Human Resources Intern

Position Summary

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 of this position 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resources Learning & Development

The HR Intern will initially observe, shadow, and assist the Human Resources Generalist while developing the knowledge and competencies necessary to independently perform HR Generalist responsibilities.

Responsibilities include:

• 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
  • 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 Mgmt (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
• Customer Service
• 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.

Qualifications

Required

• 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

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

Competencies

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.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form