Intern Profile: Kim St. Louis

As an old Chinese proverb says, “I see, and I forget.  I hear, and I remember.  I do, and I understand.”  My internship with the Human Resources department at St. Norbert College has provided me with an exceptional opportunity to learn and better understand the function of human resources in a real-world setting.  St. Norbert College has always been near and dear to my heart, and having the chance to intern with a department at the College was one that I could not pass up. 

The Human Resources Office employs four professionals with whom I have been fortunate to work collectively, and also on a one-on-one basis.  I have been exposed to many of the functions of human resources and have had the opportunity to gain knowledge and insight into the field from each of the professionals.  Some of my internship responsibilities include processing employment applications and maintaining the applicant tracking system.  I create job descriptions by analyzing input from supervisors and comparing existing job descriptions.  I also assist with the staffing process by conducting reference checks.  In addition, from creation to distribution, the weekly newsletter, known as the “Blue Sheet,” is my responsibility as an intern.  I am fortunate to have the chance to attend weekly Benefits Advisory Committee meetings as well.   At these meetings I am exposed to issues regarding health insurance, dental coverage, life insurance, long term care, retirement and investment options, and the financial aspect of the health benefit plan, among many other topics.  The experience I have gained from my internship has confirmed my interest in human resources and will serve as an excellent stepping stone for my career in the field.

My internship requires a great deal of responsibility and confidentiality, but with this comes a great deal of satisfaction in doing my job well.  The invaluable experience that can be gained from an internship such as mine is something that I would recommend to every student, for it is in “doing” that one can apply themselves and thus, understand.