Career Lesson From a Design Program Manager at a Fortune 10 Tech Company
Marin's most significant career lesson centers on "exiting a job with grace," emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relationships throughout a career. This approach, exemplified by the continued mentorship from a former boss and multiple professional reconnections at Google, proves invaluable for networking, referrals, and overall career progression.
Networking, Professional Relationships, Career Transitions, Mentorship, Graceful Exits
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Marin Dennis
Design Program Manager
Fortune 10 Technology Company
Santa Clara university 2012
California college of the arts MBA in design strategy
Communications
Technology
Creative
Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Building strong relationships with colleagues is crucial for career success and networking opportunities.
2. Maintaining these relationships even after leaving a job can be beneficial for future collaborations and referrals.
3. Leaving a job gracefully is important for preserving professional relationships and opening doors for future opportunities.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
Here's the cleaned transcript:
I think it's about how to exit a job with grace. Leaving jobs is not easy, whether you're getting laid off or deciding to leave on your own terms. I've experienced all of it.
For me and my career, my superpower, or the thing I've really focused on, is building relationships at jobs. When you leave, it's hard to maintain those for whatever reason. So, finding a way to leave gracefully helps maintain those relationships.
I have a former boss I still consider a mentor, and many friends from old jobs. One person I worked with is now at Google, and this will be the third place I've worked with her. You never know who you'll work with again.
Creating and maintaining strong relationships can be really helpful throughout your career as you network, move around, and get referrals. I think that's been the biggest lesson, and it's something you learn with time. It's been very helpful for me.
Going back to Google, within the industrial design team, there are probably about 15 people I've worked with before. Coming back to a team with a lot of familiar faces can be a blessing or a curse. I've really tried hard to maintain those relationships and be able to work with people throughout my career.
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