Developing with Dell Technologies: Caitlin's Experience with the Marketing Development Program

Caitlin M. | Project Coordinator, Analyst Relations | Analyst, MDP | Austin, TX

Originally Published: March 2, 2023

The Marketing Development Program is designed to attract and retain top talent from Colleges, 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.

Cait, a current second year Marketing Development Program Member reflects on her journey throughout the program, and her current position as a Project Coordinator for Analyst Relations. Read more about her time with the program and how it has helped shape her career:

How did you start your career with Dell Technologies and how did you get involved with the Marketing Development Program?

I started my career at Dell Technologies in the summer of 2020 through the Marketing Internship Program. It was a 3-month virtual internship that allowed me to gain hands-on experience and exposure to Marketing at Dell. I worked with the Digital Events team, which was an amazing, unique experience, especially during the shift to virtual events due to the pandemic. After the internship concluded, I was invited back with an offer to join the Marketing Development Program!

What were your first thoughts about the program? Did you have any doubts?

I was excited to be in a program where I could gain exposure to multiple areas of the business and grow my knowledge in marketing. I knew that the program would enable me to have more ownership while exploring more of my strengths and weaknesses in the corporate world. I was a bit nervous that I might not be passionate about every role I was placed on, but it turned out to be an extremely positive experience every time.

Please share a bit about your current role.

Within the Analyst Relations team, I help drive Dell's strategy and planning for Gartner Peer Insights. It's a new area of the business. I help guide thought leadership and priority planning discussions, as well as conduct research that will further help the program.

How do you feel being on a team momentarily as a member of the program?

With 6-month rotations, it can sometimes feel as though your time is limited. It takes conscious effort to translate my limited time into meaningful impact to the team. The program provides amazing teams across Dell Technologies as options for rotations, so it’s a bittersweet moment having to leave each team. Dell has such an inclusive culture, so it doesn’t matter what team you’re on, because you’ll always feel as though you’re integral to the team's success. Are you able to make an impact as a member of the program? From my personal experience, if you approach the rotations with the drive to learn and make an impact, while also acting as a sponge, absorbing all of the information and processes, you'll undoubtedly succeed. As a member of the Marketing Development Program, I’ve noticed that every team encourages our opinions and input. We are able to offer a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective.

What surprised you most about the program and your time with Dell Technologies?

I didn't realize how vast marketing can be at an organization like Dell Technologies. There are opportunities for anyone to find a role that best suits them due to how open and encouraging the environment is. I’ve learned more about marketing and my passions because of the program, and I’m not sure if I’d get an opportunity like this elsewhere.

How has the program contributed to your success at Dell Technologies?

I feel like I better understand my strengths, weaknesses, and interests since I joined the program. Rotating between roles and different teams has taught me a great deal. I've had to stay adaptive and agile as I transition in a short period of time. I've also had so many great opportunities to network and learn from leaders, mentors, and alumni. These are some incredibly valuable aspects of the program and have played a huge role in my success at Dell Technologies.

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