For those currently enrolled in a HR course, taking part in one of the many human resources internships on offer is a great way to boost your employability and learn some of the skills needed to succeed in the field.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about sourcing, securing and doing well at your placement.
To start, let’s cover the basics.
Human resources internships explained
HR involves working with and managing the staff within a business or organisation in order to maintain and enhance safety, wellbeing and productivity. Employees are highly valuable assets and as such should be taken proper care of. HR workers are involved with aspects of a business such as employee engagement and relations, recruitment and administration.
The field is currently in high demand and this is expected to grow in years to come. The average salary for a HR consultant is quite high at around $75,000 a year.
Human resources internships provide HR students with the ability to accumulate work experience and get a taste of what to expect when they start working. The placements may even lead to a paid job offer at the end of it! Students will generally work for 1-4 months under supervision and will be taught skills such as resume revision, how to write a job advertisement and how to conduct job interviews.
The benefits
While most work placements are unpaid, they come with a range of other benefits that make them worth pursuing. They provide you with experience, skills and references that can help you get a job in the future. Many employers want more than a degree alone; they want relevant experience in the field. Human resources internships can help fill up your resume and increase the likelihood of getting hired later on.
How to find a good placement
There are an abundance of different placement options available to choose from, so how do you choose the right one? It starts with having a think about what you want out of your career. Determine your interests and values first and then look for organisations which align with these.
To find placements, visit career fairs which are often organised by universities and colleges. These allow you to meet and network with employers and learn more about what they do. Alternatively, you can contact organisations directly either in person or by phone call to ask them about getting a placement with them. Online noticeboards like Indeed also frequently post listings for human resources internships, so they may be a good place to try.
How to receive an offer for human resources internships
Begin by ensuring your resume is readable and visually appealing. Get a friend to proofread it for you and double check that there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes. Make sure it’s concise and easy to read, and ensure that all experience listed is related to the placement.
If you get through to the interview stage, make sure you go prepared! Know your resume back to back and make sure you’re able to talk about yourself and about the company. Ensure that you look presentable and are polite during the interview. And of course, be on time!
How to succeed on placement
Despite not being expected to have as much knowledge or experience as more mature employees, you will be required to present yourself as flexible, hard-working and a fast-learner. The more you treat your human resources internships like real work, the more likely you are to get a job at the end – or at least a good reference!