CHEUNG Siu-yung Tracy, CHAN Lai-kwan Rainy || BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles || H&M Hennes & Mauritz (Far East) Limited, Hong Kong

Cheung Siu-yung Tracy and Chan Lai-kwan Rainy’s internships at H&M Hennes & Mauritz (Far East) Limited this summer has broadened their horizons with a deeper understanding of the fashion industry.

Studying Fashion Technology, Tracy interned as a technician in the Quality Assurance Department. She first worked in the Physical Testing Section for accessory products and learnt testing techniques such as dry and wet rubbing, staining, colorfastness to water, saliva, perspiration and bleeding. Later, she was rotated to Color Evaluation and worked on approval of lab dip and sample. Throughout the internship, Tracy received guidance from mentors who taught her different techniques. “I am glad that I could implement my textile knowledge learnt from school into the summer training and have a better and deeper understanding of it,” says Tracy.

As a merchandiser during the internship, Rainy assisted in following up orders and assessing products. She also helped in sample development and communicating with buyers. “I am glad to have had the chance to work with different teams. They also provided me a series of shop visits to investigate what kinds of products got the most attention and draw from customers. I thus learnt to apply the retail theory I learnt from the college in real work,” says Rainy.

She also went to the showroom to study the display of products. “I was so impressed by the brilliant fashion in the showroom. It was a place for media and promotions. It was an unforgettable experience and a practical lesson in visual merchandising,” Rainy recalls. She also visited the Guangdong factory which manufactures hats and acquired more understanding about the production processes and how a factory runs.

Westernized management style  

The international working environment was another excitement to both interns. Headquartered in Sweden, H&M regularly seconds staff to the local office for transfer of management style, culture and new ideas. “Most of the H&M staff are energetic and passionate about the fashion industry. Maybe these are important attributes required for working in the field. The potential to work in a foreign country inspired me to get prepared for my future career. I hope that I can become more independent to take up jobs outside Hong Kong,” Rainy says.

Tracy and Rainy were also impressed by the harmonic and flexible environment H&M created for staff. “The company offers flextime to employees. Staff can manage their own working hours. It is a kind of mutual trust and none of the staff will exploit this policy,” Rainy adds. They also highly appreciate the company and the staff for their friendliness and kindness. “I am so delighted that we were treated as full-time staff. As we are about the same age group, we’ve become friends with the staff,” Tracy says.

Best quality, best price, fast fashion

“The company gave us with a comprehensive training. They provided us the best quality of learning and working environment and the most up-to-date knowledge just as how they provide their products to the customers, showing us the outlook of an international fashion company,” Tracy says.

The well-organised training is influential on their career plans. “I believe there are challenges in this industry especially in merchandising where I would like to pursue my career,” Rainy adds.

Tracy, who decided to select the subject of intimate apparel this year, was much inspired by her colleagues. “I talked to some of the seniors about my career development. They shed some light on studying intimate apparel. Since PolyU is the only university with this specialised subject, why not develop my specialties in this area?” she says.