South Asia Society

The South Asia Society helps to bridge business and cultural connections between 3M and South Asia, promotes cultural awareness of the traditions and social norms prevalent in South Asia, provides a forum for members’ personal and professional growth, and endeavors to strengthen corporate effectiveness by promoting an understanding of the diversity within 3M.

Group activities SAS offers many opportunities for networking and learning through seminars by senior South Asian leaders from within 3M and interaction with external speakers, including local business leaders. SAS provides an informal avenue for mentoring new employees of South Asian origin through informal get-togethers, family picnics and a fall luncheon to celebrate Diwali and Eid, two major festivals in South Asia.

How we make a difference
SAS serves as a key focal point for South Asians at 3M, helping them meet and network with others from similar backgrounds and ethnicity. This helps members develop a sense of community as well as enjoy opportunities for professional and personal development. SAS supports 3M’s efforts to improve diversity and disseminate diversity information within the company.

Meet a member

	“Joining 3M was a natural choice for me because of its range of products and research opportunities.” Ravi Research Specialist Electronic Markets Materials Division 3Mer since 2000

I was recruited by 3M from Georgia Tech after I finished my doctorate degree in polymers. I started in the 3M Corporate Laboratory, working with a number of divisions. Next, I joined the Electronics Markets Materials Division because it fit my personal interests (building computers at home) and because electronics is an exciting, fast moving field. 3M supplies materials that go into iPhones®, iPods® and cell phones. These are things everyone can relate to.

Diversity of work and people
What I enjoy most about 3M is the different types of work that go on within 3M’s diverse markets and products. I get to meet a lot of very smart people -- people with different backgrounds and expertise. I was encouraged to join the 3M Tech Forum through which technology is shared across the company and around the globe. The Tech Forum is something quite special to 3M.

I also appreciate all the training opportunities offered at 3M, especially seminars on technical topics and classes on leadership and management.

Sharing experiences
I joined the South Asia Society to meet people with backgrounds similar to my own and learn about their experience at 3M. I am from India. I am currently president of the South Asia Society. We have about 200 members and are working to recruit more.

	“I was born and raised in the Twin Cities and always knew 3M was a great place to work.” Hasit IT Global Network Support IT Operations 3Mer since 2003

Before joining 3M full-time, I was a technical aide, working 10 hours a week for four years at 3M while attending the University of Minnesota. I earned a joint degree in Computer Science and Economics. During the time I was a tech aide, I was hopeful that a position would open so I could be hired as a regular 3Mer. I got my wish in 2003.

Within IT Operations, I work with 3Mers from around the world monitoring 3M’s network and applications. I like being part of a talented team and appreciate the numerous learning opportunities.

A place to build careers
One of the best things about 3M is that you can build your career within the same company. At some point, I may want to take advantage of my degree in economics. Because 3M is such a large company with so many businesses, I am sure that will be possible some day.

Meet and mingle
I joined the South Asia Society to meet and mingle with people who work in different parts of the company. At 28, I am one of the youngest members and appericate the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others in the ERG.