Human Resources Intern

About the Role

The Human Resources Intern is a developmental position designed to provide hands-on experience in all major functions of Human Resources within a manufacturing environment. Under the guidance and mentorship of the Sr. Human Resources Generalist and Director of Human Resources, the HR Intern will shadow and assist with day-to-day HR operations while progressively assuming greater responsibility as knowledge and skills develop. The primary objective is to prepare the intern to successfully transition into a full-time Human Resources Generalist role.

The intern will gain practical experience in talent acquisition, onboarding, payroll administration, benefits administration, HCM management, compliance, employee relations, safety administration, and other human resource functions while learning applicable employment laws and HR best practices.

Responsibilities

• Human Resources Learning & Development
  • Shadow the Human Resources Generalist in all areas of Human Resources.
  • Learn applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations (Title VII, ADA-AA, FLSA, FMLA, HIPAA, OSHA, IRCA, E-Verify, COBRA, Wisconsin employment laws).
  • Gain working knowledge of company policies, procedures, and HR best practices.
  • Assist with maintaining confidential employee records and documentation.
  • Develop proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and Human Capital Management (HCM) system (B2E).
  • Participate in HR projects and process improvement initiatives.
  • Attend HR training opportunities, webinars, and educational workshops as assigned.
• Talent Acquisition & New Employee Experience
  • Schedule interviews and pre-employment testing.
  • Schedule drug screens and pre-placement physical examinations.
  • Assist with electronic onboarding using the B2E system.
  • Process E-Verify submissions.
  • Prepare new hire paperwork and orientation materials.
  • Assist with new employee orientation.
  • Learn the onboarding process from offer acceptance through orientation.
  • Organize and maintain employee personnel files.
  • Assist employees with onboarding questions.
  • Track introductory performance evaluations.
  • Learn how to create a positive first-day employee experience.
• Human Resource Information System/Human Capital Management (HCM) System (B2E)
  • Assist with employee status changes, job title changes, pay changes, and department transfers.
  • Support HRIS reporting, onboarding checklists, and termination checklists.
  • Maintain employee records and perform data audits for accuracy.
  • Troubleshoot basic system issues with HR staff.
• Benefits Administration
  • Assist with new hire benefit enrollment and benefit eligibility tracking.
  • Support benefit orientation meetings and benefit paperwork processing.
  • Prepare carrier enrollment updates and open enrollment materials.
  • Handle employee benefit communications and COBRA processing.
  • Maintain benefit records and vendor communications.
  • Develop an understanding of medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, as well as Paid Time Off and Leave of Absence administration.
• Safety Program Administration
  • Track required employee safety training and coordinate training schedules.
  • Maintain training records and assist with OSHA-related documentation.
  • Coordinate hearing conservation and respirator testing.
  • Schedule forklift, crane, manlift, and other required certifications.
  • Maintain safety-related records.
• Administrative Responsibilities
  • Assist with daily filing, document management, and HR correspondence.
  • Support employee communications, scanning, and electronic filing.
  • Update uniform program records and process invoices.
  • Coordinate meetings and company event planning.
  • Contribute to HR reporting and various HR administrative projects.

Learning Objectives

Throughout the internship, the Human Resources Intern is expected to progressively develop competency in:

• Employment Law Compliance
• Employee Relations
• Recruiting and Interviewing
• Onboarding
• Payroll Administration
• Benefits Administration
• HR Information Systems
• Safety Administration
• HR Documentation and Policy Interpretation
• Confidentiality and Professional Communication
• Organizational Skills and Time Management
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Project Management

The successful intern should demonstrate increasing independence and proficiency with the goal of assuming the responsibilities of a Human Resources Generalist upon completion of the internship.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field or currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field with expected graduation within 12 months.
• Strong interest in pursuing a long-term career in Human Resources.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Human Resource Information Systems.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

Skills

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to develop proficiency in:

• Problem Solving: Identifies issues and seeks guidance to resolve problems. Gathers information and recommends practical solutions. Demonstrates sound judgment while learning HR practices.
• Professionalism: Maintains confidentiality. Treats employees respectfully. Demonstrates accountability and dependability. Accepts coaching and constructive feedback. Represents the Human Resources department professionally.
• Reasoning Ability: Collects and analyzes information. Learns to apply company policies consistently. Develops sound decision-making skills.
• Planning & Organization: Prioritizes assignments. Meets deadlines. Maintains organized records. Manages multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Communication: Communicates professionally with employees at all organizational levels. Writes clearly and accurately. Listens effectively. Maintains positive working relationships.
• Adaptability: Learns quickly. Adjusts to changing priorities. Demonstrates flexibility in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Initiative: Demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to learn. Seeks opportunities to expand knowledge. Accepts increasing responsibility as skills develop. Works toward becoming a self-sufficient Human Resources Generalist.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Ability to move throughout office and manufacturing environments.
• Occasional lifting of files and office materials up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally bend, reach, stand, and walk throughout the facility.

Career Development Opportunity

This internship is designed as a structured developmental program for individuals seeking a career in Human Resources. The successful candidate will receive mentoring, coaching, and progressive hands-on experience across all Human Resources functions. As competency, performance, and business needs align, the intern may be considered for promotion into a full-time Human Resources Generalist position. The program emphasizes continuous learning, professional growth, and increasing levels of responsibility to prepare the individual for long-term success within the organization.