Career guide · Updated October 23, 2026
How to get a human resources internship
HR teams hire interns who show judgment, discretion and an interest in how organizations work. Recruiting and people-operations roles are the most common way in.
1. Know when human resources internships recruit
- Sophomore yearJoin the SHRM student chapter and look for campus recruiting or residence-life roles.
- Junior fall (Sep–Nov)HR leadership-development programs at large employers recruit.
- Junior springMost HR, recruiting and people-operations internships at mid-size companies.
- Any timeThe aPHR needs no experience and can be taken before you graduate.
Typical timing — employers set their own dates, so check each one.
2. Build the skills employers check
- Communication
- Discretion with confidential information
- Excel
- Organization
- HR systems (Workday, ADP)
- Basic employment law awareness
3. Take certifications in the right order
None is required, but each shows a skill. Start at the top: the first ones need no background.
- Human Resource Management Specialization — Minnesota · Coursera. Paid · about 45 hours
- Human Resource Management (BUS301) — Saylor Academy. Free · about 24 hours
- People Analytics — Wharton · Coursera. Paid · about 10 hours
- SHRM student membership and resources — SHRM. Reference
- Organizational Behavior (BUS209) — Saylor Academy. Free · about 48 hours
The Finder shows the whole path for human resources, three ways: fastest and free, balanced, and a stretch toward the most demanding credentials. See also every human resources certification.
4. Aim at the right roles
- Recruiting or talent acquisition intern — Screens candidates, schedules interviews and supports campus recruiting.
- HR generalist intern — Supports onboarding, policies, records and employee questions.
- People analytics intern — Analyzes hiring, turnover and engagement data.
- Learning and development intern — Helps build and run training programs.
5. Use the words recruiters look for
Put the ones that are true for you on your resume, in your own sentences.
recruitingonboardingtalent acquisitionHRISWorkdayemployee engagementbenefitscomplianceschedulingpeople analytics
How to write a business internship resume
6. Practice the interview
- Behavioral interview questions, which every business interview asks
Tips for human resources internships
- Work or volunteer in a role that involves people processes: campus recruiting, residence life, orientation or a student organization’s membership.
- Join your SHRM student chapter, which connects you with local HR professionals.
- Learn the basics of employment law, such as the FLSA and equal employment opportunity rules, so you can discuss them in interviews.
Find human resources internships near you →
More on this major: human resources internships, with recent listings and the questions students ask.