Developing with Dell Technologies: Making an Impact, Donovan Reflects on His First Year with the MDP

Donovan L. | Global Partner Management | Analyst, MDP | Blacksburg, VA

Originally Published: December 16, 2022

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.

Currently on the Global Alliances team, Donovan reflects on his first year as a member of the Marketing Development Program:

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

During my college years, I had the opportunity to interview a Dell Technologies executive and found that their values and principles aligned with mine. Over the years, we built a strong relationship and he eventually served as my mentor and coach. He helped me transition from a collegiate athlete to a competent business professional. Ultimately, this relationship sparked my interest in Dell Technologies. I was absolutely impressed by what the company offered and their mission, so I decided to interview for an internship in Marketing and got an offer! As a result of my successful internship, I was offered a position in the Marketing Development Program with Dell Technologies.

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

The position presented an exceptional opportunity to gain experience in different areas of Marketing at Dell and to establish a strong network in just a short period of time. You can’t beat an opportunity like that, so I had no doubts whatsoever.

You’re currently in your first year with the program, could you share a bit about your role and what you do? I am responsible for enhancing Dell's marketing funding scalability on the Global Partner Management team by optimizing how we conduct business. We must constantly evolve the way we do business with our Alliances to ensure that it’s both scalable and effective. I spend most of my time strategizing ways to standardize multistakeholder best practices and optimizing our people, processes, and tools. By embracing a continuous growth mindset, our Global Partner Management team will be able to grow funding for our fantastic marketing initiatives. Are you able to make an impact as a member of the program? On the Partner Management team, I have established myself as a valuable member by learning the business while identifying and solving problems promptly. Additionally, because I am partnered with a strong leader and free-thinking manager, I can take responsibility for many parts of our project and provide input where I see fit. I also contributed to a passion of mine by serving on the MDP Recruiting Committee. On this committee, I conducted career fairs, interviewed college students, and even celebrated with those who accepted employment offers that I’ve supported.

This is a rotational program meaning you can experience numerous roles and teams; how do you feel about being on a team momentarily?

It’s a bittersweet feeling for sure. Being able to develop relationships with such great people and being a part of something extraordinary makes me want to stay a little longer. However, I can now apply what I’ve learned in this role to the next one to achieve even greater impact.

Overall, how has your experience been as a member of the Marketing Development Program?

My experience as a participant in the Marketing Development Program has been challenging, interesting, and so much fun. Challenging because there is healthy pressure to learn the business and provide value. It is interesting because we learn from senior executives and outstanding guest speakers at Dell Technologies regarding ways to succeed. Finally, fun because we can share the experience with many other like-minded professionals in the Marketing Development Program and building lasting relationships.

What is your favorite part about being a member of the Marketing Development Program?

One of my favorite aspects of participating in the MDP is the opportunity to build genuine relationships with so many awesome people, while learning the business and producing positive results. I’ve learned so much about Dell Technologies and Marketing, and I’m super excited to continue growing.

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

As a participant in the program, I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best executives in the business. I’m gaining continuous knowledge on what it takes to provide as much value as possible to Dell Technologies, its people, my team, and incoming talent.

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