I can’t believe it’s been a week since I arrived in Berlin! It still doesn’t feel real that I’m in a different country. The past week, we had an orientation with our program manager, Britta, to explore the city of Berlin. We visited the TV Tower, the Berlin Wall, the American Chamber of Commerce, the Amazon Tower construction site, and so on. The public transportation here in Berlin is huge and convenient. We took the subway and buses everywhere, and it is so convenient to get around the city simply by hopping on the train, especially since it runs for almost 24 hours. The subway system is easy to navigate as well. It is not hard to find the directions since there are usually clear direction signs. However, it sometimes can be a little confusing as to where to wait for the train when some stations are under construction and the signs are written in German. I guess it is a sign to try and learn German as much as possible.
During the orientation, we also had a two-hour intensive German class every day for three days to get ourselves to pick up some basic German. Honestly, I was really surprised about how common English is in Germany, and so many Germans speak good English. In Taiwan, where I am from, we learn English from grade 1 all the way through grade 12, but I wouldn’t say that everyone speaks English well. I know that it’s the same in Germany where they also learn English at school, and I was surprised by how well everyone here speaks English, which is very interesting.
We were lucky to have the Monday off as a long weekend since it was the Carnival of Cultures in Germany. The Carnival of Cultures is a big festival in which over a million people participate to celebrate different cultures and diversity in Berlin. There was a parade where people showed off their traditional clothes and music. It was really cool to see different countries’ traditions and enjoy the food outside the food stands. I would say it was a hassle to get back home with all the people getting on the train at the same time though it was a really fun experience.
On Tuesday, I will be working in the insulation industry, specifically in the supply chain area. The company that I am interning at specializes in building customized insulations for clients around the world. The skills and strengths needed in order to succeed in the industry are strong analytical skills, effective communication skills, flexibility, and time management skills. During my interview with the company, my now supervisor ran me through what he did daily as a supply chain manager and the skills he was looking for in an intern. He told me that it is important to have a strong analytical mindset to make informed decisions, identify bottlenecks, and propose effective solutions to improve efficiency. Also, since the supply chain was impacted by the pandemic, and it has not fully recovered yet, it is very important to manage all the supply and demand resources. Communication between clients and vendors is a key component for having a smooth supply chain flow. As supply chain flow is not always stable, it is essential always to keep everyone in the loop of what can be delivered and send off.
Also, since supply chains operate in a dynamic environment, where changes in market demands, regulations, or supplier availability are common, professionals in this field must be adaptable and flexible, capable of quickly adjusting strategies and processes to meet new requirements. The ability to anticipate and respond to disruptions is vital to minimize risks and maintain continuity.
I would also say that to be successful in the industry in Germany, knowledge of German regulatory environment and sustainability are key to win. Germany has specific regulations and quality standards for various industries, including insulation. Professionals in the supply chain area must have a comprehensive understanding of these regulations to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain process. Familiarity with German legal requirements and quality certifications is crucial for seamless operations and customer satisfaction. Moreover, Germany places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. I can already sense the awareness by seeing everyone with a resuable bag doing grocery shooping and recycling cans after finishing a drink. Professionals in the supply chain area should have a good understanding of green logistics practices, energy-efficient transportation methods, and sustainable packaging solutions. The ability to implement environmentally friendly initiatives not only aligns with Germany’s values but also enhances the company’s reputation in the market.
I am starting my internship tomorrow, and I am very nervous and excited at the same time. I am not entirely sure what will happen, but wish me the best!