Communications and Commercial Intern

Communications and Commercial Intern: Post 1/3

Irene Rumiz

Hi! 

I'm glad to share my experience from these past two weeks as a Communications and Commercial Intern at The Loop Factory. It has been an amazing and eye-opening experience, both within the sustainability field and in getting to know the working environment in Sweden. It has been incredible to combine my previous work experience in marketing and management with the sustainability knowledge I’ve acquired from several courses at university. This is my first time working in a company whose core mission is sustainability and making the world a better place by reducing and optimizing waste. I’ve had the opportunity not only to be included in ongoing projects and collaborate with different team members, but also to take the lead on one project, which has really boosted my confidence. It means a lot that they trust me and believe I’m capable of it.

I also had the opportunity to visit the lab and see how transformation occurs, how waste is turned into something entirely new. That was truly impressive. It shows that the circular economy is actually possible. This experience has undoubtedly opened my eyes and expanded my horizons, because it’s very different to read about it than to see and understand how it actually works.

Another important aspect of these two weeks is the cultural differences I’ve experienced compared to work environments back home (Dominican Republic) and here in Sweden. The kindness and understanding among coworkers is impressive; no one judges or talks behind your back, which is something more common back home. The flexibility with time, the design of the office space (it even has a resting room!), and, of course, fika, are all things that stand out. The fact that all team members, regardless of role, eat together and share stories and experiences during lunch, or that taking a walk after eating is normal and accepted, shows how important it is in Sweden to balance work and well-being. Healthy and happy employees are more productive, and that’s sometimes overshadowed back home by the pressure to produce constantly.

Last but not least, commuting has been a completely new experience for me. Since The Loop Factory is in Varberg, I travel there by train, and I must admit, I like it. It’s my first time commuting to work, and this routine is interesting and enjoyable (at least for now, let’s see in a few weeks).

I’ll keep you posted on how it goes :)

IR

fabrics & trims sourcing intern TOTEME. BLOG 1/3

My first two weeks as an intern at the fashion company Toteme have been a blast. It has been a mix of excitement and curiosity, but also some scary unknowns that comes with moving to a new city, entering a new environment, and meeting new people. I have a strong educational background in this field, but zero working experience, so I am constantly learning something new. Honestly, it has been really refreshing to switch environments for a while, from the classroom to the real world.

I started my first day in the product development department, but then moved into raw material sourcing, working with fabrics and trims. A lot of what I have been doing so far has been very hands on. I have been cutting fabrics into swatches, and preparing fabric cards with details such as material composition, supplier, and price per meter. These are later presented to the design team during meetings for future collections.

It has been interesting to see how the process works in practice. The designers present what kind of garments and materials they are looking for, and the sourcing team responds by finding and presenting suitable options. I really like how this creates a connection between different departments and shows how important collaboration is within the company.

I have also spent a lot of time going through the in-house fabric archive, organizing and sorting samples while getting more familiar with different materials, finishes, and suppliers. It has been a great way to better understand fabrics in terms of composition, texture, weight, and finish. One of the highlights so far has been helping with fabric research, especially searching for different options for fabrics, linings, and trims within the archive.

Alongside this, I have been helping with daily tasks such as collecting and sending packages, scanning and copying documents, moving boxes, and occasionally steaming garments. These tasks might not sound very exciting, but they are all part of how everything works day to day, and being involved in them has actually been really insightful.

The biggest highlight of these two weeks has been meeting all my new colleagues. Everyone has been very welcoming, and it has been interesting to see how a fashion company operates in practice. The office space is also super cool!

Overall, these first two weeks have been very rewarding in terms of practical learning, but also a great experience socially in a diverse and international workplace.

That’s it for now. Updating again in two weeks!

Peace out,

/ Noah

Global Marketing Intern 1/3

 Hello everyone!

I’m happy to share with you that I’ve now completed my first month as a global marketing intern at a global lifestyle brand operating within the premium fashion industry. 

From day one, I’ve felt very welcomed by my team. The team itself is relatively small, but highly cross-functional. I work closely not only within my team, but have also been involved in meetings and activities involving other functions across the organization, such as the brand team, wholesale, local marketing departments, and content creators. This has given me a broader understanding of how different parts of the business connect.

I started my internship just as the SS26 campaign was launched, which meant that a large part of my first month has been focused on supporting the marketing around that launch and following up on how it performed in press and social media. My role is quite broad and more of a coordinator role, where I’ve been involved in a range of different tasks, which has given me exposure to several areas within marketing. This includes working closely with PR agencies, coordinating influencer marketing, planning social media content and putting together monthly marketing reports, including presenting relevant KPIs and summarizing key insights. I’ve also been part of an ongoing project related to store openings in new markets, events and other brand-building activations aimed at strengthening organic reach and brand awareness. This also connects closely to my field study, where I’m examining which marketing functions are most critical for driving sales but also in order to build brand awareness across both new and existing markets, while still maintaining a consistent brand identity.

So far, I've really enjoyed my time here and during these weeks I've learned a lot already. Looking forward to the next coming weeks! 

/Lisa Sandell

Production Intern at Hodakova 1/3

 Post 1/3 

The past two weeks have greatly verified my expectations against reality. Working closely with both logistics and sourcing departments, I had the chance to see and experience what production using deadstock garments is like. Before starting the internship, I perceived deadstock sourcing as the holy grail of sustainable production - now, I see the plethora of complexities and limitations that are bound to such an innovative and relatively new approach to production. Due to its novelty, the solutions and structures of conventional production management are sometimes inapplicable, requiring new standards and 'know-hows'. 

The process is particularly lengthy and both time and labour consuming. Sourcing and procurement, including building a reliable supplier base, requires plenty of time, research, and patience, as per my supervisor's experience. Each sourced garment goes under thorough quality control to ensure garments are in top-tier condition (e.g. checking for pilling, discolouration, stains, general signs of wear and tear). Some garment repairs and handling take place in-house, including stitching or sewing, removing pilling or stains. Then, the garments are checked against tech-pack criteria, e.g. exact measurements or colour way needed for a specific style and pattern. Once the alignment between the garment and the ready-to-wear garment's material consumption is met, the deadstock material needs to be marked with its purpose before landing in factual manufacture - clear communication, similarly to conventional production, remains at core of all production activities. After successful productions, ready-to-wear garments are again quality-checked, packed appropriately and shipped to ordering stores. 

Although it has only been two weeks so far, I am beyond grateful to be constantly learning about the complexity of implementing sustainable solutions and innovations within the supply chain/production. While thinking about how said processes can be streamlined for more efficient production using deadstock, I wonder: do we actually have to make everything faster and more efficient? Perhaps that's both the 'cost' and 'benefit' of sustainability - to slow down, become more attentive, handle the garment with more thorough care (and awe). 

The Journey Before the Store.

 

Blog Post 1/3

The Journey Before the Store.

 

Let me take you on a journey, behind the scenes of what truly happens to garments before they get to the stores. When people shop in secondhand stores, it often feels like everything donated simply ends up on the shop floor. From my experience working at Erikshjälpen so far, I have realized that this not the case. There is a detailed and structured process that determines what is sold, what is repaired, what is sent to other countries and what is removed completely.

 

The sorting process begins with what is known as light sorting. At this stage, clothes are quickly assessed and separated into different categories. For example, clothes from the brand “157” are placed in a box labelled for Estonia and are sent there. Items that are still good but need some form of repair, washing, or treatment are placed in what is called the Human Bridge box. These items are later picked up, processed, and eventually returned for sale if they meet the required standard.

 

Other garments that are clean, meet quality standards and need no mending will be placed in a large wooden box for further sorting. Accessories such as caps, scarves, ties, and gloves are sorted separately into their own category. There are also special sorting boxes for seasonal items like Christmas clothing, as well as for well-known sports brands such as Addidas and Nike.

 

After the light sorting stage, the process moves into heavy sorting. This is where the large wooden box from light sorting is further divided into more specific categories. Clothing is sorted into different groups such as men’s trousers, women’s trousers, women’s tops, men’s tops, women’s jackets and raincoats, button-down jackets, dresses and skirts, and children’s clothing from ages 0 to youth.

 

In addition to these categories, there are also specific containers for items that cannot be sold. Torn or damaged clothes are separated, and gym wear is also placed in its own category. Interestingly, I observed that items from certain fast fashion brands, particularly Shein, are often discarded and do not proceed further in the system. Personal items such as underwear, socks, bras, and swimwear are also removed and never make it to the shop floor.

 

Once the sorting is completed, the remaining items are prepared for pricing. What stood out to me is that pricing is not based on how new or visually appealing an item looks, but rather on an existing price list determined by brand of clothes. This shows how structured and standardized the system is, rather than subjective.

 

Overall, this experience has given me a deeper understanding of how much work happens behind the scenes in secondhand retail. It is not simply about reselling donated clothes, but about making careful decisions at every stage. The process ensures quality, consistency, and efficiency, while also highlighting that not everything donated is suitable for reuse.

I have also learned that it is better to invest in quality clothes from good brands, as they are more likely to retain secondhand value. Additionally, I have come to understand that buying secondhand clothes does not make you inferior rather, it means you are part of a larger cycle of sustainability and reuse.

Suror

 

Menswear startup internship 3/3

12th may - 28 may

Over the past weeks, I’ve gotten to know the team well and have been very well taken care of. I’m truly thankful for everything I’ve learned during this time. It has made me realize how much can be learned in just a few weeks when given the right opportunities.

Since my last blog update, I’ve been more involved in the purchasing side of the business. My supervisor has been asking me which areas I find most interesting and what I would like to learn more about. One of those areas was purchasing, so I got to follow along when the buyer sourced and purchased buttons, fabrics and care labels.

After that, I was given the responsibility of handling the entire purchase order for the restock of the brand’s four signature trouser styles. This was a large and detailed task where I needed to consider several factors: analyzing previous sales data, checking current stock levels and adjusting quantities based on style and size popularity. It was a fun challenge that gave me valuable experience in how purchasing decisions are made.

One of the key things I’ve realized during this internship is how important it is to take initiative. Many of the tasks I’ve worked on came from me showing interest or sharing what I could contribute. After all, when starting as an intern no one knows exactly what you can do. At the same time taking initiative requires having a flexible supervisor who is open to letting you try new things. I feel very fortunate in that sense. I also believe that working in a small team, as opposed to a large company, creates more opportunities for this kind of flexibility and learning by doing.

I am grateful for my time at this internship and all the learnings it have given me!

Menswear startup internship - 2/3

14th - 12th of May

I’m now more than halfway through my internship, and time is moving quickly. The workdays are varied, and I regularly receive new tasks which keeps things interesting. I’ve realized how much I enjoy learning different aspects of the business and appreciate the effort my supervisor puts into making the internship meaningful for me.

After the SS25 launch, I focused on customer care. I worked closely with the customer care manager, helping with email responses, Instagram direct messages and handling returns.

Since the company is still in its start-up phase, there was a need to organize workflows alongside product development and purchasing. I was involved in creating a workflow structure in Excel, which suited me well as I enjoy organizing and bringing clarity to tasks. 

Later, I shifted back to more creative tasks, which I’ve found are my strongest area. For example, I created Instagram stories, including a fit guide for the brand’s four signature trouser styles. These tasks allowed me to contribute with ideas and visual content, which is something I like working with.

One of the highlights so far has been participating in product development. I helped develop knitted shirts for the SS26 collection. I got the chance to create flat sketches in Photoshop and suggest design ideas. I also worked on sketches and color variations for caps. Being part of the design process has been both interesting, fun and a valuable learning experience.

Best regards,

Lilly

Management Assistant Intern at H&M #3

 As I wrap up my internship as a Management Assistant at H&M, I have been reflecting on how much my understanding of store operations has grown over the past months. What began with curiosity and excitement deepened into a more strategic awareness of how all the moving parts - from budget planning to textile flow - come together to create a seamless customer experience. During my last weeks, I had the chance to put much of what I had learned from shadowing the Store Manager into practice. Budget management and scheduling continued to be a central focus in what I did, and I have seen how careful planning can make a difference. I believe that the most valuable and interesting part of this internship has been seeing familiar routines from my years at H&M as a Sales Advisor through a whole new lens. The tasks I once carried out on the floor now reveal their place in the bigger picture of leadership, planning and strategic decision making. Whether it is stock management, textile flow, or team coordination, I have realized how interconnected each process is as well as how much it relies on collaboration across all levels. When looking back, I am proud of the growth I have experienced. This internship has taught me to think differently, to connect day-to-day operations with long-term goals and to see how leadership plays a crucial role in keeping everything aligned. I feel grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and be part of the H&M team in a new capacity. This experience has not only deepened my professional knowledge but also reinforced my passion for retail management and customer experience.

AI in DPP enabled post-consumer value chain 2/3

Read time: 3 minutes.

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all doing well and about to kick off on your summer time but before your do I give you some food for thought and what I have been plannning on.

Navigating AI applications in various stages of waste management systems have been nothing short of being challenged and immersive. There are challenges and oppotunities at every intersectional stage in the post consumer reverse value chain (PCRVC). It appears alot of the stages are developing in silos and are not interconnected to truly operationalize an effiecient and wider reverse value network. Each stage in the RVC has similarities to other urban waste streams and management systems. What changes is the material or content of the waste and the subsequent detection, diversion and processing methods for valorisation of respective materials.

Additionally, there seems to be an absence of the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models in relation to Digital Product Passport (DPP) that offers integration across the post-consumer value chain. Various companies are offering AI-as-a-service (AIaaS) and (Product-as-service) PaaS that are tailored for fashion retailors in the life-extending value stage. There are a number of fashion companies with commercial grade Technology Readiness Level (TRL) in Resale-as-a-service(RAAS) business models. These business models are assisted by various AI models especially in reselling type in serivces. Similarly, there are AI solultions at each of the stages in PCRVC i.e. Services, Collection, Pre-sorting, Sorting and Recycling.

Coming up will be interviews with more practitioners from the services and sorting while looking for practitioners in recycling phase for exploratory discussion. Here, the idea is to get insights from practitioners about the problems and challenges they face in their business and how DPP together with AI can serve their purpose in achieving solutions. Finally, there will be a discussion with an AI expert on how to navigate AI based solutions for DPP enabled PCRVC. For the discussion partcipants to understand the context and the backdrop. The discussions will be semi-structured, guided and exploratory. How should brands prepare for this? What key factors or indicators should they look for when they go out for AI shopping? are some of the questions and answers that might supplement the knowledge collection of Project System Demonstrator at Science Park Borås. through Assoc. Prof. Jonas Larrson. In the absence of literature in the specific focus area, such insights will be valuable for fellow students in preparing for what one of our teacher Ms. Olga Chkanikova calls, "greening the supply chain".

Thank you for your time and wishing you a summer of '69

Third Blogpost: Production Intern at House of Dagmar

Hi everyone,

I am now wrapping up my internship period with only one week left! It feels strange that soon I will be leaving the workplace where I’ve spent most of my time over the past 3 months. I’veve gotten to know an entirely new team and become quite close with some of them. 

This experience has taught me many things about the industry and it’s been interesting to be part of an organisation, even for just a short amount of time. The internship has provided me with so many new insights and I’ve learnt about strategies that the brand works with in order to manage their supply chain. I have gained an understanding of what the production process from initial planning and development to the final product reaching the customers and what that looks like at House of Dagmar. Being involved in everything from supplier communication and production planning to fittings, quality control and coordination has given me an insight of how complex and important each stage of the textile value chain is for the final product to turn out the way its been planned. 

In the last couple of weeks I’ve also reflected over my personal growth, not just in terms of knowledge, but also in understanding the reality of working in a small team. The internship has been a journey of development and an important step for me. I feel more enlightened about what kind of work I would like to pursue in the future. Feeling grateful for these new learnings and looking forward to new experiences in the future. 

All the best, 

Clara Fogdestam