My Summer in HR: Learning Through People, Practice, and Purpose

This summer, I had the opportunity to intern as an HR Organizational Development Intern at Microbiologics as part of the practicum requirement for my MHRM program. Looking back, I realize that the experience began long before my first day of work. From navigating the internship search to stepping into a professional environment and learning to apply what I had studied in the classroom, the entire journey challenged me to grow not just as an HR professional, but also as a person.

My work this summer gave me the opportunity to explore several areas of organizational development. I worked on building role-based learning paths, developing competency frameworks, and exploring how AI could be leveraged to make HR resources more accessible and efficient. While these projects were technically challenging, what I valued most was the opportunity to take concepts I had learned in my MHRM courses and apply them to real organizational challenges.

The experience pushed me to think critically, approach problems from different perspectives, and communicate with stakeholders across the organization. I learned that HR work is not always about having an immediate answer. Often, it is about asking the right questions, understanding different perspectives, and thoughtfully developing solutions that meet both employee and organizational needs. Working in a professional, welcoming, and intellectually stimulating environment gave me the confidence to put these skills into practice.

One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was the relationships I built with my supervisor and team. Their guidance and support helped me navigate challenges and encouraged me to approach my work with curiosity and confidence. More importantly, I learned from them about leadership, work ethic, collaboration, and authenticity. These are lessons that I know will stay with me well beyond the internship.

I was also grateful for the support of the MHRM program’s mentorship program throughout my experience. My mentor, a seasoned HR professional and MHRM alum, continued to check in with me over the summer, offering perspective, encouragement, and guidance whenever I needed it. 

As I return to Fisher for my final semester, I am taking more than just project experience with me. I return with a deeper understanding of HR, greater confidence in my ability to solve problems, and a stronger commitment to continuing to learn and grow as a professional.