EXPERIENCED BY ANNA LENA HAUG

Barefoot in Thailand – an experience quite different from Germany!

Here I am, sitting and laughing in my office chair in a cozy office -

a little insight into the unique working world at The Board Factory.

I'm Anna, a wood technology student from Germany, currently in my 18-week practical semester.

During this time, I've learned a lot and had many exciting experiences.

What does a wood technology student do in Thailand at a surfboard manufacturer?

It might sound unusual, but my studies cover various interesting topics that I was able to apply and deepen here.

And as you might already know, some of these boards involve applying wood veneer.

Here's a brief look at what I've learned and experienced at TBF:

At the start, I focused on production and created a plant layout - a common step for an engineer.

Documenting the current state helps me understand and plan future improvements, which was part of my first task.

I also learned how to properly structure Excel spreadsheets so they can function as a kind of database.

This seemingly simple step has made many tasks much easier to manage.

Additionally, mastering this skill has enhanced my ability to analyze data efficiently to make informed decisions based on observed data trends.

It's a skill set that's proving invaluable in both the specific context of my work at TBF and in broader professional scenarios

Now, I'm working on visualizing a new ERP system from FileMaker.

It's more interesting than it sounds.

Basically, I'm working with a system that shows us how everything in the company works,

from making our products to selling them and trying to visualize them.

While doing this, I've learned a lot about organizing data.

It's really important to get the basic details right. If this foundational information is wrong, it can mess up a lot of things.

I'm also focusing on making this system easy for everyone at work to use.

It needs to be clear and simple so that all the employees can understand and use it without too much trouble.

The main idea is to make everything more straightforward and efficient for everyone.

Working on this project has taught me a lot, not just about technology, but also about improving how we work. 

What I really love about this place is the vibe it gives off.

It's not just about making surfboards, it's about getting people excited about good, old-fashioned craftsmanship.

Whether you're casually shopping, sipping on your coffee, or enjoying some incredibly delicious cake from the café,

there's always an opportunity to glance into the factory and see the boards being made and see the magic happen.

It's like a behind-the-scenes show. They're all about showing off how cool making stuff by hand can be.

It’s a place where you see the love for craftsmanship come alive, and that’s something special.

This whole attitude here has made a big impact on me, and it's honestly very cool.

The factory isn't just a place to work; it’s somewhere you actually want to hang out,

thanks to the great vibe and the awesome people around!

The relaxed and independent atmosphere at the factory didn't just deepen my understanding of surfboard craftsmanship,

it also gave me the freedom to explore this amazing country.

This freedom to explore was an incredible addition to my professional journey.

I couldn't have asked for a better internship semester than this –

ending the workdays with surfing sessions was just the beginning.

Beyond the factory walls, Thailand unfolded as a land of diverse experiences.

Thailand is so much more than just beaches, surfing, and coconuts.

From adventurous jungle treks in the rain to stunning waterfalls,

to discovering delicious snacks at local markets and enjoying traditional Thai food.

The cultural diversity and the breathtaking nature of this place made my time here an unforgettable adventure.

Thailand is famously known as "the Land of Smiles," and it's easy to see why.

Everywhere you go, the friendly nature and warm hospitality of the people are palpable.

There's just this positive vibe all around, making you feel right at home in this beautiful country.

Seriously, doing an internship here is beyond cool – it's an experience that blends work with the pure joy of living.

Just imagine: one minute you're finishing up at the office,

and the next, you're catching waves or marveling at the sky's changing colors as the sun dips below the horizon.

Now, that's a way to live!