Are you a people person? Then human resources might just be the perfect field to make a cozy home in. Human resources professionals are becoming indispensable within companies all over the world, as they grow and seek out new ways to keep employees happy and on the same page. Beginning with a human resources internship abroad is the perfect way to get your foot in the door of this sociable career path. Ready to embark on an adventure?
Why Intern Abroad
As more and more companies become multinational in nature and hire a diverse array of employees, gaining global experience with an internship abroad in human resources can be an invaluable developmental experience in the field. Not only will you have the opportunity to challenge yourself by uprooting and working within a different country, but you will gain valuable cross-cultural skills and on the job training, which you can bring forward into a very successful career. A little international networking never hurt anyone, either.
Locations
Human resources departments are a core part of business models all over the world in the 21st century, so you can take your pick from a wide array of potential destinations where to seek out internships abroad in the field. Here are a few key points to consider while narrowing down your search for human resources internships abroad:
First, language. Human resources is fundamentally based around communication, so if you are not already adept in a country’s language of business, then you might consider taking on a position in the English speaking world. Australia, England, and Ireland, for example, can all be great places to apply for human resources internships abroad.
Another point to consider is cultural differences. While countries as varied as India and South Africa do often offer internships abroad in human resources using the English language, cultural norms can be very different in these places, which can create another communication barrier in itself. Making the effort to tackle these communication differences can be an incredibly rewarding experience, just know it will require an extra effort to understand many new cultural nuances.
Lastly, try to choose somewhere where you could see yourself potentially settling down for a longer period after your human resources internship abroad is complete. After all you never know if a job offer may come out of it, or what other future opportunities may pop up down the road while abroad!
Internship Placements
Because human resources has become an essential component within modern business models the world over, you can enjoy having the choice of many different types of industries in which to intern abroad. From the largest multinational corporations and nonprofit organizations to localized startups just getting underway, human resources internships abroad can truly take your anywhere to work in any number of different fields.
As an intern abroad in human resources, you will likely take on a number of duties under the supervision of an HR professional. Specific responsibilities may entail gathering research and data, helping to interview prospective employees, working within the staffing department, planning events and career fairs, and assisting with compensation and benefits. The further along in your internship you progress, the more individual duties you will likely pick up.
Human resources internships abroad tend to last between three and six months, with many offering the opportunity for continuation thereafter. Whether or not you will be paid for your services typically depends on the size of the company and profitability of the industry you are working within. In most cases, you will at the least be compensated with room, board, a stipend, or any combination thereof.
Benefits & Challenges
Cross Cultures. As a human resources professional, you will be expected to interact with a wide array of employees from different cultural backgrounds. Beginning with an internship abroad in an international context is the perfect way to start on the right note.
Training. Human resources professionals come from a wide diversity of academic backgrounds, so gaining on-the-job training is an invaluable first step toward a more permanent career path. Why not combine that training with some travel experience through an internship abroad?
Breaking Barriers. Every country has their unique cultural nuances, and as a human resources intern abroad it will be important to pick up on these and integrate them to the best of your abilities. Challenging yourself like this in an internship will make your fulltime job seem that much easier!
Human resources is a profession which is centered around people. By travelling the world, meeting people from all over, and pushing yourself to interact as much as possible, you will become not only a more well-rounded candidate, but a more capable world citizen!
