Becoming Part of the Team: Alia’s Human Resources Internship at Gilbane

ALIA SAS '18
Johnston, RI

MAJOR:
Human Resources Management

INTERNSHIP:
Gilbane, Corporate Human Resources
(Hired Upon Graduation)

I worked on a variety of projects. Some tasks I completed included a benchmarking project in which I researched on-boarding and orientation practices of competitors. This information will be used to help identify trends being used to reduce turnover in new hires, and support their integration into company culture. I updated the new hire survey responses in the Human Resource Information System (HRIS), which helps Gilbane manage company talent and determine areas their employees have the most expertise in.

In addition, I worked with Talent Management data to assist in workforce planning practices such as succession planning and forecasting emerging leaders’ future positions. Other tasks included an electronic document conversion project, which required comprehensive auditing of physical personnel files using the Self Service application.

"Learning how to work in a team environment was very rewarding."

Learning a Broad Spectrum of HR Software

Learning how to navigate through a company’s data warehouse, run analytical reports, and upload information is not something that can be learned in a classroom setting.

Through my internship, I was exposed to how a HRIS gathers, stores, and organizes information. Although there are thousands of software and systems used for benefits administration, on-boarding, self-service, or training and development, all the programs offer essentially the same tools and process information similarly; therefore, my newly acquired HRIS skills will be invaluable.

"It’s important that a company’s corporate culture feels as though it matches your personal beliefs."

Learning how to work in a team environment was very rewarding, and I was grateful to be able to actively participate and have my contributions be recognized as those of an equal member.

What is most important is that you research the company values and corporate culture and feel as though they match your own personal beliefs.

Advice for others
I recommend registering for your Career Management course during your junior year because the resume and cover letter assignment and the creation of a LinkedIn profile were extremely helpful. This course will help you at the very beginning in conducting a job search, all the way to the final steps of interviewing for a position. If you wait until your last term to take this course, you will miss out on being able to use all of the great resources provided to you.