China Club

The China Club promotes Chinese culture awareness and offers members the opportunity to interact, communicate and participate in cultural activities; helps maximize members’ 3M corporate knowledge and functional expertise, while providing a voice for the Chinese community at 3M.

Group activities
China Club celebrates traditional Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival and hosts an annual summer picnic for members and their families. Career development seminars are given by seasoned members who share their professional experience. Members also provide assistance on urgent personal issues to other members and help new employees settle in the Twin Cities.

How we make a difference
3M China Club includes members who are either from the China region or have worked in China regions for many years. Most speak both fluent English and Chinese. This helps the group successfully bridge business and cultural connections between 3M and China and provide cultural awareness and understanding throughout the company.

Meet a member

	“3M innovation and the freedom researchers have are what drew me to 3M.”” Chuntao Product Development Specialist 3M ESPE 3Mer since 2001

I had heard much about 3M, so when a campus recruitment team came to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, I was very interested in learning more. With a doctorate degree in polymer science and engineering, I first joined the 3M Corporate Research Laboratory. I stayed there for about four years working on nanocomposites for the optical uses.

Technical connections and friendships
Through the 3M technical community, the 3M dental division learned about my work and became interested. When an opening arose in the 3M ESPE dental division, I applied. Now I work on nanocomposites for dental restorative products.

What I like best about 3M is that innovation is highly valued. There are deadlines, but the pressure is not overwhelming like at some companies. People really care about each other here.

The China Club is good for Chinese employees to stay in touch with our culture and with each other. I enjoy celebrating Chinese festivals and having picnics with other members and their families. I have also hosted visiting Chinese officials coming to 3M for business. Also, the club helps make broader connections within the company. I am glad 3M supports Employee Resource Groups like this.

	“3Mers have a sense of family. That is something very special.” Lin Senior Analytical Chemist 3M Drug Delivery System Division 3Mer since 2002

After I graduated from University of Minnesota I was excited to come and work for 3M. I felt like I was joining a family of 3Mers. I worked for 3M Pharmaceuticals for more than four years. I transferred to 3M’s Drug Delivery System Division in 2006. My job is rewarding because what we do has a direct impact on people’s health.

Knowledge bridge
3M has great potential. The 3M Tech Forum is like a knowledge bridge with experts in other divisions that you can consult at any time. There is pollination between technology platforms that can bear fruit as new products in other divisions. At 3M like in a university setting, you have the freedom to learn about different aspects of science and learn from each other.

A sustainable company
I am a chemist and have a doctorate in environmental engineering, so I also respect 3M’s global reputation as a sustainable company. The company has made good environmental progress in its own operations, through the 3M Pollution Prevention Pays program and by developing products with environmental benefits. 3M is a good global citizen. For example, it has done a lot of work to help China protect its environment.

I appreciate 3M’s support of diversity in its people, thinking, global locations and products. I have very actively involved with the China Club for several years.