Spinning Reels and Selling Style in Berlin
Maya Arun - 12 March 2026
Gabrieli in Berlin
Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam
Dead Chicken Alley, Mitte District, Berlin
Gabrieli is a fourth-year operations management major with a minor in marketing. With an interest in the fashion industry, Gabrieli specializes in supply chain management with a focus on the fashion industry. At the end of her third year, she spent the summer in Berlin, participating in the e3 program, where she took a language course as well as gained work experience through an internship.
“Growing up, my dad always talked about his work experience in Germany, and so I thought I would give the e3 Berlin program a try.”
True to her interests, Gabrieli landed a social media marketing internship at a fashion retail concept shop called STUDIO183 in Berlin. A big part of her role was to shoot short-form videography for platforms Instagram, but she also collaborated with other interns, brainstorming ideas and styling clothes.
“Millennials were the target audience, rather than Gen Z, which was tricky, but interesting.”
Berlin is a very international city, so despite not knowing German, Gabrieli found it easy to make friends with foreigners and locals alike. Fortunately, she was also taking a German language course, so the language barrier wasn’t too big. However, while the locals are polite and helpful, the lack of small-talk was a little jarring for someone who grew up in Canada. Gabrieli could go grocery shopping and leave the store without having spoken a word to anyone.
Gabrieli notes that Berlin is a very vibrant place, and this was apparent through even the little things. People would transport large pieces of furniture, like cabinets and couches on trains. Live music is to be expected in public spaces, from trains and stations to street corners and city squares, there’s always something to notice.
On a day trip to Potsdam, at the outskirts of Berlin, Gabrieli visited Sanssouci Palace. Once the summer residence of a Prussian king, she felt it was a nice break from the fast-paced life that Berlin offers.
“I think people in the more creative faculties at the U of A, especially in the Arts, should apply to e3 Berlin because it's a very creative city.”
One of Gabrieli’s favourite pastimes was to explore the city’s many street art scenes. She describes the Dead Chicken Alley as edgy and unique as its name, and in contrast to the formal realism art in the Sanssouci Palace. The Mitte district is also great for shopping and dining!
“My favourite event of the internship was during Berlin Fashion Week. The company held an event for guests showcasing a special performance and an art installation. It was very enjoyable to set up, film content, and interact with other fashion enthusiasts at this event.”