The People Center is proud to recognize more than 20 UNT undergraduate HR students who interned at various organizations throughout the summer and gained hands-on experience. It is an immense privilege to coach such dedicated students and learn about their career development journeys. We are impressed with how they navigate projects and challenges and commend them for seizing opportunities for growth.
The HR program established an internship as a requirement for degree completion for all incoming students in Fall 2023. At the Ryan College of Business, we believe internships are a critical component of career development, offering students a bridge between theory and practical application, and especially for students majoring in Human Resource Management. Below you will read about several Summer 2024 internship experiences:
Hannah Ayozie, Caterpillar Inc. -
This internship has provided me with countless opportunities to network with individuals and explore different avenues within HR. This internship has significantly influenced my professional development and career goals by solidifying my interest in HR and demonstrating how I can make a difference in the workplace while utilizing my skills. I've been able to apply what I've learned at UNT in a practical setting. Additionally, my values align with Caterpillar's—integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment, and sustainability. I enjoy working for a company that shares my values and interests.
Quinton Speer, City of Lewisville -
During my internship experience with the City of Lewisville I have gained a comprehensive understanding of HR practices, including recruitment, employee experience, and compliance, through hands-on experience and mentorship. My Internship with the City of Lewisville provided invaluable insights into municipal HR operations, emphasizing the importance of public service and serving others. This experience has inspired me to pursue a career in HR where I can leverage my skills to effectively support and advocate for employees, fostering a workplace culture that values inclusivity and professional growth.
Emily Johnke, Fidelity Investments -
I am an HR intern for the Ops Council Talent Workstream team, where I am currently assisting with program development and management for early career programs for operations associates. This internship has influenced my professional development and career goals by giving me experience in creating and developing initiatives, project management, facilitation of content in the programs I assist with, and setting program strategy. This is all invaluable skills and knowledge that I can carry over to any area of HR.
Ashlyn McMullen, Peterbilt Denton -
During my internship I was able to put my analytical skills to use and use them to create dashboards to aid our team in analyzing our termed employee data. I also assisted in improving the current performance appraisal system for Peterbilt. New procedures have been implemented and we've seen improvement! This internship has given me insights into what the different specializations within HR are designed for and what interests me. I've learned that I'm drawn to the employee relations side of HR and would like to work towards being an HR Business Partner at some point!
Viridiana Soliz, Dollar General, Ft. Worth Distribution Center -
My HR internship has been an immersive experience, providing me with hands-on exposure to various HR functions such as recruitment, hiring, employee engagement, and even project management. This role has challenged me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of organizational behavior and HR practices. This internship has solidified my passion for HR. I am now more convinced than ever that a career in HR is my calling. Witnessing firsthand how HR initiatives directly influence employee morale, engagement, and ultimately, organizational success has been incredibly motivating. The recruiting process has been extremely rewarding as well, especially as I see my candidates progress through the hiring process and ultimately receive offers.
Madison Hebert, Sabre -
I am very excited to work for such a complex and innovative company that values their employees. With the support of my team, I’ve been able to apply my analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills to further develop as an HR professional. This internship has provided me with valuable insight into the corporate world and has prepared me for my future career within this field. I've been exposed to various teams within HR such as Learning and Development and Inclusion and Diversity with a focus on Recruiting.
Liliana Gonzalez, FC Dallas -
During my internship at FC Dallas, I've had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in areas such as high-volume recruitment, onboarding life cycle, branding, and day-to-day operations. My internship at FC Dallas has given me a broader prospective on how HR contributes to an organization's success. I have been able to work on diverse projects developing my communication and problem-solving skills. This internship has reaffirmed my passion for HR and given me the confidence in my ability to make a positive impact on an organization. My short-term career goal is to secure a full-time HR role where I can continue to develop and grow my skills. I am excited to continue learning and growing in the HR field!
We are so proud of the work these students have put in enhancing their career prospects, establishing long-term mentoring relationships, and understanding how to add value to the business. We wish them continued success in their academic, professional, and personal pursuits!