Developing with Dell Technologies: Entering His Last Year, James Reflects on His Time with the MDP 

James K. | Senior Advisor, Global Consumer and Small Business Product Marketing | Gaston, South Carolina

Originally Published: March 3, 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.

James, a current second year Marketing Development Program Member entering his last rotation, reflects on his journey throughout the program. Read more about his time with the program and how it has helped shape his 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 with Dell as an intern in the Human Resources organization under Ethnic & Cultural Empowerment. It was a great experience that opened my eyes to not only the quality of work we do, but the people that work here. My manager, team buddy, and org leader were all great people. They were the ones who opened my eyes to the opportunities in marketing that aligned with my passions and helped me create connections with others in the MDP program. Ultimately, this led me to apply and get accepted my last week in the intern program which led to me interviewing and ultimately getting into the program.

Please share a bit about your current role and any past roles within the program.

My current role is as an operator of the Desktop and Client Peripheral (DC&P) Integration in our Global Consumer and Small Business organization. It consists of reviewing the roadmap for our key D&CP products, determining which ones would be of value to our target audience of young metros, and then building a marketing campaign to reach them. My previous position was in International Marketing Ops, where I was responsible for improving our international B2B performance metrics for Channel and ISG. 

Are you able to make an impact as a member of the program, and are your inputs valued?

Yes, my teams have been big on reassuring me of the value that my work brings to the organization, whether tangible or intangible; they help me see where my work and progress are benefiting the greater goals.

How has your experience been as a member of the Marketing Development Program?

It has both been great and challenging. It’s been a challenge adapting to the quick rotations and the workload that come with being on a team for a short period of time. However, this has strengthened my skills and helped me understand what skills I should improve on to hit my long-term career goals. The people that I work with are special, and I don't think I would meet anyone as close to them anywhere else, and that is something I won't take for granted.

Would you recommend the program to other graduates?

I would absolutely recommend the program. I think that there have been a lot of really great opportunities that have come from the program, especially the people you meet in your cohort. You will meet and interact with amazing leaders and gain exposure to the different parts of the company.

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

My favorite part is the people, hands down. Having the opportunity to work with so many young and innovative professionals has pushed and motivated me in many ways. This has kept my time at Dell Technologies full of fun and excitement.

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

The program has exposed me to many opportunities inside marketing, which has really helped me understand what I want out of my career and the path I’d like to take. I also have a clearer understanding of my goals and aspirations moving forward. If it were not for the flexible environment at Dell Technologies, I would not have this opportunity to dive into different areas and learn as I go.

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