If you've stumbled upon this page, you must be wondering -
What in the world is HR, and what's it like to get work experience in the field?
Human Resources is on the rise, with many organisations and industries requiring HR managers, consultants and specialists to support the growth and retention of their employees.
If you are perceptive of people, you can problem-solve like nobody's business and care about the needs of others, and you might just be the perfect fit for the job.
In the following article, let's learn all about what it's like to be a human resources intern, including the skills and responsibilities needed to take on the role.
What is Human Resources?
Human Resources (also known as the HR department) is a crucial part of every company. It manages the company's largest asset - its dedicated and valued employees.
They are responsible for the scouting, interviewing, and recruitment process and simply enhancing employee relations. They also help employees check their accrued leave entitlements, have questions about payment, or figure out the specifics of their contractual agreements and employee records.
The growing realm of the human resources department has developed into a multi-faceted industry, where each day at work is as unique and individual as the employees and companies you represent.
With this in mind, undertaking an HR internship will give you first-hand experience and insight into what to expect in the industry.
What Requirements and Skills Are Needed to Work in HR?
- Educational Experience - It is recommended that you have a degree in Business/Commerce, majoring in Human Resources, Communications, or a related field.
- Proficiency in Using Technology - Experience in MS Office systems and using HR software (e.g. payroll and resume databases) will be highly regarded
- A people person and a team player (social skills are a must)
- Detail-oriented and have strong problem-solving skills
- Planning, time management and organisational skills
- Good written and oral communication and listening skills
- Should have a good grasp and understanding of Australian labour laws and HR processes
HR Intern Job Description & Responsibilities – What Does a HR Intern Do?
Here are some of the general HR intern job responsibilities you'll become familiar with during the course of your work experience:
1. Payroll
One of the most important tasks for human resources interns is to ensure that staff are getting paid according to their specific contractual agreements. People completing HR internships learn the skills required to systematically process salary through software like MYOB and XERO, two popular accounting programs that HR uses for payroll purposes. If you're a whiz with detail-oriented work and can easily spot inconsistencies, then you'll be able to build upon your skills further in your internship.
2. Resume and Cover Letter Screening
You'll also grow a keen eye for the art of effective resume and cover letter screening. Discerning which candidate is the right fit for the advertised role based on the quality of their application is a rewarding task. As you gain insight into the breadth of skills and knowledge needed for each job in the company, you become better attuned to managing staff in an empowering way. This understanding will also be an advantage when it comes to creating your own successful resume and cover letter for a job in the field you'll definitely get after your internship is complete.
3. Organising Job Interviews
Another part of the role will be getting to know potential employees before organising job interviews. Similar to the resume and cover letter screening tasks, shortlisting candidates for interviews is a process of elimination that requires a discerning eye to connect the job position to the appropriate match that is the right fit for the institution.
For this task, time management and people analysis is key. You may be able to hone these skills by sitting in on interviews, preparing questions and taking notes. Throughout your HR internship, you will get to know the culture of the company, which will assist you in envisioning who is best suited for the role.
4. Assisting with Employee Orientation and Company Events
You'll take pride in welcoming new employees into your host company by helping out with employee induction days. Responsibilities include budgeting, arranging catering, and scheduling group or individual training sessions. Your friendly and helpful attitude towards newcomers can make such a difference in their level of comfort and understanding of the standard of workplace culture and morale.
Alongside orientation days, people in Human Resources internships may also have opportunities to plan events within the organisation. For example, that mid-week pizza party and mentor session in the office during a busy week could boost employee performance, all thanks to you.
5. Addressing HR Concerns
Some days, you may be doing more strategic tasks like hiring and onboarding, while other times, you might be taking care of individualised issues regarding administration, management and or conflict within colleagues. Following up on employee enquiries are important administrative task that HR interns learn to do in accordance with company HR policy and in consultation with labour legislation.
Responding to employee requests for salary increases, holidays, or even inquiries about updating work equipment are all in the domain of Human Resources management. In addition to the everyday queries, you will gain knowledge about optimising productivity through environmental and ergonomic principles.
Contribute to a Happier & Healthier Workplace with an HR Internship - Start Today with Premium Graduate
The world of human resources is rapidly expanding, and you can be a part of it, too.
If you want to do meaningful work that creates meaningful work for other people, HR might be the right path for you.
At Premium Graduate, we're all about finding your place in the world through our practical, hands-on internship placements, which are available across Australia.
Find out more about Premium Graduates HR Internships and how they can help you get a head start in the industry.
Contact us today for any questions and to join our work experience program.
