What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Intern position at NKU Graduate Education?
Position Information
Working Title Human Resources Intern Department Human Resources Type of Work Study Federal, Institutional, Graduate Building/Office Location AC - Kenneth R. Lucas Administrative Center Work Schedule
15-20 hours per week from August 2026 to May 2027
Job Description
The NKU Human Resources Internship Program is a structured, nine-month academic-year experience designed to provide students with hands-on exposure to Human Resources within a higher education environment. Interns will contribute to meaningful HR initiatives, complete a formal HR project, and gain professional experience that prepares them for future HR careers.
Primary Responsibilities
Program Goals
The program runs from August through May and is organized into three primary rotation periods, along with a required HR project completed throughout the internship. Interns will balance ongoing departmental responsibilities with project milestones and professional development activities.
HR Rotations
Aug – Oct | Talent Acquisition & Employment Operations | Assist with job postings, applicant screening, onboarding, and student employment processes.
Nov – Jan | Employee Relations & Compliance | Support engagement initiatives, policy research, ADA/FMLA-related projects, and documentation.
Feb – Apr | HRIS, Compensation, Benefits & Analytics | Assist with HRIS reporting, compensation research, benefits communication, and data analysis.
Required
Required HR Project
Each intern is required to complete a comprehensive HR project over the course of the academic year. The project will focus on a real HR challenge or improvement opportunity within NKU and will be selected in collaboration with the intern’s mentor.
Project Components Include
Each intern will be assigned a primary HR mentor and rotation leads within each functional area. Mentors will provide regular guidance, feedback, and professional coaching. A program coordinator will oversee intern progress, scheduling, and evaluations.
Learning & Professional Development
Minimum Education High School Diploma Pay Rate tbd
Posting Detail Information
Requisition Number 20261941 Job Open Date 04/09/2026 Job Close Date Quick Link https://jobs.nku.edu/postings/15559
Working Title Human Resources Intern Department Human Resources Type of Work Study Federal, Institutional, Graduate Building/Office Location AC - Kenneth R. Lucas Administrative Center Work Schedule
15-20 hours per week from August 2026 to May 2027
Job Description
The NKU Human Resources Internship Program is a structured, nine-month academic-year experience designed to provide students with hands-on exposure to Human Resources within a higher education environment. Interns will contribute to meaningful HR initiatives, complete a formal HR project, and gain professional experience that prepares them for future HR careers.
Primary Responsibilities
Program Goals
- Provide students with real-world HR experience in a university setting.
- Develop foundational HR competencies across multiple functional areas.
- Support NKU HR initiatives through project-based contributions.
- Build a pipeline of qualified candidates for future HR roles.
- Encourage professional growth through mentorship and applied learning.
The program runs from August through May and is organized into three primary rotation periods, along with a required HR project completed throughout the internship. Interns will balance ongoing departmental responsibilities with project milestones and professional development activities.
HR Rotations
Aug – Oct | Talent Acquisition & Employment Operations | Assist with job postings, applicant screening, onboarding, and student employment processes.
Nov – Jan | Employee Relations & Compliance | Support engagement initiatives, policy research, ADA/FMLA-related projects, and documentation.
Feb – Apr | HRIS, Compensation, Benefits & Analytics | Assist with HRIS reporting, compensation research, benefits communication, and data analysis.
Required
Required HR Project
Each intern is required to complete a comprehensive HR project over the course of the academic year. The project will focus on a real HR challenge or improvement opportunity within NKU and will be selected in collaboration with the intern’s mentor.
Project Components Include
- Project proposal and scope approval (September)
- Research, data collection, and analysis (October – February)
- Development of recommendations or deliverables (March – April)
- Final written report and presentation to HR leadership (May)
Each intern will be assigned a primary HR mentor and rotation leads within each functional area. Mentors will provide regular guidance, feedback, and professional coaching. A program coordinator will oversee intern progress, scheduling, and evaluations.
Learning & Professional Development
- Program orientation at the start of the academic year.
- Monthly HR learning sessions led by HR staff and leadership.
- Shadowing opportunities with HR professionals.
- Exposure to HR systems, policies, and university HR operations.
- Fall Semester Check-In (October): Review of adjustment, performance, and project progress.
- Mid-Year Review (January): Formal evaluation and goal refinement.
- Final Review (May): Performance assessment, project evaluation, and career discussion.
- Exit Feedback: Intern provides feedback on the program experience.
- August: Orientation and onboarding
- September – October: Rotation 1 project proposal
- November – January: Rotation 2 project research
- February – April: Rotation 3 project development
- May: Final project presentation and program conclusion
- Enrolled in a related undergraduate or graduate program
- Strong communication, organization, and confidentiality skills
- Comfortable with Microsoft Office and learning new systems
- Interested in career in human resources
Minimum Education High School Diploma Pay Rate tbd
Posting Detail Information
Requisition Number 20261941 Job Open Date 04/09/2026 Job Close Date Quick Link https://jobs.nku.edu/postings/15559