Degree studied and university: Chemical Engineering MEng at Newcastle University.
Current Role at 3M: Optimised Operations (O2) Engineer, currently based at 3M Loughborough.
What attracted you to join 3M?
When looking for graduate schemes I was interested in a few different criteria; ability to progress, company culture, location and job role/responsibilities. When I looked into 3M and the O2 graduate scheme, I found that you get a lot of support to progress and are provided with great training opportunities. Additionally 3M are one of the world’s most ethical companies, there are sites across the UK and within the O2 scheme there is opportunity to move between sites. Finally, the O2 graduate scheme is based in manufacturing which is something I knew I wanted from previous placements.
What have you done since joining 3M?
I have been at 3M for just under 1 year, I’m currently on my second placement. My first placement was at 3M Aycliffe where I worked on productivity and six sigma projects in the production of respirators. My second placement is at 3M Loughborough working on lean six sigma and equipment validation in the inhalation value stream. My experiences at the two sites are extremely varied and have allowed me to work in two completely different business functions with 3M.
I have also completed my O2 graduate scheme training which focused on a wide range of skills; from technical engineering skills during a 5 day course at a technical college, to leadership skills with all of the graduates in the UK, to wider business and financial knowledge.
What do you enjoy most and least about your job at 3M?
I enjoy working in a manufacturing area the most, responding to production needs on a day-to-day basis makes the work really interesting, while also having longer term projects. When I moved locations and during changes to the company data systems, I have had to complete online training courses. I understand the importance of them and they have helped me learn a lot about my new location and how to work the new systems, but I much prefer doing hands-on work in the manufacturing area and working on my projects.
