Trinh Tuong | Happy International Service Enterprise

I was offered an internship position at Happy Intl Service Enterprise (Happy Intl) as an Assistant Operations Manager. Happy Intl is an apparel company engaged in garment manufacturing and export to the UK, with a head office in Taiwan. It is a young start-up founded in April 2018 and aims to provide contemporary fashion of excellent quality. This mission means affordable comfort with the finest quality as well as timely delivery. Combined with the strength of time and quality control (precise cutting, pattern, and manufacture in Asia, as well as capabilities in seamless supply chain logistics), the mission of Happy Intl is to provide our best-of-the-class apparel for the European market.

My traineeship was directly linked to my studies and my future goals. Our Liberal Arts in Humanities program allows the students to understand more about localization culture which is applicable to how people from two different continents conduct business. There are differences in working style and cultural values between Asian and Western nations. Asian culture values are collectivist, unlike Western values which favour spontaneous and unique individuals. These differences make it necessary to find better ways to communicate with people, using their value systems.

This internship allowed me to work alongside somebody in a high position by performing clerical tasks and enabled me to apply my skillset in international business to be more well engaged. I focused on company management and communication. I blended my humanities education with new skills and had the chance to meet people from a diverse set of countries and backgrounds. My passions for business and cultural exchange were combined. 
During my internship, I gained skills and knowledge in management and international business relations. I perceived this opportunity as a significant milestone in my career development. The work challenged me every day since I had to practice many writing and communication styles. For example, the workday could start with a project report, turn into an explanation email, and end with getting and receiving feedback. Since my writing reached many different audiences, I had to practice how to write effectively: writing skills were an essential part of communication. Effectively, my communication skills grew both professionally and personally, it helped me express myself and improve critical thinking. During my internship, I assisted the Operation Manager and team members with their daily activities to ensure that everything goes smoothly. My tasks included booking venues for meetings, organizing brand extends and building relationships with business providers. This position allowed me to understand the way people from different countries conduct business. I had the opportunity to work in a global environment and learn more about international cooperation. This internship was just a beginning; my goal is to become a Brand Operations Manager what helps me reach is knowledge on communication, language, and culture.

The internship opportunity I had with Happy International Service Enterprise was an excellent learning and professional development opportunity. I am grateful for having had a chance to meet so many wonderful people and professionals who led me though this internship period. Special thanks to the Operation Manager of Happy International Service Enterprise’s UK, Ms Chien-Ya Hsu who, despite being extraordinarily busy with her duties, took time out to guide me. She kept me on the correct path and allowed me to carry out my work at their esteemed organization.