Meet our interns – Walltopia’s summer internship program 2019, part I
This year we organized our summer internship program for the third time. We had tons of great candidates and it wasn’t an easy task to select the best 10 of them and welcome them in our teams.
It’s been a pleasure to involve them in the “real” work and see them learn and progress. For their time being in the company, they have accepted every challenge we give them.
We decided to ask them about their experience so far and what they’ve learned. Here is what the interns in the Architecture and Design department shared:
Maria Oraklieva, intern at Architecture department Ropetopia
How did you find out about Walltopia?
I’ve heard about Walltopia during the “Week of Landscape architecture” at the university for the first time, in a lecture with the topic “Sport and entertainment in the park”
What inspired you to apply for the summer internship program?
I found out about the internship through my brother, who works at Walltopia. As it is the only company in Bulgaria developing in the design and manufacturing of climbing walls and attractions, I thought that it would be a great challenge for me to be part of it and find out more about this kind of unconventional entertainment facilities. As a student in landscape architecture, I believe that park environments nowadays need diversification and this could be accomplished precisely with these kinds of facilities. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised by the company’s approach towards young people and the chances for growth and development are given to them.
Did Walltopia meet your expectations?
Yes, definitely. Not only did I learn a lot of new and useful things, but I also met positive and talented young people.
Tell us a little bit more about your department.
I am an intern at “Ropetopia”, where obstacles for the Ropes Courses and Adventure Trails are created. The work is diverse and requires precision to the millimeter, literally. The colleagues at the department are patient, helpful and fun, which allows for a smoother workflow in the dynamic working environment.
Which of Walltopia’s products do you like most? Why?
Ropetopia’s Ropes Courses, because it tests the physical strength, balance, patience, and flexibility of the person going through the obstacles. Moreover, they transform exercise into a fun experience. They could be situated both outdoors (such as in a park) or indoors, which makes them easily accessible.
What is the most interesting task you’ve been given so far?
The creation of standard obstacles in 3D for Ropes Courses.
And what is the most useful thing you’ve learned so far?
With hard work and eagerness/ willingness, you can achieve anything. Also, that work completed fast isn’t a guarantee for good results.
How did you find climbing as a sport?
Despite not having mastered my skills, I believe that this is an extreme sport, in which despite having the physical strength and flexibility, you need to be well supported.
What advice would you give to those considering an internship at Walltopia?
I’d advise them not to hesitate but instead dive right in this challenge. Be curious and active, because there’s nothing to lose, actually you could only win – learning tons of useful things. Walltopia is a great place for your first internship/ first job.
Silviya Vangelova, intern at the Architecture department
How did you find out about Walltopia?
From a friend of mine, who regularly climbs. Afterwards, I did my research and found info about the company on the website.
What inspired you to apply for the summer internship program?
Acquiring new skills in the area of 3D modeling and applying algorithmic methods to architectural planning.
Did Walltopia meet your expectations?
I was pleasantly surprised by the high level of organization and the wide variety of software products.
Tell us a little bit more about your department.
The Adventure team offers a dynamic environment that constitutes of positive and motivated people, who are always willing to help whenever there is a problem.
Which of Walltopia’s products do you like most? Why?
Cloud Climb and Ropes Courses, because in addition to the great potential, they are extremely fun.
What is the most interesting task you’ve been given so far?
Creating Dynamo script that generates a net for Cloud Climb.
And what is the most useful thing you’ve learned so far?
Workflow consistency and data sharing from different departments through different computer files formats.
Tell us about an exciting experience throughout the internship so far.
Climbing for the first time.
How did you find climbing as a sport?
Exciting and slightly scary at the beginning, but you want to do it again once you’ve climbed already.
What advice would you give to those considering an internship at Walltopia?
To be prepared for new challenges, interesting tasks and projects, on which they will work on with a team of specialist.
Hristina Grozeva, intern at Architecture department
How did you find out about Walltopia?
About Walltopia I found out from a TV interview of Ivaylo Penchev. His story about the endeavors and achievements of the company made me feel proud to be Bulgarian and sparked my interest in climbing walls. Shortly after, I had a task at the university to design a climbing wall in a park. I knew that it wasn’t a coincidence and I thought that one day I might be working for Walltopia, but truth to be told I never expected it to be this soon. That’s how dreams become reality.
What inspired you to apply for the summer internship program?
The Walltopia internship program is a huge opportunity for us, the students, to get a feel of the processes in a global and innovative company. Moreover, I am a fan of adrenaline sensations and love to conquer peaks and working at the company that is a world leader in manufacturing climbing walls naturally fits my personality.
Did Walltopia meet your expectations?
Applying to the company I had the expectations that for two months I will manage to fit in the team, improve my Revit skills and get a feel of a real project.
In just two weeks’ time, this is already happening. The team I am in is extremely friendly and we get along pretty well. Thanks to my mentor, Vasil, I learn new commands in Revit and also get useful guidance on communication with clients. Last but not least, I can proudly say that I work on a project that will be implemented soon.
Tell us a little bit more about your department.
My department, Active Entertainment, deals with various interesting projects. The team is united and creativity is tolerated. My ideas are heard! I am delighted to have been placed here and to have the opportunity to learn from all of these professionals.
Which of Walltopia’s products do you like most? Why?
During these two weeks, I had the chance to model obstacles and to get to know the products of the company even better. The product that presents the biggest challenge to model and therefore is of great interest to me is the Rollglider. I believe it brings adrenaline rush and is appealing to me, as a seeker of extreme experiences.
What is the most interesting task you’ve been given so far?
The most interesting task was the first conceptual design that was given to me. While I was completing it, my mentor was closely following the process and was explaining the standard requirements and procedures. I learned a lot.
And what is the most useful thing you’ve learned so far?
Before the internship at Walltopia I had the theoretical knowledge of modeling forms, but I’ve never had to apply them in practice. At the moment I am modeling obstacles fast, without thinking of the commands, which leaves time for harder tasks.
Tell us about an exciting experience throughout the internship so far.
Whenever working in a cool team, these moments happen every minute. I can’t really pick just one.
How did you find climbing as a sport?
Climbing has been present in my life since my childhood. I used to climb roofs and trees. As I grew up, I started conquering mountains. If I have to be honest, until this year I haven’t tried indoor climbing, but I loved it! In addition to strengthening your muscles, this type of climbing brings pleasure from achieving “victory” in the moment.
What advice would you give to those considering an internship at Walltopia?
The internship gives a realistic view of the work process in big companies like Walltopia. It is also a huge opportunity for sharing knowledge with real professionals. Last but not least, the atmosphere is extremely enjoyable and your good mood is guaranteed.
If you want to know what the rest of the interns shared, read part II or part III.