MCMP Speaker Event: Diane Dragan
On Wednesday February 22nd, MCMP members were joined by Michigan Alumni Diane Dragan, the Global Content Strategy and Operations Executive at Condé Nast. Condé Nast is a global media company that creates and distributes print, video and film, digital, audio and social media.
Diane grew up in New York knowing she wanted a career in media, but not knowing how to get there. She graduated from Michigan without any connections or a clear path, yet this didn’t stop Diane. She called high school friends who knew hiring managers, she kept up with hiring managers even after getting passed over for the role, and more. Like many, Diane says the first step is always the hardest. She told our members to make small steps in the right direction by networking and pressing forward.
How else did she achieve her success? By building her brand narrative. She created a professional image on LinkedIn as well as sharing lifestyle information on social media. She has a focus on individual community development and a passion for content. Her tip is to be consistent and focused on your standards, big picture, and the future. Over time, her job has changed quite a bit: Director of Editorial Operations, Global Content Strategy, Interim Site Director, Experimental Ops Director, Director of Editorial Ops, Commerce Strategist, and more. Diane emphasizes that we should keep learning and have many careers in our lifetime.
Q&A:
What are resume/cover letter tips for us?
“Tell your story. You should make your resume as active as possible. Don’t just spit back the job description, use your own words. Tie everything back to what companies want to hear: make money, save money, improve culture. Remember to include numbers in your resume because metrics show improvement more than words do. With cover letters, stick to the basics. Try an outline along the lines of “I saw your internship posted here…I am currently a student studying blank. Then introduce yourself and give relevant experiences. Make a connection if you have one to help get you to the short list!”
How did you reach out to HR for your current position?
“I keep in touch with HR every time I am considered for a role. When you keep in touch with someone it’s usually kind of a letter of continued interest. For example, “I wanted to let you know I just worked on this new project… Let me know if anything has changed.” Keep the letter short and make sure you have a point to each message because no one has time to read a long letter. Essentially, you are saying ‘I want to remind you that I am still awesome and I want you to think of me next time there is a job opening.’”
What is your favorite project you have worked on?
“Any project with people who think like I do. I’ve been really lucky to work on some projects with great people with so many amazing ideas. My editorial team at AD is so happy to be there and to work together. It’s the right environment. I launched an AD pro directory just last week.”
What is the biggest factor you would say contributes to the great team culture of your editorial team at AD?
“I think a dynamic leadership. Not everyone has one. I believe in the cult of personality meaning I’ve followed bosses from job to job. Leadership sets the tone. I think leadership is the most important element for culture.”
How should we pitch ourselves in interviews?
“We aren’t raised to do this naturally. It’s sometimes hard to do, but I’ve figured out how to do it in a subtle way through email or small in-person interactions. When you already have the job, practice for your interviews. Practice talking about yourself and saying, “I did this and this is how it turned out.” Tell a ‘hero story’ by telling a captivating story but at the same time getting across all of the facts of your experience.”
MCMP would like to give a big thank you to Diane Dragan for speaking with our members!
-Kristina Gurgone, March 2023
