Why We Recruit is a series of interviews with our recruiting partners covering everything from their experience working with HBS to what they would like students to know. Each week, we will release a new interview that dives into a unique perspective on recruiting.

Name, Title and Organization
Sarah Bencic (HBS ‘14), Strategic Business Development Supervisor, 3M

Describe your organization in three to five sentences.
3M is a global innovation company committed to applying science to solve our customers’ toughest challenges. With over 100,000 patents, we impact the world around us in real ways every day – from respirators that allow painters and welders to breathe easier to stethoscopes that allow doctors to monitor astronauts in space. We generate sales of nearly $32 billion from our five business groups (Health Care, Industrial, Consumer, Safety & Graphics and Electronics & Energy) by improving lives all over the world.

How long has your organization been recruiting at Harvard Business School and what roles do you hire for?
3M has been recruiting at HBS since 2010. We hire full-time Supervisors and Summer Interns in our Strategic Business Development department, a part of 3M’s Business Development, Sales and Marketing functions. Members of this leadership development program lead individual internal consulting projects across the company’s 27 divisions to drive growth and profitability through a variety of strategy, marketing and business development projects.

What recruiting tactics have you found most successful in engaging with students at HBS?
3M has connected with strong candidates through hosting a presentation on Company Information Day and offering Company Appointments. We encourage interested students to continue the conversations started in these events by reaching out to HBS alumni within the company to learn more. We are currently exploring ways to partner with student clubs to engage with students in new ways.

Give us your elevator pitch – what is the one thing students should know about working for you?
3M believes every problem has a solution. The Strategic Business Development program is at the forefront of finding these solutions in the areas of strategy, marketing and business development. This collaborative, two-year, non-rotational program offers HBS students the opportunity to contribute directly to 3M’s growth and bottom line while building a diverse functional skillset and rich company-wide network that prepares them for a long-term career in general management.

Is there anything else you would like to share with fellow recruiters or those who are new to recruiting with HBS?
We are consistently impressed with the level of insight and diversity of perspective our HBS recruits offer.