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Internship Program

Internship Program for Staff

Human Resources Internship Program for Students

Professional Development Internship Program for Staff

The University of Iowa's commitment to professional development and equal opportunity is exemplified by this internship program. A major goal is the professional development of staff, including those from groups underrepresented in the University community. The program enables participants to gain insight and experience in areas that interest them but which may differ from their work responsibilities. Staff are encouraged to pursue avenues that will result in their professional growth.

The expectation is that the skills gained in this program will be beneficial to the University and to the employee. Department administrators consider the knowledge gained from the experience to be an asset to the department as well as to the employee.

Departments throughout campus are available as placement sites for participants in this program. Staff have gained knowledge in areas such as health care, student services, academic departments, or business areas. Opportunities to participate in skill-building or knowledge-building activities within The University of Iowa setting are available to all 50% time or greater staff who have been employed at the University for a period of at least two years.

Applicants may designate the department and area in which they wish to gain experience, or they may designate specific skills they wish to develop. Examples of past projects undertaken by participants include developing a slide show, compiling a needs assessment for departmental staff, assisting in grant writing, collecting data for budget preparation, and writing an orientation manual. Experiences have ranged from participating in departmental meetings, interviewing staff, editing a newsletter, to program planning and development. Examples of past internship sites include University Relations, Internal Audit, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Student Services, ITS, UI Foundation, Learning & Development, Central Microscopy Facility, and Human Resource Services.

Program Overview

Eligibility Requirements

All professional and scientific and merit University of Iowa staff members who meet the following qualifications may apply for an award:

  1. Applicant must be a current University of Iowa employee who holds a regular appointment of  50% time or greater. Staff paid by grant funds are not eligible to participate in an internship during their regularly scheduled work hours.

  2. Applicant must have been employed by the University for two years by the date of application.

  3. Applicant must be successful in his/her current University position.

How To Apply

Internship Program Application Form (pdf)

Application forms are available to interested individuals throughout the year. Please send the completed Internship Program Application to UI Learning & Development, 121-51 USB.

Contact Nancy Noyer @ 335-0560 or nancy-noyer@uiowa.edu for more information.

Human Resources Internship for Students

The University of Iowa Organizational Effectiveness Department, a unit of HR, offers an internship opportunity each semester to University of Iowa students.

The Human Resources Internship Program for Students will provide hands-on experience working within Human Resources. While the extent of the projects will come from the Organizational Effectiveness unit, special projects may be assigned from other areas of Human Resources, as needs arise. Students will correspond with staff on a daily basis, and will have the opportunity to attend weekly staff meetings. Projects of former HR interns include: developing web site content, create and provide input on marketing plans, benchmarking, research, etc. In addition, HR interns will meet with Human Resources directors (Payroll, Benefits, Employment, etc.) to gain an understanding of each specific area.

While this is an unpaid internship, academic credit may be available varying on the college. Internship opportunities are available for the Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions.

Eligibility Requirements and Desired Qualifications

How to Apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hr-studentintern@uiowa.edu by the deadlines listed below for each semester. Applications will be reviewed after each deadline.

Please apply by the second Wednesday of the month for:
Summer Semester (May), Fall Semester (September), Spring Semester (January)

Watch for our Internship posting on EMPLOYMENT EXPO

What past interns have said about their experience:


I think the most satisfying part of my job was that I was able to get a better understanding of what HR really is and consists of, which was one of my main goals I hoped to get out of this internship.

The most satisfying part about having this internship was getting real-world experience. I was given the chance to work on projects from start to finish and see them really come to life because of the work I put in. The staff in the department were so helpful and really made my experience that much more valuable. I definitely feel more confident starting my job search upon graduation after all the experience I gained during the summer.

The great overview I received of HR as a whole, since it usually is something people talk about but don't understand fully.

To actually see things I have worked on being implemented and to have such a great relationship with staff members. Despite myself being very busy, it was great to have flexible hours if needed.

Questions? Contact: hr-studentintern@uiowa.edu

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