Human Resources Intern
This 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.
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.
- 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.
- Develop an understanding of employment compliance including: Title VII, ADA-AA, FLSA, FMLA, HIPAA, OSHA, IRCA, E-Verify, COBRA, and Wisconsin employment laws.
- Talent Acquisition & New Employee Experience
- Assist and progressively learn responsibilities including:
- Scheduling interviews and pre-employment testing.
- Scheduling drug screens and pre-placement physical examinations.
- Assisting with electronic onboarding using the B2E system.
- Processing E-Verify submissions.
- Preparing new hire paperwork and orientation materials.
- Assisting with new employee orientation.
- Learning the onboarding process from offer acceptance through orientation.
- Organizing and maintaining employee personnel files.
- Assisting employees with onboarding questions.
- Tracking introductory performance evaluations.
- Learning 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
- Department transfers
- HRIS reporting
- Onboarding checklists
- Termination checklists
- Employee record maintenance
- Data audits for accuracy
- Troubleshooting basic system issues with HR staff
- Benefits Administration
- Assist the HR Generalist with:
- New hire benefit enrollment
- Benefit eligibility tracking
- Benefit orientation meetings
- Benefit paperwork processing
- Carrier enrollment updates
- Open Enrollment preparation
- Employee benefit communications
- COBRA processing
- Benefit record maintenance
- Vendor communications
- Develop an understanding of:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Leave of Absence administration
- Safety Program Administration
- Assist with administration of the company's safety programs by learning to:
- Track required employee safety training.
- Coordinate training schedules.
- Maintain training records.
- 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 and document management
- HR correspondence
- Employee communications
- Scanning and electronic filing
- Uniform program updates
- Invoice processing
- Meeting coordination
- Company event planning
- HR reporting
- 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
- Interviewing
- Onboarding
- Payroll Administration
- Benefits Administration
- HR Information Systems
- Safety Administration
- HR Documentation
- Policy Interpretation
- Confidentiality
- Professional Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- 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 successful 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.