• What It’s Like to Be a Research & Development Intern at 3M

    • Brieana Gregg, R&D Intern​

      At 3M, we're all learning, discovering, exploring and innovating together. Our internship programs allow for students to join other 3Mers on their career journey. Here’s a deeper look at what it’s like to be a Research & Development (R&D) intern from someone who has experienced it firsthand.

      Name: Brieana Gregg

      Title: R&D Intern 

      Education: Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology and classical Eastern studies/Latin at Creighton University 

      Past Internship Experience: Two previous R&D internships at 3M, the first in the Corporate Research Lab and the second in Food Safety 

      Location: Maplewood, MN 

    • Why were you interested in interning for 3M?

      Since my previous experience had only been in academic labs, I wanted to apply for a position at a company where scientific innovations weren’t just published in a journal, but were applied to products that could help people in their everyday lives. I already knew 3M had a reputation for excellence. When I was first applying for the internship, 3M had just rebranded with “Science: Applied to Life™.” That really caught my attention and made me realize that 3M was more than just Post-it® Notes and Scotch® Tape. 

    • How did you find out about R&D internships at 3M?

      Having grown up in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota, I’ve always known friends and family who have some connection to 3M. A close family friend of mine interned with 3M and had a fantastic experience, which prompted me to apply. 

    • What types of projects are you working on in your internship?

      This summer, I’m conducting formulation studies of a thin film culture system for anaerobic microbiology. This culture system is new to 3M and the industry and allows me to combine my experience in microbiology and chemistry. 

    • What do you think sets the 3M R&D program apart from other R&D internship programs?

      The projects which are assigned to you don’t feel like busy work; this isn’t the type of internship where you just run to get coffees for your team or work on an insignificant project. It makes me more motivated and excited to come to an internship where I know the research I’m doing will help to drive a new and innovative product to the market. 

    • What advice do you have for those interested in this program?

      Be proactive and apply early. Don’t be afraid to reach out to lab managers who are looking for new employees. 

    • What has been the most memorable part of your internship?

      Apart from the amazing science that I’ve had the opportunity to do, some of my most memorable parts of my internships have been the events put on by the internship program. Some were more serious and focused on career development, while others were more lighthearted and allowed me to meet interns in different parts of the company. 

    • Interested in an internship with 3M? Join 3M’s Talent Community and learn how your skills might be a fit at 3M when an opportunity opens up.