Pros
There's a reason I've been here 19 years. I can assure you that this company cares about it's employees. And whether or not it's apparent, cares tremendously about the environment, community and products it offers. The pay is competitive, the flexibility is a tremendous perk and it's fun and exciting. (And ever-changing right now!) The different types of jobs you can have are equally as amazing. Administrative assistant, production line assembly, project manager, software tester, project manager, Scrum master, security guard, quality assurance (testing of the products or programs), sales rep....the list goes on and on. If you find you don't like what you do - stick it out for 2 years and transfer to something else. All of my supervisors- with the exception of 1 - have ALWAYS worked with me to get me to my next step at the company. This is the place to have inspiration and aspirations - and be safe in knowing your work is appreciated. They encourage you to volunteer. They encourage you to get up out of your cube to take a walk. They encourage you to seek a mentor to get you through your professional career. Everyone I have encountered is more than happy to sit down with you and discuss your professional life and give you advice.
Cons
I'm a big believer that not all people can work at all companies. To work at 3M, you have to be flexible. Like - really flexible. And you have to work in ambiguous circumstances at times. If you're the type of person who always needs clear direction, probably not the best place for you. You have to NOT require constant supervision to get your job done. If you're in a leadership position, you have to have confidence in what you're doing and the ability to speak up and step out in a crowd when you have an opinion, yet know when to sit back and listen (and take some advice too!) You *will* have difficulties throughout your professional life - no matter what job you are in. From a manager who doesn't manage you the right way, to not being recognized on a project that you worked hard at, to arrogant people, etc. It's YOUR choice how you handle these things. Step up! Speak out! It's welcome at 3M - and with a bit of work (managing up!) - you can train your boss for what you need as well :) It's a big company - if you like small companies, this is not the place to work. You will more than likely have to walk over 100 feet to get to your desk. There are some that are still working in the "old" way - The "good ol boys club" - where you get promoted because you know them personally, etc. My advice - speak up when you feel shunned, do your part, and find another job in 2 years if it's not working out where you are. These are not deal breakers, but I can totally understand and appreciate difficulties through period of time.
