People Operations Specialist Internships
People operations specialist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working people operations practitioners, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated in Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, and Consulting & Professional Services, with Yanfeng, FedEx, and Frontier Airlines among the employers posting roles now.
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Showing 5 of 146+ People Operations Specialist Internships
Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.
While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating® . Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.
As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.
The Human Resources Intern is responsible for a variety of tasks that support the daily operations of the HR department.If you desire the professional opportunity to develop leadership skills, to help lead a team and do it in the most exciting place possible, this is a great opportunity! This position offers students the chance to spend their summer in a fun, demanding, and rewarding environment.
We are currently looking for a:
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Welcome team members and guests with a smile and positive attitude!
- Professionally and legally represent Adventureland to ensure continued compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws
- Assist with the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; Duties may include, but are not limited to, applicant screening, interviews, onboarding, and conducting new hire orientations
- Lead and complete special projects to improve processes related to HR
- Identify opportunities for program improvement and assist with developing and implementing enhancements to HR processes
- Collaborate with leadership and the department heads open channels of communication between departments
- Prepare orientation packets for new Hosts
- Assist with processing HR paperwork, Host transactions, and terminations
- Handle employment-related inquiries from applicants, Hosts, and supervisors
- Assist with data entry into HRIS and Learning systems
- Review and track compliance with work permits for minors
- Assist Hosts with Workday navigation and password resets
- Assist with the coordination and execution of exciting team member events
- Assist with copying, filing and various other administrative duties
- Assist with timekeeping for assigned departments
J1 International Student Responsibilities:
For certain Palace locations, this position will assist HR leadership with day-to-day management of the summer international exchange program. Duties may include:
- Assist J1 International Students with questions, housing payments, paperwork processing, etc.
- Assist with new international student orientation sessions
- Welcome new arrivals and help get them checked in and moved into housing
- Help prepare beds in the student housing facility prior to move in
- Assist students with submitting Social Security paperwork
- Assist students with opening new bank accounts
- Transport J1 students to approved destinations, when needed
Education & Work Experience:
- Intern candidates must be currently enrolled in a higher education program, majoring in Human Resources, Business Management, Industrial Engineering or related field of study
Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Iowa Child Labor Laws
- Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift
- Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner
- Ability to portray a positive, professional attitude
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive Host data
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively with a wide range of diverse personnel and guests
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point
- Knowledge of Google Sheets or Smart Sheet, a plus
- Ability to use office technology and equipment, such as PC, software, and copier
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to remain seated for extended periods of time, while using a computer
- Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time throughout the workday
- Ability to occasionally stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders
Working Conditions:
- This role will be primarily based in an office setting with some interaction with other outdoor park locations
- Some exposure to the variable outside temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions
- Subject to frequent interruptions, constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, flashing lights, and heavily populated environments
Team member benefits:
Team member benefits:
Working at Adventureland is about making people happy! It’s about being independent and having fun, making new friends and earning extra money while doing so. As a Adventureland Host, you can be the smiling face that makes a great first impression for incoming guests, a cook that serves up tasty treats and culinary delights, a lifeguard who soaks up the sun while keeping guests safe, or a ride operator that keeps guests coming back for more thrills! There are many exciting seasonal job opportunities available to take your summer job to new heights!
Adventureland Perks & Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Ability to cross-train and learn unique skills across various departments
- Free admission to Adventureland Theme Park/Waterpark and select parks on your days off
We’ve got great jobs for people just starting out in the workforce, looking for a second job or staying active after retirement. If you want a fun, flexible job with an innovative company, look no further than Adventureland. Apply today!
Do not miss the chance to spark your career now!
Do not miss the chance to spark your career now!
Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.
While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating® . Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.
As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.
The Human Resources Intern is responsible for a variety of tasks that support the daily operations of the HR department.If you desire the professional opportunity to develop leadership skills, to help lead a team and do it in the most exciting place possible, this is a great opportunity! This position offers students the chance to spend their summer in a fun, demanding, and rewarding environment.
We are currently looking for a:
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Welcome team members and guests with a smile and positive attitude!
- Professionally and legally represent Adventureland to ensure continued compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws
- Assist with the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; Duties may include, but are not limited to, applicant screening, interviews, onboarding, and conducting new hire orientations
- Lead and complete special projects to improve processes related to HR
- Identify opportunities for program improvement and assist with developing and implementing enhancements to HR processes
- Collaborate with leadership and the department heads open channels of communication between departments
- Prepare orientation packets for new Hosts
- Assist with processing HR paperwork, Host transactions, and terminations
- Handle employment-related inquiries from applicants, Hosts, and supervisors
- Assist with data entry into HRIS and Learning systems
- Review and track compliance with work permits for minors
- Assist Hosts with Workday navigation and password resets
- Assist with the coordination and execution of exciting team member events
- Assist with copying, filing and various other administrative duties
- Assist with timekeeping for assigned departments
J1 International Student Responsibilities:
For certain Palace locations, this position will assist HR leadership with day-to-day management of the summer international exchange program. Duties may include:
- Assist J1 International Students with questions, housing payments, paperwork processing, etc.
- Assist with new international student orientation sessions
- Welcome new arrivals and help get them checked in and moved into housing
- Help prepare beds in the student housing facility prior to move in
- Assist students with submitting Social Security paperwork
- Assist students with opening new bank accounts
- Transport J1 students to approved destinations, when needed
Education & Work Experience:
- Intern candidates must be currently enrolled in a higher education program, majoring in Human Resources, Business Management, Industrial Engineering or related field of study
Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Iowa Child Labor Laws
- Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift
- Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner
- Ability to portray a positive, professional attitude
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive Host data
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively with a wide range of diverse personnel and guests
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point
- Knowledge of Google Sheets or Smart Sheet, a plus
- Ability to use office technology and equipment, such as PC, software, and copier
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to remain seated for extended periods of time, while using a computer
- Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time throughout the workday
- Ability to occasionally stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders
Working Conditions:
- This role will be primarily based in an office setting with some interaction with other outdoor park locations
- Some exposure to the variable outside temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, snow, ice, and other weather conditions
- Subject to frequent interruptions, constant repetitive motion, high noise levels, flashing lights, and heavily populated environments
Team member benefits:
Team member benefits:
Working at Adventureland is about making people happy! It’s about being independent and having fun, making new friends and earning extra money while doing so. As a Adventureland Host, you can be the smiling face that makes a great first impression for incoming guests, a cook that serves up tasty treats and culinary delights, a lifeguard who soaks up the sun while keeping guests safe, or a ride operator that keeps guests coming back for more thrills! There are many exciting seasonal job opportunities available to take your summer job to new heights!
Adventureland Perks & Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Ability to cross-train and learn unique skills across various departments
- Free admission to Adventureland Theme Park/Waterpark and select parks on your days off
We’ve got great jobs for people just starting out in the workforce, looking for a second job or staying active after retirement. If you want a fun, flexible job with an innovative company, look no further than Adventureland. Apply today!
Do not miss the chance to spark your career now!
Do not miss the chance to spark your career now!
People Operations Specialist Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Consulting & Professional Services
Tips for Your People Operations Specialist Internship Search
Apply earlier than the role feels urgent
Large employers in tech, consulting, and financial services open summer people operations internship applications in the fall, months before the start date. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their start dates. Check for openings regularly rather than waiting for a single hiring season to begin.
Build a project portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams for people operations specialist interns expect limited work history, so documented projects carry the most weight. Create artifacts recruiters can actually assess: an onboarding process you redesigned, an HR analytics report with your methodology visible, or a policy brief with clear recommendations. Name the tools you used and make the work linkable.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and your career center staff and professors often know which employers recruit from your school before roles appear publicly. Alongside that, apply directly to companies running smaller cohorts that may not recruit on campus, so you reach a wider pool than any single channel covers.
Practice the people operations intern screen out loud
People operations specialist intern interviews commonly include behavioral questions using the STAR format, HR case scenarios testing your judgment on employee relations or talent decisions, and sometimes a data interpretation exercise. Practice answering out loud, explaining your reasoning step by step, because interviewers weigh how you think through an HR problem as much as your final answer.
Target HR rotational and cohort programs in your first wave
Many larger employers run structured HR rotational or university cohort programs built to train people new to the people operations field. These programs cycle interns through functions like talent acquisition, HR business partnering, and compensation analytics. They recruit early and fill fast, so identify the programs that fit your interests and apply in the first round.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 46% of the people operations specialist internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to, whether that is fully on-site, hybrid, or remote, before you start applying. Filter by location and work type from the beginning so you are not spending time on roles you cannot accept.
People Operations Specialist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a people operations specialist internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A concrete portfolio artifact, such as a documented onboarding process you designed, an HR analytics case study, or a policy brief, gives recruiters something specific to assess. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where people operations recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a people operations specialist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. For people operations specialist interns, what actually drives it is consistent performance on real work, whether the team has open headcount at the end of the summer, and how early you signal interest in returning. Position yourself by doing the work well and communicating your intent, without counting on a specific outcome.
When should I apply for people operations specialist internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers, particularly in tech, consulting, and financial services, recruit summer cohorts the preceding fall, so applications for June start dates often open in September or October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post much closer to their start dates, which means openings appear year-round and checking regularly is worth the habit.
Are people operations specialist internships paid?
Most professional people operations specialist internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, so there is no single standard. Where employers disclose pay, the listing shows it, which makes it straightforward to compare opportunities as you apply.
What should a people operations specialist internship resume include?
Lead with projects rather than work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects that name the tools you used and link to the output, such as an HR analytics dashboard, a recruiting process audit, or an employee engagement survey you designed and analyzed. Add relevant coursework in organizational behavior, data analysis, or labor relations. Keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote people operations specialist internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 54% of the people operations specialist internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts tend to fill fast because they draw applicants from across the country, so apply early once you have identified roles that fit and use the work-type filter to surface them without sorting through positions you cannot take.
What is an HR rotational internship, and is it right for people operations candidates?
HR rotational internships cycle participants through two or more people operations functions, such as talent acquisition, HR business partnering, compensation, and learning and development, within a single summer. They are designed for candidates new to the field and give broader exposure than a single-team placement. These programs recruit early, fill competitively, and are worth identifying and applying to in the first wave of your search.
Can international students get people operations specialist internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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