HR Intern in the Student Employment Office
Experience Information
Employer: GVSU Student Employment
Job Title: Human Resources Intern
Major: Communications
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The GVSU Student Employment Office is a small, student focused administrative unit within the Student Services building. The office supports campus departments and student workers by helping students navigate job searches, understand hiring requirements, and complete onboarding paperwork. Structurally, the office is simple and compact. It consists of two full time supervisors who oversee daily operations, manage student employment processes, and coordinate communication with campus departments. Alongside them are two student employees, including myself, who assist with front line tasks such as answering student questions, guiding them through job search tools, and helping with onboarding steps. Since the team is small, communication is direct, responsibilities are shared, and student workers play a meaningful role in daily workflow.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During my time in the GVSU Student Employment Office, I worked on several projects designed to improve communication, onboarding, and support for both students and supervisors. I created supervisor communication templates to standardize welcome emails, schedule reminders, and check ins. I also developed an Onboarding Support Toolkit, including a first week checklist to help new student employees feel more prepared. I also helped compose a Student Employment FAQ list and a "Before You Apply" checklist, both based on common questions we receive from students.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
During my internship in the GVSU Student Employment Office, I gained practical experience in HR processes, communication, and student support. I learned how student hiring and onboarding workflows operate, strengthened my professional communication, and improved my ability to guide students through job searches and common employment questions. I also built skills in identifying needs and creating clear, helpful tools. Overall, the experience expanded my HR knowledge, enhanced my customer service abilities, and taught me how to contribute effectively within a small, collaborative administrative team.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this internship was the opportunity to work directly with students while also contributing to projects that strengthened communication and onboarding across campus. I loved helping students feel confident during their job search and creating resources that made the employment process clearer and more accessible. I also formed strong bonds with my supervisors and coworkers through collaboration, trust, and shared commitment to supporting students. Those connections made the work environment supportive, enjoyable, and genuinely fulfilling.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
By working closely with students, supporting hiring processes, and creating onboarding tools, I realized how much I enjoy the recruiting side of human resources. I found that connecting people with opportunities, guiding them through hiring steps, and helping them feel supported aligns well with my strengths in communication, organization, and relationshipýbuilding. Forming meaningful bonds with my supervisors and coworkers also showed me how impactful a supportive HR team can be, which further motivated me to pursue a career where I can help create that same experience for others. Overall, this internship helped me decide that recruiting is the path I want to follow moving forward.
Internship Format
In Person