Significant Career Lesson from a Partner Manager at Dell Technologies

Early in my career, I wasn't strong in networking, and that really held me back. I also underestimated the value of a true mentor, despite people telling me.

One of my earliest mentors was a man named Chip. He was one of the most intentionally thoughtful people I've ever met. If you asked him a question, he truly internalized what he was about to say to a young person looking to develop their career. His thoughtfulness in guiding me was really important.

His words held weight and gave me something insightful to act on. Finding a mentor you connect with, who can develop your skills and guide you down the right path, is invaluable. It's also partly an interview.

If they can be an advocate for you in a leadership circle, that can help your career. Ultimately, some of the best mentors haven't necessarily been the kindest or most enthusiastic people. They're the ones who say, "Matt, you are not good at this," or "Your brand indicates you are less strong in this area. That's something you need to work on."

They are brave enough to broadcast that and have that conversation, not afraid if it's going to upset you. One of my great mentors clearly told me about a big promotion I was trying to get, which was the most significant step up in my career.

She said, "You'll never get this role without dedicated experience in single territory account management." That was amazing feedback for someone who wanted that role, and I appreciated her bravery in telling me. I went and got that experience, and it directly led me to get the promotion I wanted. Someone brave enough to have that conversation is a true ally.

So, I would say go and find a mentor. It will generally happen organically. Meeting people, networking, and finding someone you respect and who is intelligent will give you guidance. It's some of the greatest feedback you'll ever gain and will ultimately help your career, even if it's not something you might want to hear at the time.