It’s an exciting time to be a part of 3M. As a science company, we have long been known for our technology and manufacturing strength that helps solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. Now more than ever, we are also being recognized as a premier place to work around the globe.
Earlier this year, we received the honor of being ranked the number one “dream company” for millennials by the National Society of High School Scholars. For each of the last five years, we’ve earned a 100 percent score from the Human Rights campaign for LGBT workplace equality. Fifteen of our international locations were recently named best places to work in their respective countries. And just last month, we were included on Fortune’s global list of the top 25 best multinational workplaces.
There are many reasons why more and more people are recognizing 3M as a great place to develop as a leader and build an exciting career. Here are just a few:
With operations in 70 countries and sales in almost 200, 3M touches nearly every industry in every market around the world. This allows our team a breadth of opportunities few other companies can offer. Our people are exposed to diverse cultures, can live in different countries, and learn numerous skills across multiple industries. You can reinvent yourself and your career without ever leaving 3M, to the benefit of your growth and our company.
For me personally, I started at 3M more than 20 years ago in our company’s legal department, went on to serve as a business manager in one of our divisions, and am now privileged to lead our Human Resources team. I’ve also had the opportunity to visit and work in roughly 40 countries in every corner of the globe.
We invest in 3Mers at every stage of their careers, and are constantly evolving our strategies to keep up with a changing workforce. Last year we launched a new leadership development program that includes coaching, self-assessments and networking with top leaders inside and outside of 3M. It targets people at all levels within our company, and supports our goal of having 100 percent of 3Mers participate in a development program.
We also reward excellence, including through competitive pay and benefits. The more you contribute to our company’s success, the more you will succeed. And we help people thrive through a variety of ways – from investing in modern workspaces and healthy living, to our FlexAbility program that enables 3Mers to better balance their home life and work.
We use science to solve problems and improve lives – from strengthening renewable energy and protecting food supplies, to purifying water and increasing the quality of health care. At 3M you can go to work every day with a sense of purpose and be a part of making the world a better place. This includes our long-standing focus on sustainability – in terms of the products we invent for customers, and in our own supply chain. Over the last four decades, our groundbreaking Pollution Prevention Pays program has prevented 2 million tons of pollution, while saving 3M more than $2 billion.
As an individual, you will also have many opportunities to join other 3Mers and make a difference through volunteerism – from assisting at food banks to mentoring students. This year alone, our people are on track to devote more than 300,000 hours in service to others. This is on top of the ongoing investments our company makes to enhance STEM education, strengthen the social safety net and otherwise improve our communities. We want all 3Mers to live and work in places that are strong, vibrant and healthy.
Our company earns about 3,000 patents every year, and we are constantly strengthening our innovation engine. Over the last five years, we’ve invested more than $8 billion in R&D – which our CEO calls the “heartbeat of 3M” – and recently opened a new, state-of-the-art laboratory in the United States. What also sets 3M apart is our culture, which gives people the freedom to explore, take risks and collaborate across our businesses and countries. You can work with some of the world’s best and most creative minds to push the boundaries of scientific progress. Our 15 percent culture, which started seven decades ago, also lets you explore your own passion projects and ideas.
This innovation mindset extends to every area of the company. We are always striving to find new and better ways to do something – whether it’s a cutting-edge technology, an improved manufacturing process or a more effective marketing strategy. Just last month, 3M was named the world’s third most innovative company in a global study by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
We work hard to create an environment that breeds both success and satisfaction. For example, we have a robust mentoring program, along with more than a dozen employee resource networks which all have an executive sponsor. In fact, two of the groups – our Women’s Leadership Forum and African American Network – each recently celebrated their 40th anniversary.
Two years ago, we also launched “I’m In,” an initiative that’s mobilized 3Mers in 60-plus countries around the importance of accepting and valuing the differences among us. “I’m In” recognizes that diversity and inclusion is more than just the right thing to do; it leads to new ideas and fresh perspectives, which makes us more competitive.
The 3M brand represents the promise we offer customers, in terms of the premier quality and performance of our products. It also represents the way we do business: with honesty and integrity. 3M is consistently ranked among the world’s most ethical and respected companies – which is a big point of pride for us, and a reputation built over 114 years. We are proud of our bold red 3M logo and all it stands for.
Ultimately, a job owes a person more than a paycheck. You also deserve the opportunity to be in a supportive and energetic environment, to work on things that will make a difference, and to build a great career that you can shape and mold in many different directions. For me and so many others, 3M is that place.