Nina Baty – Marketing Assistant
Oh, hey again. :)
I’m so happy to have been able to spend another summer learning and growing at UpHouse.
This time around, I got to be even more involved with our clients and the work they’re doing. Getting to work on so many projects whose fundamental goals support the flourishing of the province’s people, places and environment made me proud to work at an agency like UpHouse, and more broadly, to be a Manitoban.
A highlight for me this summer was being involved with projects for The Forks. It was so cool to see all of the thoughtfulness, care and acts of reciprocity that go into supporting this national landmark. Everyone knows and loves The Forks, and getting to be a part of their work was really special. I’m looking forward to visiting and pointing out to my grandma or a friend from out of town that “Hey! I helped do that!”
A piece of advice I would give to incoming interns is to be open to every opportunity that comes your way. Working at an agency as a student is a great way to get a variety of experience before deciding what it is that you want to do after graduation. It might be the most unexpected task that turns out to be the one that lights you up, so don’t be afraid to step into the abundance of opportunities that UpHouse offers.
As I head into my final year of school, I’m grateful to have gained such valuable insights into how—when in the hands of wonderful people with thoughtful intentions—marketing can be used as a tool for building community, supporting the places we love and moving toward a better world.
Hannah McLandress – Copywriting & Communications Assistant
I was so excited to have the opportunity to come back for a second summer as an UpHouse intern—but this time, as a new grad! I jumped at the chance to put my newly acquired PR and comms skills to the test, and I got so many chances to do so this summer (ask and you shall receive, I guess!).
Coming back this summer, I knew how welcoming and kind the whole team is, and I was thrilled to be able to work in that environment again. Everyone is so willing to answer your questions and let you jump in on anything you're curious about (like PA-ing or script supervising on set!).
My favourite project by far (not just because it's what I spent most of my time on) was NSL Winnipeg. Launching and marketing a team from scratch was such a special, once-in-a-career type of experience, and I learned so much. Getting to work with a client that covered almost all aspects of PR—event planning and execution, pop-ups and activations, media relations and social media—was an incredible opportunity to build my post-grad experience.
I'm so grateful to the amazing team at UpHouse for helping me make this summer what it was, and I can't wait to see where this opportunity takes me!
Yuliya Kryvonos – Marketing Assistant
As I wrap up four incredible months at UpHouse as a Marketing Assistant, I'm reflecting on the learning, challenges, growth and development this internship has brought me. From client meetings and research projects to campaign shoots and event activations, no two days at UpHouse looked the same.
I knew I wanted to join UpHouse when I saw the meaningful impact that the team had made across several communities. During my internship, I got to experience that firsthand while coordinating the development of a name and brand identity for Tourism HR Canada's National Accreditation Program and helping out Ready, Set, Move! further develop children's physical literacy.
There were so many memorable projects along the way, however, one that really stood out was the launch of the first professional women's sports team in Winnipeg: NSL Winnipeg (name to be revealed soon!). I worked on many aspects, from making sure things went smoothly before the launch, to collaborating with local businesses to create a custom NSL matcha, to filming social media content with four-time Olympian Desiree Scott. This project was incredibly rewarding professionally, but what made it truly meaningful was seeing young girls in Winnipeg have the opportunity to pursue their dreams right here in their home city.
The talented and passionate UpHouse team was always ready to jump into a brainstorm or answer the difficult questions, which made my experience interning so motivating and something I'll never forget.
Zach McClelland – Graphic Design Assistant
My summer with UpHouse has been an incredible opportunity both as a designer and also as a human person! I've loved getting to be part of a crew that not only is committed to doing top-notch work but also being Good People and having fun along the way.
Like most things in life, the more you put into this internship, the more you'll get out of it. I decided to dive right in, say yes and ask a ton of questions. Not only did I get to try a bunch of stuff I haven't done before (assisting on a campaign shoot, working an activation, participating in a brainstorm and more!), but I also learned so much.
School taught me a lot, and I can honestly say that the learning didn't slow down switching to this internship. I learned soft skills like understanding client needs/preferences or how to ask clarifying questions when getting feedback, but I also learned a bunch of hard design skills. Even in my last week here, I was still learning new things (fillable forms, baby!).
Thanks to all the crew at UpHouse, especially my design team angels, for taking me in, trusting me with the work and teaching me so much. I will miss you all!
Jimmy Tran – IT Assistant
When I signed up to be an IT assistant, I pictured myself deep in servers and troubleshooting tickets all day. What I didn't picture was becoming UpHouse's unofficial delivery and errand guy. Turns out "IT assistant" sometimes means handling requests like "Can you please pick up/drop off these documents/equipment?" or "Can you try to set up the AC unit in these meeting rooms?" And honestly? I looked forward to those odd jobs. Don't get me wrong, I love computers, but sometimes you just need to stretch your legs.
Delivery duties aside, I learned a ton. I got a crash course in how UpHouse's IT actually works thanks to Christine, who spent the first week hammering UpHouse's IT and operations into my brain and the next week leaving for vacation. I don't blame her—vacations are important, and being tossed in the deep end taught me more than another week of handholding would have. Christine: 10/10 mentor, would get abandoned by again.
My advice to future interns is to ask questions. All of them. No question is too small or too obvious. You will learn more in your first month on the job than you did in a full semester of school, but only if you're not afraid to ask.
Big thank you to UpHouse and the whole team for this opportunity. It's been a great few months, and I'm grateful for the chance to learn, mess up and work alongside people who are passionate and love what they do.
Katelyn Ko – Digital Operations and Innovation Assistant
Working at UpHouse has been on my university bucket list since my first year when senior students told me, "Make sure to apply to UpHouse!" So, when the time came, I did.
As the Digital Operations and Innovation Assistant, I had the opportunity to work in every department! I began my term helping with recruitment and event planning, joined the AIEO team, attended (and was featured in!) shoots and even helped manage marketing projects. Although my experience was a little different from the other interns', I truly appreciated the incredible breadth of work I was able to do.
A huge part of my internship that stood out is the culture of celebration at UpHouse. No matter how big or small, every single accomplishment is talked about and celebrated! It really shows how supportive and passionate every single person is about UpHouse and its mission. Having previously interned in a non-creative space, the positive environment here made my experience 10 times better than it already was.
Now entering my senior year of university, I can gladly continue the tradition and tell the younger students, "Make sure to apply to UpHouse!"
