Case Study: The First Opullex Remote Internship Program 2024

When starting Opullex, our idea was to provide practical knowledge and skills to Mechanical Engineering students, and beyond, who are willing to take part in a startup and grow together with us. We don't even need to say how surprised we were by the response on our first call for a remote internship! That's why we're presenting our ongoing program, encouraging every student interested in industrial design to join us, for an even more successful second generation of Opullex interns. 

About Opullex

Opullex transforms dreams into realistic metal art masterpieces. Combining traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology, we specialize in custom metalwork that both elevates spaces and sparks emotions. From detailed sculptures to functional designs such as stylish staircases, our work is a testament to excellence and sustainability.

Empowering the Next Generation of Mechanical Engineers and Designers

At Opullex, we’re continuously pushing the boundaries of design, innovation, and artisanal craftsmanship. Our Remote Internship Program is designed to foster the skills and creativity of future mechanical engineers with a passion for industrial design.

The biggest advantage is that we offer interns a hands-on experience in real-world projects that align with our brand’s values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation.

Ongoing Collaborations with Interns

We are proud to collaborate with talented students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, including standout interns such as Kiril Spiroski, Nevenka Spasovska, Angela Dimovska and Simona Simonovska. 

Our internship program, designed to support and nurture mechanical engineering students, offers a comprehensive learning environment focused on manufacturing, design, project management, and sustainability. These interns have actively contributed to our projects, enhancing their technical and leadership skills.

"From the outset, I was captivated by the remarkable expertise present at Opullex. This internship has been a transformative chapter in my career, igniting my passion for creativity and propelling me to new heights. I embraced challenges that elevated my skills in Agile methodologies and Industrial design while advancing my master’s thesis on Digital Twin. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside such visionary leaders in the industry."

Simona Simonovska, Industrial Design Intern at Opullex

Internship Structure and Goals

Interns focus on mastering industry-recognized cultures like LEAN and TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) and all the principles we use to support the culture such as 5S standardization, Kaizen, Six SIgma, Kanban. These methodologies are integral to waste reduction, process optimization, and efficiency—skills highly valued in the manufacturing industry.

• Leadership Skills: A core goal of the internship is to develop leadership capabilities. Interns learn how to manage teams using project management frameworks such as Waterfall and Agile methodologies.

• Sustainability and Craftsmanship: Opullex takes pride in its handcrafted approach to metal art. Interns contribute to our focus on sustainability and craftsmanship by learning how to design and manufacture without CNC machinery.

• Industrial Design Experience: Interns participate in projects from conceptual design to production, contributing not only to Opullex’s internal designs but also working on their personal design pieces. This provides them with a deeper understanding of both the creative and technical process.

Project Highlights

Aside from the obvious benefits, out interns at Opullex also get the chance to showcase their talent for ability and creativity:

• Custom Metalwork Projects: Our interns have contributed to the design and production of custom metal pieces, such as staircase rails, promoted across social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.

• International Exhibitions: Interns assist in preparing marketing materials for international events, including brochures for exhibitions like our presentation in Chicago, showcasing Opullex’s handmade masterpieces.

• Creative Collaborations: We have collaborated with initiatives such as UNESCO Creative Cities, allowing interns to engage with broader discussions around media art installations, expanding their involvement in the cultural dimensions of design and craftsmanship.

"Interning at Opullex was truly transformative. I had the opportunity to absorb knowledge from specialists across various fields, build meaningful relationships with colleagues, and feel genuinely valued and heard throughout the experience. I expanded my understanding and passion for Lean methodologies while benefiting from the generous sharing of real-world insights from true leaders. I was exposed to innovative management approaches and a mindset that I’m confident will empower me to stand out in any professional setting. Opullex offered the ideal blend of challenge and unwavering support, enabling me to grow in ways I never anticipated."

Internship Support and Development

We ensure that each intern receives personalized support through Personal Development Plans tailored to their goals. 

Here are a few excellent examples:

• Angela Dimovksa focuses on LEAN management and time studies.
• Nevenka Spasovska works on leadership, 3D modeling, and project management.
• Simona Simonovska is working on her Digital Twin Master while remotely contributing to her own family business, mastering Data Analysis and how to collect, sort and analyze her own business. Meanwhile, she is also extremely creative and working on her own personal piece.
• Kiril Spiroski worked on his faculty project. He designed a metal lamp with our support, and his project will be displayed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Skopje after October 2024. He is also skilled in his MIG welding and grinding process.

At the internship at Opullex I was offered many learning opportunities and challenges that I took upon, so I can grow as a professional and an individual. The program was specially curated for me, and all my intern colleagues so that we can focus on our individual development as well as complimenting each other in team efforts and projects. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity offered by Opullex, and for being a part of this team where we could all grow together.

Kiril Spiroski, Industrial Design and Management Intern at Opullex

We also offer support for academic projects, helping interns align their work with their academic interests and future career paths. The internship is flexible and allows remote work, as demonstrated by interns like Simona, who works from a distance, showing Opullex’s adaptability in various work environments.

Strategic Marketing and Business Development

Aside from providing creative and technical experience, we also want our preparation process to be business-oriented. Interns are involved in marketing strategies and business development initiatives. This includes creating buyer personas, preparing brochures, and participating in real-world business operations, ensuring they are well-prepared for future leadership roles. 

From my experience, working in such a fertile environment in collaboration with creative and experienced people was a real adventure. I had the opportunity to expand my perception in many fields like leadership, product and project management, simultaneously upgrading my design and problem solving skills through deep discussions and examples. This internship program has sharpened my ambition and vision for my future, creating a clear perspective of my carrier goals. I owe this positive impression to my colleagues and the support from our mentors trough the whole process with dedication, instructions and selfless knowledge transfer.

Nevenka Spasovska, Industrial Design and Management Intern at Opullex

Support for Macedonian Youth in Mechanical Engineering

Opullex is committed to supporting the development of Macedonian youth through the following:

• Introducing them to TIDZ: Understanding of the all TIDZ’s around the country and all the possible alternatives they have as students. We also help them understand the size's of companies and how to apply to each of them.
• Resume and Interview Skills: Offering guidance on building strong resumes and developing interpersonal skills for interviews.
• LEAN Manufacturing Principles: Providing a foundational understanding of LEAN culture, which is critical in most industrial environments.
• Project Management Methodologies: Teaching interns about Waterfall and Agile approaches such as Scrum and Kanban methodologies to prepare them for diverse industries.
• Promoting Gender Equality: Emphasizing balanced gender representation and fostering a culture of inclusivity within industrial and management roles.

How to Apply

Are you ready to join Opullex and contribute to the future of metal artistry? We offer ongoing opportunities for passionate mechanical engineering students to join our team. These are our eligibility requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Knowledge of CAD software (SolidWorks, Maya), and any other modeling and design softwares.
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English.

Application Process

Submit your CV and portfolio (including design sketches and CAD models) to contact@opullex.com. We will review applications on a rolling basis and notify candidates of their progress.

Contact Us

For further inquiries about the Opullex Internship Program, feel free to reach out to us also at contact@opullex.com.

Join us and be part of a team where design, engineering, and craftsmanship seamlessly merge to create extraordinary metal art!