Human Resources Intern

15-20 hours per week from August 2026 to May 2027

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.

* 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.

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.

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.

* 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

Any candidate who is offered this position will be required to go through a pre-employment criminal background check as mandated by state law.