Michael Simon
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Michael’s Career Stories
In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?
I develop and deliver training on advanced IT topics such as cloud, computer hardware, and computer software.
What is it like when your job gets tough?
A great job always present's its challenges, when my job gets tough I take the opportunity to learn a new skill to overcome the obstacle at hand.
What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?
When I graduated college I moved on my own from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, upon arrival my moving truck caught on fire and I lost nearly everything. I started off thinking that it wasn't going to work out but overcame it by concentrating on the new job and making a new life. It taught me that great results don't come from instant satisfaction, sometimes it takes patience and hard work.
When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?
I got my first big break about 3.5 years after I started at Dell. I was ready to quit and start all over but previous hard work ended with a previous manager offering me a job on his new team in our Enterprise Solutions Group and its been great ever since.
How did you start building your network?
Building a network? That was my first question when someone asked me this at work. I finally got the grasp and started focusing on future roles, possible future roles, and general diversity at the company. Biggest lesson I learned is don't meet with someone just to meet with them, have an agenda and follow up with them in the future.
What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?
When picking a major make sure there is a career that is associated to it! Before entering college I wish someone would of told me not to pick a minor.
How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?
I found the job posting online then took a big chance and flew to another state for the interview. I never expected entering sales at a huge technology company would lead to a long term career. (I couldn't tell you a thing about computers when I started)