Meet Our People

3M had the qualities I was looking for—global business, highly respected company and diversity in its workforce, product lines and businesses. I was employed with a Fortune 30 company and I wanted to further my career, to continue learning and apply my technical engineering experience. That's exactly what I found at 3M. There's no lack of challenging assignments and no limitation on how far I can go.

Technical skills are valued

3M really values and recognizes my technical skills. My B.S. and M.S. in engineering are put to good use across the business—from the manufacturing process to new product scale up to dealing with customer feedback.

Challenging assignments

Already, I've worked in two of 3M's health care businesses and have completed a two-year Six Sigma assignment that allowed me to learn and apply new process improvement methods while working with different 3M businesses. Having the opportunity to experience the diversity of 3M's products and businesses was exactly what I wanted when I started with 3M. Management has been very supportive in helping me identify new opportunities and assignments.

Energizing environment

Thinking back, everything I was told in my interviews was true. I work in a highly creative environment, with honest and intelligent people. Wherever I travel with 3M, I meet people who share these values. It's energizing to work with people like this and to know that opportunities are there for me to go after.

At 3M, the only thing limiting me is myself. My career has been filled with chances to learn and do different things. I've certainly been the one responsible for my career, but 3M has been there supporting my choices, interests and overall professional development.

3M places great value on continuous learning and innovation. I earned my MBA while working full time, completed several 3M leadership development programs and participated in two different mentoring opportunities—one within 3M and another with an executive at a similar-sized company. Each has been a fabulous way to learn and get feedback.

Career options

Back when I graduated from college with my engineering degree, I was looking for an established company that was involved with a number of industries—not just one. Having a variety of career options was important to me. I've worked in various businesses within 3M, including fire protection products, the Medical Division and now in the Personal Care Division. Change for me has always been energizing.

Worldwide perspective

My work as an engineer and marketing professional at 3M has taken me around the world to Latin America, Japan, South Africa and countries in Europe as well as to cities throughout the United States. Traveling for 3M has given me a greater perspective on different business and cultural practices.

I've grown more aware of how people in other countries live and work. It's been a humbling experience, something I bring back and apply to my work—and my life—in St. Paul. And regardless of where I travel, 3M employees extend their hospitality above and beyond what's expected. This has been very rewarding for me professionally and personally.

Culture of Creativity and Innovation

Many things have changed during my career at 3M—both internally and in the marketplace. I experienced firsthand the shift from analog to digital technology and was at the forefront of helping to develop and use this technology at 3M.

But, 3M’s culture of creativity and innovation has remained constant throughout my career here. I work with very knowledgeable people who have a lot of enthusiasm for new technology development.

Problems as Opportunities

My great love is product development and working in the lab. Problems are really just opportunities to make something better and simpler for the end user. In my career, I’ve been involved with 15 products from idea to market. There’s a great deal of teamwork and collaboration that’s needed to make this happen and it’s very gratifying to be a part of it.

Looking Ahead

A big part of my job is looking for new product ideas, learning about new technologies and listening to what customers need and how my division’s technologies and products could help other 3M businesses. Watching for market trends and anticipating what people want to do two to five years out is critical. This has me traveling to Taiwan, Japan, Canada, and other countries to understand new technologies and how we might be able to use them in our products.

Protecting our Ideas

I also enjoy helping 3M protect our ideas. I spend a fair amount of time creating and writing patents and working with our patent attorneys to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect the new technologies that we develop.

Advice to Others?

Think globally. Experience other cultures and understand as much as you can about how people live in different parts of the world. 3M is around the world and our growth will continue globally. Commitment and believing in your ideas are essential for success.

My background in public accounting and finance launched my career at 3M, but it certainly didn't determine my path. With the support of my management team, I have built a career based on my experience but one that also took me in new directions.

Getting the best

Today, I'm working in Sourcing Operations partnering with 3M businesses to ensure that their needs are met related to the procurement of products and services. I've held management positions including business sourcing roles with four of 3M's big businesses and as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt. I now manage a team that works with suppliers and commodity experts to get the best quality materials at the right time and at the best price.

Before my role in sourcing, I spent six years in corporate auditing. Much of the time I was traveling internationally to Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong as well as Europe, where eventually my staff were located. I developed an appreciation for the different ways that business is conducted in different countries and the role of 3M's corporate office in St. Paul, Minn.

Expanding my skills

3M's support of my career is clear. I've had many opportunities to experience the breadth of 3M and expand my skills and career. The wide range of training helped me be prepared for each new challenge. I've had the chance to be mentored by an executive, participate in 3M's Accelerated Leadership Development Program and train and manage staff in another country.

Eyeing the possibilities

When I started in finance at 3M I saw possibilities to do different things with my career, to get in closer to the business. 3M's business is diverse and so are the career options. To me, that has been a key benefit of working for 3M. I keep an eye on what I can do next, what looks interesting, where I can apply my skills and keep learning.

It's energizing to work for a company that develops health care product and services that often are the best on the market and make a direct difference in people's lives. It's been very exciting to continue to grow and develop many of the 3M health care areas, most recently orthodontics. That's important to me. And that's why I've built my career at 3M.

Broad career opportunities

I started as a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital. I was driven to help improve the quality of health care. Today I oversee the 3M sales team in the U.S. and Canada that offers solutions to orthodontic professionals.

My career at 3M has broadened from training hospital staff on how to use IV pumps to selling various medical devices, supplies, life saving drugs, and now orthodontic solutions. Each job for the past 20 years has provided me the opportunity to remain true to my focus. And, I'm having a lot of fun doing it!

Continuous learning

Over the years, 3M has supported me when I've wanted to learn more and tackle a different aspect of 3M's health care business. It's amazing how different it is to market and sell medical devices versus pharmaceuticals, versus orthodontic braces, brackets and archmires. There is so much to learn, so many opportunities at 3M to help expand and grow the business and still contribute to improving health care.

My medical background has given me valuable insight into what it takes to help a person recover from a critical illness. 3M's continued support as I completed my MBA and participated in various leadership and education programs has helped me build a rewarding career.

3M has a strong reputation and brand, high quality employees, good benefits and opportunities to further my career while helping save lives. 3M has been a great fit for me, and my passion for health care.

The capabilities of 3M's research and development labs are very powerful in helping 3M grow. The labs are aligned well with 3M business units and with customer needs. This allows us to clearly contribute to the growth of the company. It's truly exciting to be working for 3M and looking ahead.

In my current position, I manage the Corporate Research Process Laboratory, one of 3M's four corporate R&D labs. We focus on developing process technology needed to manufacture products of the future.

Breadth of technology

The diversity of the people I work with every day—their knowledge, skills and capabilities—makes 3M an energizing place to work. The breadth of technology that we can bring to bear on the markets we serve is remarkable. As are the career possibilities. For employees who take the initiative and prepare themselves for what's next, the sky is the limit.

Valuable and diverse experiences

Since my early days at 3M I've been involved with manufacturing processes and engineering technology used in 3M's tape and adhesives, automotive and optical film businesses. My engineering skills and training have been put to good use.

One of the highlights of my career has been the opportunity to head the tape and adhesives lab in France for two years. Another unique and valuable experience was a recent two-year assignment as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt for Corporate Research and Development.

A great fit

3M has been a great fit for me because of the variety of products, technology and businesses providing me diverse experiences. The company's support of my professional and personal interests and goals has been fantastic. It's a great place to build a career.

I was eager to see what my degree and education from the Carlson School of Management (University of Minnesota) in supply chain management and marketing would mean in the real world. Each company's supply chain program is unique. Working as an intern at 3M for nearly a year brought my education to life.

Experiencing 3M's culture

As an intern, I was a Product Planner in 3M's Abrasive Systems Division while finishing my final year at the U of M. My role was to help ensure optimal production of abrasives products. This had me interacting with marketing and the plant giving me exposure to many different groups. The best part of being an intern is getting to know the culture and the people at 3M. So many employees have been willing to share information and input to help me learn.

Variety of work

Since then I've been focusing on helping different 3M businesses develop supply chain solutions. My work is very project oriented which offers a lot of variety. It also requires creative thinking along with the analytical. I have to think differently—there are no clear answers. Creativity is appreciated and encouraged.

Looking to the future

My supervisors have played a very important role in my development. I've been given challenging assignments so I'm always learning. I have so many choices for my next job within 3M. I'm looking forward to getting my MBA and perhaps seeing how I can apply my marketing degree.

Advice to college students

Network before you join 3M and once you're here. Understand the full picture of 3M. Be an active learner always seeking out new information.

My 3M internships provided me a wide range of experiences including hands-on work at the 3M plant in Detroit, Mich., networking with people from different parts of the company. I also had the chance to learn about 3M's technology, the people and the company in general. I worked three summers as an intern in St. Paul, Minn., and one summer at the Abrasives plant in Detroit. Each internship offered valuable experience that prepared me for a permanent position.

Getting started

In March 2005, I started a full-time, permanent position after finishing my Master's in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech. Today I'm a Systems Simulation Engineer, which has me running computer simulations of manufacturing processes to identify where improvements can be made. I interact a lot with 3Mers at different plants to get input and help scope my projects.

Engineering opportunities

I really enjoy my work and there are plenty opportunities for growth. By networking with people from around 3M, I've been able to see the different ways I can use my engineering background as I go forward in my career. I use my education every day.

A big move

Moving to St. Paul from Detroit was a big move but I'm glad I did it. I love the Twin Cities but I also like the fact that 3M has locations around the U.S. and overseas. It was important to me that I work for a company that matched my personal and careers goals. 3M was my top choice when I graduated and I'm proud to be here.

Advice to college students

Make sure the companies you're looking at are a good fit with what you want to do and with your careers goals. If 3M looks like a good fit, then work hard to get your foot in the door.

I have always wanted to start a business and that's exactly what I'm part of at 3M. Even though I work for a large company, I'm truly in a start-up environment developing and marketing cutting-edge LED (light-emitting diode) technology with some of the most intelligent scientists around.

Introduction to 3M

My introduction to 3M was through a class project with 3M in Austin, Texas, while I was working on my MBA at the University of Texas. The people were great and I enjoyed the work. Not long after graduating, I started in 3M's Strategic Business Development group within Corporate Marketing. It's a leadership development training program for MBA grads that provides experience with a variety of projects and 3M businesses. One of my projects led to my current job. The position builds on my previous six years of experience working with an industrial chemical company in Europe.

3M's people and technology

I've been most impressed with the people and the technology of 3M. I work with people who have a passion for their work and are committed to using 3M technology to change people's lives and make the world a better place. It's very motivating to be surrounded by fellow employees who love their work.

I like the hands-on experience I'm getting in every aspect of running a business—from the lab and supply chain to marketing and sales. My coworkers and management believe in me and my career development. It's such a big part of the culture at 3M.

Advice to college students

Each division of 3M has its own personality and is run like a separate business. Do as much research and networking as possible to understand the area of 3M you're most interested in.

Bringing Automotive Six Sigma Experience to 3M

I came to 3M after 17 years of automotive experience. I was a Director in Material Planning and Logistics and a Plant Manager of a truck assembly plant. I had the Lean Six Sigma strategy burned into my brain with experiences at Toyota, here, and in Japan. I work on operational excellence and business growth.

3M’s Size Offers Opportunities

What attracted me to 3M is its diverse product portfolio – important in economically challenging times and its large global footprint, which allows me to have good business and life experiences. Also, 3M is so large; I can get a very diverse set of career experiences here, working on both operational excellence and in business development. I also had the opportunities to interface with several good 3M employees prior to joining the company. 3M has really good people.

Roving Change Agent for Operational Excellence and Business Growth

I’m a roving change agent, sort of a “go and see” type guy. I go out on a plant tour and walk around with the leadership and we look for ways to improve quality and save money. And I’m in a lot of regular meetings, doing the same thing. People tend to resist change, but, when they turn the corner, they can be some of your biggest advocates for the change. I enjoy it when I see the light bulbs go off in someone’s face when they see the difference a change can make.

I Always Wanted to Do This

I always wanted to understand the decisions that top-level executives make who run really large companies like 3M. I had the opportunity to work for top-level executives when I was in the automotive business. So having the opportunity to work for an executive vice president at 3M has been huge for me. It is very exciting to participate at this level and see how things work, and be a part of what gets done.

A Natural with Computers

I was a music major at Indiana University and the University of Iowa. I started working in a computer consulting firm and took to it naturally. Within a year I was being sent out to help their clients take care of their computer systems. One of those clients was 3M.

Worked Internationally

As a contract worker, then a 3M employee, my first sixteen years were spent working in International IT, helping people in Latin America, Asia and Africa. I worked with them to set standards so we could all communicate and share knowledge with and about our computer systems. I traveled to all sorts of interesting places and met some great people. I worked with people in about sixteen different countries every day, and got to learn all about their cultures. I was invited into their homes when I came to visit, got to meet their families, and sometimes had them here to visit. It was really nice to meet and make friends with 3Mers all around the world.

Great People Wherever I Go

Then I moved into the eBusiness area and really had a blast there. I didn’t think I could have more fun than I did in International, but I did. From there, I was given an opportunity to manage a department in our infrastructure organization and, again, I’m having a lot of fun. What I most enjoy about 3M are the people I work with. There are really fabulous, smart, capable people everywhere in the company.

Shared Values and Anything is Possible

I’ve always had a strong sense of community and social responsibility, and so I wanted to work for a corporation that had those same values - that did a lot of good for the community and for society in general. Also, I wanted a place where I was respected and valued. I found all of this here. I feel like I can go as far as I want in this company; the only thing holding me back is me and how much responsibility and accountability I really want.

What Attracted Me

Coming from South Carolina, I knew it was going to be a culture change to be in Minnesota, but I found the people here are awesome! It was really the pride people had in their work and wanting to do a quality job that attracted me. I was here as a summer intern and people took me under their wing and really wanted me to succeed.

Great People, Great Projects

After six years working in IT Integrity and Security, I transitioned into IT e-Business. I enjoy working with our many 3M business units, and being able to see the diversity of our products and locations. I’m usually juggling several projects. I work directly with internal clients to determine requirements for new web sites and then partner with developers to put the sites together. It’s gratifying to see a project go from idea or concept to completion. The favorite part of my work is the people, and providing clients with tools and solutions that provide value and have a direct impact on their bottom line. I’m on a great team!

Growth Opportunities

The opportunities to grow here are unbelievable. I feel valued and I get to develop my leadership skills. I am two years into a part time MBA program with the full support of my management. I have relationships with three mentors. Whenever I want to learn something new, I look for someone to mentor me.

Giving Back

Now, I’ve been here eight years and I’m starting to give back by mentoring someone else. I’m a member of the 3M African American Society and I’ve been leading the IT DiversITy Council for 3 years. I serve as a recruiter at the annual National Society for Black Engineers Conference, where I was recruited. I’m really proud to represent 3M. A lot of people admire 3M and want to see us remain successful.

A Writer Comes to 3M

I was a technical writer with a liberal arts degree when I came to 3M. What attracted me and what I liked the most about the company was its reputation and variety of businesses. Since then, I’ve come to value the people here – they’re the heart of the company and the heart beats strong all over the world.

Benefitting from Diverse Experiences

Over my 21 years here, I’ve been fortunate to move from different functions across a wide variety of divisions, from logistics and supply chain, to marketing, sales and management. I’m in the dental division now, but was in consumer businesses for 15 years before that, and in the electrical specialties group before that.

Coached by a Mentor

A key to my career was being mentored at 3M. I really wanted to get into international business as a long-term goal and was coached on what to do to achieve my goal. My mentor encouraged me to go back to school and get a business degree. 3M supported this and paid for me to get my MBA. He recommended I get sales experience which I did. Actually, my favorite job over the course of my career was an entry-level sales position representing our company in New England. He also encouraged me to move into a marketing position to gain brand management experience. I followed his guidance and succeeded in reaching my goal.

International Experience

Perhaps the most rewarding assignment I’ve had over the years at 3M has been to manage an international cross-functional business team. Several years ago, 3M’s dental products group merged with ESPE, a German dental products firm. It’s difficult when you merge two different company cultures. However, opportunity comes with diversity. Over time, we’ve been extremely successful coming together and today operate effectively as 3M ESPE. It’s been challenging but hugely rewarding. I’m fortunate to be apart of what I consider one of the best mergers 3M has ever had.

Using My Creativity

As a marketing operations manager, communication skills are critical. Everyday I rely upon my ability to communicate effectively as I work with a wide variety of folks in many critical functions like manufacturing, marketing and sales. Being the global marketing operations manager for 3M ESPE requires creativity, flexibility and a broad business understanding as well. I enjoy creative work. As a past writer, working at 3M gives me enormous creative opportunity. There’s no other company that can provide you such a wide and rich variety of business experiences and career opportunities. 3M is a great place to be.

3Mers Were Welcoming and Friendly

After college, I had a lot of interviews with other companies. When I interviewed with them, I felt like I was a stranger. Then, when I interviewed at 3M, people were welcoming and friendly, and I felt right at home. I also liked that 3M is so diverse and I could have many opportunities within the same company. At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a process engineer, or be in quality or product engineering. I understood that if I didn’t like what I was doing, I could change and do something else. Here, I thought I could continue to grow and change.

Started in a Development Program

I started at 3M in the Optimized Operations Program, a training program that places new employees in manufacturing locations across the U.S. I first spent six months at the Cynthiana, Kentucky 3M plant working on a quality improvement project, then another six months at the Cottage Grove, Minnesota plant working on a lead time and unit cost reduction project. I enjoyed those experiences and learned a lot.

Learning Every Day

What I like most about 3M is the innovation – I’m learning every day. I’m responsible for incoming raw materials. I have four to five ongoing projects, so half of my day goes to working on these projects. The other half is usually spent supporting production.

Developing My Career

I’m grateful to have the opportunity to develop my career here at 3M. I hope to broaden my knowledge and be exposed to more things. I try to meet a lot of people and ask a lot of questions. I’d enjoy going to different plants to see how other products are made. I am also working on a Masters of Technology Management degree, supported by 3M. I’m having fun.

Peak Performer

I sell productivity and security technology to libraries, like self-checkout machines and equipment that uses RFID (radio frequency identification) technology for processing and materials handling. I sell to governments. I've performed really well within our business.

Mentored by Fantastic People

My first position at 3M was as an intern, then I got a job in marketing doing industry and market segmentation analysis. My first experience was really eye-opening for me because I had great exposure and the opportunity to be mentored by some fantastic people who had years of experience in marketing and field sales techniques. I worked with executive vice presidents and some of my work went to our CEO, which I didn’t anticipate at all. The culture at 3M was open and embraced my fresh look on our industry.

Representing the Industry Leader

When I felt it was necessary for me to go out in the field I had that opportunity. I think I'm better at my job because of my previous experience in marketing inside. In my market, 3M is the biggest company, perceived to have industry-leading products. I can represent our brand well because I know we have two hundred or more people back in St. Paul doing research and development, and supporting our products.

Great Place to Learn and Succeed

What I like most about 3M is the people. I've made great friendships here that I value. I like that 3M is a large company where I have the opportunity to be exposed to and learn about many different businesses, whether I'm working for them or not. I like that I can have multiple careers inside one company. I will be starting an MBA program soon, supported by 3M.