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Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your current role?
Hi! I’m Casey Sabatini, and I am originally from Franklin, Massachusetts. During the summer of 2017, after completing my junior year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I interned at Dell Technologies in the marketing department. After I graduated from college, I joined Dell full-time in the Marketing Development Program (MDP), where I spent two years, 2018-2020, in event planning roles on the experiential and Dell Tech Forums teams. I am now the Program Coordinator for the Marketing Internship Program and Marketing Development Program. In my role, I help support both programs with everything from planning the curriculum to matching members in their rotations aligned with their interests.
What experiences in your career path led you to your current role as the MDP Program Coordinator?
Throughout my time in the Marketing Development Program, I was able to hone in on my strengths and interests. I loved my time on the experiential marketing and Dell Tech Forums teams but realized I wanted to use my program/project management skills to help people rather than events, which led me here!
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As a recent MDP grad, how is your perspective as a program leader unique?
Having gone through the program, I had firsthand experience on the program's strengths and limitations. This gave me insight into what types of improvements could benefit current and future participants. My inside perspective also helps me empathize with current members as they progress through the program and advocate for necessary changes such as establishing a more robust curriculum. I carefully consider how each decision I make as a program leader impacts them. I've been in their shoes before, so I always have their best interest in mind!
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How has the MDP changed and evolved since your time in the program?
Well, so many things have changed, but to name a few of the biggest ones:
1) Participants now experience four 6-month rotations, while I had two 1-year rotations. I am so jealous of the added learning, experience, and network the current participants get!
2) The curriculum is so much more robust! We host two Marketing Skills Workshops and two Conferences per year that align with essential skills needed to become a well-rounded marketer.
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What are some of the benefits of joining the MDP?
1) Starting your first full-time job with a cohort of like-minded individuals is amazing! You get a built-in support network and friends that will be there even after the program ends.
2) Joining the program is a great way to try out different roles and refine your likes, dislikes, and passions. When I started the program, I was so gung-ho on event planning. I thought that was all I wanted in life and that would be my career forever. While my current role does still deal with a little bit of event planning, I realized the passion lay in working with people, which is why I joined the Marketing Talent Development team!
What have you been most proud of during your career at Dell Technologies?
I've been most proud of how I have been able to make an impact. Throughout my various roles, the suggestions I've implemented and the projects I've completed have improved the organization as a whole. Knowing I was a piece of the puzzle that made this happen makes me proud!
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What is your favorite part of working at Dell?
Hands down...the people and the flexibility. I love how much Dell trusts and invests in its employees. Even though the company is so large, I have always felt a part of smaller communities within it – as an MDP participant, MDP Alum, Employee Resource Group (ERG) member, and more!
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How has Dell contributed to your success?
Dell allows you the space and freedom to explore your interests. It is totally acceptable to move around the company, within organizations, and across them. I would not be where I am today without the MDP teaching me so much about myself: my likes, dislikes, and passions. In comparison to a direct-hire opportunity, joining a development program like MDP is more beneficial for figuring out what you're meant to do and discovering your passions.
I also cannot express enough gratitude to my leaders, who have been incredible in driving me to pursue my passions. At Dell, there are always people advocating for me behind the scenes. Looking out for each other is a part of our company culture - we want our peers to succeed!
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What advice would you give potential candidates interested in applying for the MDP?
Be yourself and let your strengths shine! Marketing is such a multi-faceted organization that there is truly space for everyone – creatives, analytical thinkers, operational thinkers, etc. No matter your interests, there is a spot for you!
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How do you ensure you have a work/life balance in your day-to-day work?
I religiously take an hour lunch break in the middle of the day to reset and recharge. I eat lunch outside, read, watch tv, go for a walk, or call loved ones. I know myself enough to know that I wouldn’t do my best work in the afternoon if I didn’t have that time to myself to refresh. Also, I have email and Microsoft Teams on my phone, but notifications are ALWAYS off. It’s there if I need it but not taking me away from what’s important to me outside of work.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, our family and friends, and our calico kitty, Spunky! I love to travel and explore new places and restaurants – bonus points if the location is on the water. I like to go to any type of sports games and watch plays, especially Hamilton!
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To learn more about graduate programs and life at Dell, visit jobs.dell.com/graduates and our stories.
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