Inside my Brandish Internship: Checking Off My Bucket List

When I started my internship at Brandish, I thought I knew what to expect from their collaborative culture. But being part of it firsthand completely surpassed my expectations. Over three weeks, I worked on real projects, gained industry insights, and built meaningful connections with an incredible team—an experience I’ll carry with me long into the future.

Developing networking skills and building relationships

One of the best parts of my internship was connecting with so many talented and generous people. I sat down with three Brandish leaders for coffee chats to pick their brains and learn from their experiences. Derek Elliott ’s perspective on drawing inspiration from past versions of himself was refreshing and motivating. Lee Waltham ’s focus on creating a people-first agency gave me a new appreciation for leadership rooted in empathy. Justine Dechaine ’s adaptability and problem-solving approach offered a fresh take on embracing unexpected career paths.

I also had the chance to build relationships while supporting the Re:takes headshot event. It was rewarding to greet and sign people in, and help create the event brief, setup, and logistics. It gave me a chance to meet new people and interact with guests in a meaningful way. I got to see firsthand how Brandish’s thoughtful planning creates impactful experiences.

Working closely with Jillian L. and Cleo Curtis in Communications added another layer to this experience. They were incredibly welcoming, always ready with thoughtful feedback, and showed me the passion they put into every aspect of their work. From refining strategies to crafting impactful messaging, I learned so much about connecting client needs with Brandish’s bold and intentional approach to communications.

Producing and contributing to Brandish’s content strategy

Getting to contribute to real projects made this internship especially rewarding. I helped with research, strategy, and content creation, which gave me a better understanding of how Brandish’s communications strategy comes to life.

Whether I was drafting event briefs, supporting the Re:takes event by capturing content, or brainstorming ways to align content with client goals, I felt like an important part of the team. Matching Brandish’s style—bold, intentional, and people-focused—was a challenge that I loved taking on. It gave me a deep appreciation for the thought and creativity behind every detail of their work.

To align with Brandish’s communications strategy, I captured photos of Downtown Winnipeg to show that our city is dynamic and lively. The goal was to reflect Brandish’s content style and tone through imagery that resonates with their audience.

Supporting and producing a signature Brandish event: Re:takes

Re:takes was a standout moment of my internship. Supporting this signature event showed me just how much work goes into creating something seamless and purposeful. From setup to execution, I saw the collaborative and deliberate approach that defines Brandish’s events.

It was incredibly rewarding to play a role in making this event a success and seeing how Brandish brings people together in significant ways.

Reflecting on all that I learned

What sets Brandish apart is its work culture. There’s a level of trust here that’s special—everyone is given the space to excel without micromanagement, and the systems in place make collaboration feel effortless. It’s the kind of environment where creativity thrives, and I felt lucky to be part of it, even for a short time.

I also admired how Brandish’s internal structure supports both the team and its clients. The clarity and thoughtfulness in how they operate made it easy for me to step in and support them.

Looking ahead

A huge thank you to the entire Brandish team for making me feel so welcome and valued. Your guidance and encouragement have inspired me to approach my career with curiosity, confidence, and intention. The work you do—and the way you do it—set a standard I’ll carry with me wherever I go.

I’m set to graduate from RRC Polytech 's Creative Communications program in the PR specialization in Spring 2025. If you’d like to connect or chat, you can find me on my personal page linked below.

• Cassidy Burak