Sourcing & Product Development in Textiles
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Hi, I’m Elva! Currently a Graduate Trainee working in the Textile Division at Lidl & Kaufland Asia.
I graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), majoring in Global Supply Chain Management. During my final year of study, I was unsure about my professional path, so I began looking for programs that allow me to explore my interests.
I attended a number of recruitment talks back then and learned about L&K Asia's Graduate Trainee Programme, which offers three rotations through different functions in two years. Apart from my major subject, I was also interested in textiles, so I believed L&K Asia would be a great place for me to discover and develop my career.
How is your experience in the Graduate Trainee Programme
Throughout my journey with L&K Asia, I have been to two rotations, which are
- Textile – Sourcing
- Textile – Product Development
Under Sourcing, I worked closely with my Sourcing Manager and gained hands-on experience in every aspect of the sourcing process, from supplier evaluation and onboarding to relationship management. It is also where I got my foundation knowledge regarding fabric and garment construction.
My current rotation in Product Development has provided me with numerous possibilities to explore my creative side. I was assigned tasks that required Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D Software application skills, which I had never learned before while studying business and believed I was capable of. Being able to learn these software is undoubtedly a highlight as well as a professional win for me.
With the foundation built from the prior two rotations, I am looking forward to apply all I’ve learned to the upcoming rotation in Textile – Merchandising.
What motivates your passion for your work and learning in this environment
What drives me to be passionate is the people here. I value the time and effort they invested in educating me. Despite my lack of experience with textiles, they are willing to teach me from the ground up. Every coworker has their unique area of expertise, therefore there is always something I can learn from everyone.
What advices would you like to share to others to make the most of their Graduate Trainee Programme @ Lidl & Kaufland Asia
L&K Asia is a place full of chances and challenges. I never feel bored because I am constantly learning new things, which is the goal of the Trainee Programme.
If I could give any new Trainee one piece of advice, it would be to be to be adaptable to everything, and you will experience things you never would have imagined enjoying.