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Bryanna, Strategist at 3M: Advize Career Interview

A career journey from fifth-grade math teacher to 3M Strategist, this professional's path showcases adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning.

The interview reveals a dynamic role involving internal consulting, research, and crafting compelling presentations to address diverse business needs.

A day's work includes client interactions, independent project planning, and leveraging internal expertise. Success hinges on navigating ambiguity, synthesizing complex information, and effectively communicating across teams.

The most rewarding aspects include project variety, exposure to diverse business segments, and contributing to innovations that enhance daily life.

While the role is supportive, rather than always primary, it offers invaluable experience within a leading manufacturing company. Undergraduate students might consider entry-level data analyst or leadership development program positions.

Active participation in college clubs and a willingness to continuously learn are highlighted as key factors for career success.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Bryanna Brown

Strategist

3M

Georgia State University c/o 2015

Washington University in St Louis - Olin Business School, MBA

Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts

Engineering

Business Strategy

Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path Of A Strategist At 3M

Bryanna's career journey began with two years as a fifth-grade math teacher with Teach for America, extending to a third year and then transitioning to their national recruiting staff. Following an MBA at Washington University in St. Louis, where their experiences included consulting work and roles in education and philanthropy, Bryanna joined 3M as a strategist in their leadership development program, demonstrating a commitment to "education" while also showcasing a diverse skill set across multiple sectors.

Career Path Of A Strategist At 3M

Main Responsibilities of a Strategist at 3M

As a participant in 3M's leadership development program, Bryanna functions as an internal consultant, working with two clients simultaneously to "research and develop a recommendation" for business needs. This involves significant research culminating in "PowerPoint presentations" outlining solutions to client problems.

Main Responsibilities of a Strategist at 3M

A Day In The Life Of A Strategist At 3M

A day for Bryanna as a Strategist at 3M involves "client check-ins" and independent project planning, leveraging internal expertise through informational interviews to gather data for recommendations. The work culminates in synthesizing this information into a visually appealing presentation, ensuring the final product effectively addresses the project's initial objectives.

A Day In The Life Of A Strategist At 3M

Most Important Skills For A Strategist At 3M

For a strategist at 3M, the most important skills include "operating in ambiguity" and adapting quickly to new situations, essential for navigating the company's two-year leadership development program and diverse projects. Further, the ability to synthesize complex information into "bite-sized sound bites" and effectively communicate across various teams and organizational levels is crucial for project success.

Most Important Skills For A Strategist At 3M

Favorite Parts of Being a Strategist at 3M

Bryanna, a Strategist at 3M, most enjoys the "ability to switch projects," completing two-to-three month assignments before moving on to new challenges. This variety is especially appealing given Bryanna's career transition from non-profit education to industrial manufacturing, allowing for broad skill development and exposure to diverse business segments.

Favorite Parts of Being a Strategist at 3M

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Strategist at 3M

Bryanna's biggest challenge as a Strategist at 3M is the constant influx of new information; "learning something new all the time" presents an initial hurdle of needing to quickly "figure out new sources," but this ultimately evolves into an enjoyable aspect of the role as projects progress.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Strategist at 3M

Favorite Parts Of Working At 3M As A Strategist

Bryanna, a Strategist at 3M, finds the most rewarding aspect of her industry "the ability to learn about products that [she] use[s] on an everyday basis," discovering the vast scope of 3M's contributions beyond well-known items like Post-it notes, and appreciating how the company's innovations "enhance everyone's lives on a day-to-day basis."

Favorite Parts Of Working At 3M As A Strategist

What Type Of Person Thrives In Industrial Manufacturing According To A Strategist At 3M

At 3M, a manufacturing company, scientists are the "lifeline," creating patented products and driving revenue; however, success also hinges on understanding "technical lingo" and supporting the technical employees' work, even without a scientific background. This demonstrates the value of technical comprehension and support within the company's structure.

What Type Of Person Thrives In Industrial Manufacturing According To A Strategist At 3M

What A Strategist At 3M Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Innovation Industry

Bryanna, a Strategist at 3M, wishes someone had emphasized that a strategist's role is "supportive and not always the primary need for the business," requiring a focus on complementing the work of scientists and innovators to successfully bring products to market, a lesson learned through navigating the initial intimidation of working alongside "amazing people and brilliant" colleagues.

What A Strategist At 3M Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Innovation Industry

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Strategists At 3M

While 3M's strategy and marketing program typically targets MBA graduates, entry-level data analyst positions offer undergraduates "the same program," albeit with different titles and experience levels; 3M also has undergraduate-level positions within its leadership development program.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Strategists At 3M

Significant Career Lesson From a Strategist at 3M

Bryanna, a Strategist at 3M, emphasizes the importance of "never stop learning," highlighting a persistent curiosity as key to career advancement. This continuous learning, a willingness to embrace the unknown ("I don't know what this is, but I wanna learn more"), has driven career success across diverse industries.

Significant Career Lesson From a Strategist at 3M

College Experiences That Helped A Strategist At 3M Succeed

Bryanna's undergraduate experience significantly shaped their career success; active participation in "on campus clubs and organizations" honed project management and time management skills, while also fostering a willingness to seek help—"reaching out to people"—a crucial trait for their current role as a consultant, requiring constant client interaction and problem-solving.

College Experiences That Helped A Strategist At 3M Succeed
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