Our 2024 Winter Interns Recap

Alishba Afzal – Marketing Assistant

Marketing, as taught in academia, is often portrayed like a step-by-step recipe with the goal to convince customers to buy something they probably don’t need. But real-world marketing is far from one-dimensional; it’s a creative and flexible process that is consumer oriented. During my short time at UpHouse, I discovered that marketing can be a powerful tool for good — amplifying the voices of brands working to create positive change in the community.  

My favourite project that I worked on was Klinic’s 2024 Fall Campaigns. Mental health has always been a meaningful focus for me, shaped by my upbringing in a South Asian family that worked to break through cultural stigmas surrounding it. Supporting Klinic’s Suicide Prevention Day, National Farmers Day, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaigns felt like a natural extension of those values. Through this work, I developed skills in copywriting and project management. I also gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that contribute to languishing mental health for Manitoban farmers and the nuanced differences between domestic violence and intimate partner violence. 

This placement has been a dream—surrounded by a creative team that’s as encouraging as they are talented. I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to explore so many different facets of marketing like influencer or website editing, but thanks to my colleagues’ support and trust, I was able to embrace new challenges and picked up valuable skills. 

This experience has shown me that marketing, at its best, isn’t just about selling—it’s about telling stories that matter and building connections that make a difference. 

Tomer Verkhlin – Marketing Assistant

Before I even began my internship at UpHouse, the company name really stood out to me—different, unique and inviting. During my first week, I quickly understood why. UpHouse is a place where you feel like you belong, where work can be balanced with fun, and where everyone is encouraged to push themselves outside their comfort zone to contribute. 

Something I found unique, and different from other corporate settings, is the flexible structure. While we all have official titles, it feels like everyone plays a similar role by bringing their own perspective to the table—whatever the project may be. It’s this collaborative environment that makes UpHouse feel like a home where every voice strengthens the foundation. 

One of my favourite projects was an awareness campaign for a local non-profit. The client came to us after some challenges with previous campaigns, and I loved the problem-solving element that brought. We approached the project from a fresh angle and delivered a concept that was both engaging and informative. From the brainstorming session to seeing our creative team bring it to life, it was exciting to witness a project go from idea to reality. 

Beyond that, I was inspired by being surrounded by so many creative and talented minds. The team’s ability to elevate brands while delivering high-quality work is top-notch. For someone intrigued by learning more about branding and the design process, this was the perfect place to grow.  

Thank you, UpHouse!