Aleksander Iliev, Intern at Accounting and Finance department

How did you find out about Walltopia?

I found out about the internship program by accident while browsing through Facebook. As for the company – I learned about it two years ago when the Collider Climbing center opened.

What inspired you to apply for the summer internship program?

My interest in accounting, my love for climbing and my wish for a summer filled with new opportunities to learn and interesting people to meet.

Tell us a little bit more about your department.

The accounting department is equipped with nice, serene people, with a great sense of humor. You can’t possibly be bored in here since something is constantly going on – after all, all the statements come to us. You quickly get to know the employees of Walltopia and of the other firms, with which we are working. It is really quite responsible, but people here are capable of dealing with anything.

Which of Walltopia’s products do you like most? Why?

The LED holds seem quite interesting and innovative to me, every climbing gym would look much better and colorful with them. I believe this is the way climbing can evolve so that it earns the fame it deserves.

What is the most interesting task you’ve been given so far?

Every task is interesting and different. Accounting bank statements is by far the most interesting task, which is ideal because there are bank statements every day.

And what is the most useful thing you’ve learned so far?

The way a company like Walltopia functions and the miracles the ERP system SAP does.

Tell us about an exciting experience throughout the internship so far.

Every day is exciting, especially if I get the time to visit the climbing gym.

How did you find climbing as a sport?

Climbing is truly a magnificent sport, I have been practicing it for 3 years and I still feel the thrill of being able to reach the top of a route. All climbers are different, with different side interests, but the love of climbing unites everyone – even if you do not know the person, you can climb together as if you were best friends.

What advice would you give to those considering an internship at Walltopia?

If they would like to gain first-hand experience in a real work environment, interesting people, new things to learn and a truly amazing sport, then they shouldn’t hesitate and should act.

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Yoanna Dimitrova, Intern at HR & Marketing department

How did you find out about Walltopia?

I knew about Walltopia from the climbing gym in Sofia. As for the internship I found out from a former intern interview shared on social media.

What inspired you to apply for the summer internship program?

I was attracted to the high level of professionalism that was evident even from the job posting. I knew that there is a lot to learn from people that do their work with great attention to detail.

Did Walltopia meet your expectations?

I didn’t know what to expect and yet they are exceeded since I didn’t think that I would be trusted with these many tasks and responsibilities.

Tell us a little bit more about your department.

I am an intern in both the HR & Marketing departments, where you can observe what’s going on behind the scenes. You can get a very clear idea of the products, the company and its goals.

Which of Walltopia’s products do you like most? Why?

Ninja Course is undoubtedly the most intriguing product. I’ve tried it a few times with my little brother. I like it because of the high applicability in already established areas like the fitness industry.

What is the most interesting task you’ve been given so far?

I have been researching an online platform for internal training, which seemed very interesting and practical. Then I had the chance to “prepare” the product managers on how to use it and then I was trusted with the task to be the point of contact regarding any questions about the platform.

And what is the most useful thing you’ve learned so far?

I’ve learned that an idea needs at least a couple of drafts before the result is of high quality.

Tell us about an exciting experience throughout the internship so far.

I believe there would be more to come, but for now, climbing in the lunch break with colleagues energizes me greatly for the second half of the day.

How did you find climbing as a sport?

I have climbed before and I really enjoy it, not only because it’s a good workout, but it’s also a very social sport.

What advice would you give to those considering an internship at Walltopia?

To take advantage of the opportunity, because they can’t lose anything, yet through experience, they can gain valuable knowledge, regardless of the department they choose.

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Iva Valkanova, Intern at Sales Department

How did you find out about Walltopia?

The CEO of Walltopia is an active public figure, so I assume my first contact with the company and its activities was through the media. As for the company’s culture and professional relations, I’ve found out through a relative of mine with a history of work experience at the company.

What inspired you to apply for the summer internship program?

Walltopia’s leading position on the market, the good reputation of the company and the opportunity for personal growth.

Did Walltopia meet your expectations?

It did more than just meet them. At first, I thought that choosing to work at Walltopia’s HQ in Sofia instead of a foreign company would mean that I will get to know the Bulgarian business environment. In reality, our clients come from different parts of the world, which makes the business environment international. In addition, many of my coworkers are foreigners, which further differentiates the working environment from a typical Bulgarian company.

Which of Walltopia’s products do you like most? Why?

One More Life (a mat that reduces the risk of serious physical injuries from falling up to 16.5m). This is an innovation on the market and I was impressed by the fact that Walltopia is the first company to develop a similar life-saving mat in an industry serving millions of climbers (7.7 million in the US alone).

And what is the most useful thing you’ve learned so far?

In communication with clients, a Walltopia employee is not an individual who’s allowed mistakes. In the eyes of the client, the employee represents Walltopia itself, whose good name depends on the accurate and efficient communication. This additional responsibility of being part of a legal entity is something that, although theoretically learned, is only realized through practical experience.

How did you find climbing as a sport?

Climbing is a sport that requires your full physical and mental dedication, which enables you to fully commit to it and leave behind the every day worries. That is why, I believe that the opportunity to climb in the lunch break throughout the internship had a positive influence on my concentration and productivity.

What advice would you give to those considering an internship at Walltopia?

To carefully choose the department they would like to apply to. Even if the activity of some of the departments matches your major, it doesn’t mean that namely in this department you would be given more responsibilities.