four 6-month rotations with different marketing teams, gaining valuable hands-on experience and exposure to various marketing disciplines. Members also get access to exclusive trainings, career coaching, executive exposure, and networking opportunities to help accelerate their success at Dell. 

Starting your career in marketing can be exciting but nerve-wracking! You are at the time in your life when you have just graduated from college, may be moving to a new city, and are navigating the real world for the first time.

To help ease your transition into this new stage of life, here are a few tips and best practices to help prepare for a successful future in the Marketing Development Program at Dell Technologies:

1. You Do NOT Need to be a Marketing Major to Join

• It is okay and honestly completely normal if you did not major in marketing. Within the program, we have people who majored in everything from communications to psychology. We each bring something valuable and unique to the table due to our differing backgrounds, skill sets, and interests. Due to these differences, we can work together to generate so many innovative ideas!
• Furthermore, a lot of what we do is hands-on learning on the job. Don’t stress; you will learn and catch up to speed in your role.

2. Not Knowing Your Desired Marketing Discipline Is Okay

• We are young professionals. By NO means do you need to have your whole life figured out and know what you want to do with your career.
• The purpose of the program is to explore four different 6-month-long roles and discover your interests. Take this opportunity to learn more about your likes and dislikes. In many cases, learning about what you dislike is just as valuable of a learning experience as discovering what you do like. Seize every opportunity to learn more about yourself.

3. Make Sure to Have an Open Mind

• You may have your heart and soul set on a particular organization within marketing. Don’t close yourself off to only that area.
• Be open to other teams within marketing. You never know what you love unless you try! Sometimes even the most unexpected organizations can be your favorites.

4. Don’t be Afraid to Use Your Voice

• Often, sharing your ideas and offering suggestions to managers or co-workers may be intimating. I know you may feel like you have less expertise and that your ideas are less valuable as those higher up.
• However, I urge you to use your voice: ask questions, showcase your work, and offer input. At Dell, using our voices and expressing our opinions is encouraged. We are the young talent that will shape the future of this company! 

5. Make sure to network, network, network!

• I cannot stress enough how important it is to network with your peers. You can do this in a multitude of ways: you can set up reoccurring calls with your MDP cohort to chat, set up time with people in the program, and enjoy meet and greets with employees on teams you are eager to learn more about. It is also a great idea to meet on a quarterly basis with managers and co-workers you’ve worked with previously. Maintaining networks is just as important as forming them.
• Authentically getting to know the people you are working with on a personal level is essential. You will notice how much you have in common with others, from attending the same college, growing up in the same town, to having the same hobbies. At Dell, everyone is so friendly and willing to extend a helping hand. Networking and winning together is an essential part of our company culture. The people at Dell are the best, so take advantage of meeting and networking with your co-workers all across the globe. 

To learn more about graduate programs at Dell and life at Dell, visit jobs.dell.com/graduates and our stories.