3M adds spark of innovation to Summer Internship Program

Wednesday, 7 August 2013 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Company drives commitment to identify, nurture and recognise new talent

3M joins top corporate entities in the country to provide internships for Sri Lankan undergraduates studying abroad through a structured Summer Internship Program. The six week Summer Internship Program will immerse students in Sri Lanka’s corporate world and provide valuable insights into some of the country’s most respected and successful companies. 3M joins MAS, Deutsche Bank and Dialog Axiata in this venture, now in its tenth year. The program, open to Sri Lankan undergraduates below 26 years who return to Sri Lanka for their summer vacation, saw 8,000 applica

nts vie for a coveted placement in the program this year. Following an interview process, 21 candidates were selected to follow the six week program held during July and August. The selected candidates are currently undergoing experience-based training, familiarisation to the relevant companies, competency workshops, CSR initiatives, meetings with key industry heads and an overview of Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape, among many other learning experiences. Interns will also undergo personal and professional development workshops and will be able to broaden their horizons through insights into exciting career opportunities in Sri Lanka. Upon completion of the Summer Internship Program, students will have a comprehensive understanding of relevant businesses and be armed with the necessary tools to be successfully integrated into the corporate sector once they complete their degrees. Commenting on his experiences as an intern at 3M Sri Lanka, Pavan Ramchandani from the University of California said in this regard; “I had an amazing experience interning at 3M. Working with this corporate giant that has a global presence and a culture deeply ingrained with innovation proved to be a great learning experience. Creativity

and high performance are fundamental values at 3M and this makes for a fantastic work environment where there’s never a dull moment.” “This internship has given me an in-depth insight into the opportunities available in the corporate sector of Sri Lanka as well as enabled me to learn more about myself and give me direction as to where I want to go with my life,” elaborates intern Lalindri Paranagama from the University of Warwick. 3M Sri Lanka Vice President Suren Rajanathan, stated in this regard; “We are immensely pleased to come on board to provide opportunities and expose young talent to our corporate culture through this summer internship program. In the past, the program focused on

the apparel, telecommunication and banking sectors. This year, we aim to add value to the program by providing interns with exposure to 3M’s world of innovation in five different businesses we represent in over 200 countries.” “Recognising both individual and team excellence has been an essential and enduring part of our culture, since the beginnings of the company,” said 3M Sri Lanka Head of Human Resources Nishanthi Fonseka. “We are delighted to be a part of the Summer Internship Program and engage interns in 3M’s corporate culture, spirit of innovation and business model and thus make a contribution towards nurturing high potential talent in the country.”