When I was first told my project was to create the New Hire Playbook, I thought I was just making a simple reference guide for incoming employees. However, the experience turned into so much more. This project has given me the chance to work closely with an amazing HR team, sharpen my communication skills, and figure out what kind of workplace I hope to be a part of someday. Whether we were collaborating on ideas or laughing during a meeting, my time here at Indium Corporation has already made this HR internship unforgettable.
Starting from Scratch
The playbook is not quite finished as I write this, but I have been making real progress. It includes everything a new hire might want a refresher on and reiterates the most important things from the long day of orientation. Summing up six long presentations and an eight-hour day seemed tricky at first, but once I found the right tone, it became a project I really enjoyed.
I wasn’t handed a template or an exact example to follow when I started. Part of my HR internship has been to figure out what the New Hire Playbook should be, what information really mattered, and how to structure it in a way that made sense to someone just joining the company. This process helped strengthen my Canva skills and my ability to be creative.
That freedom came with a learning curve. It meant a lot of trial and error, asking questions, and revisiting earlier drafts as I gathered more input. But it also taught me how to take initiative, stay organized, ask for help, and build something useful from the ground up. Having that kind of ownership over the project made the work more challenging, but also more rewarding.
Getting to Know the Team
Although I have enjoyed my HR internship project, the best part of my internship wasn’t the writing—it was the people. From the very first day, Cara, Nate, and Maria were approachable, encouraging, and collaborative. I tend to be an overthinker, and wasn’t sure what to expect from this place, or the HR internship itself, but it is safe to say it has exceeded my expectations in every way.
Maria and I had a meeting about phone screenings where I learned a lot about how to properly ask the right questions and answer candidates’ inquiries effectively. Not only did I enjoy learning from Maria, but I also enjoyed our conversations and our ability to make each other laugh. It was one of those moments that reminded me that work doesn’t have to be stiff to be meaningful. The entire environment here is light, warm, and friendly, while still remaining professional.
My internship supervisor, Nate, has been consistently supportive. He checks in each day, offers thoughtful feedback, and always makes sure I have what I need to succeed. Nate’s guidance goes beyond wanting me to be successful here at Indium Corporation; he also gave me great advice about my plans after college and for pursuing my master’s degree.
Cara is always there when I have questions. I have always felt comfortable asking for her advice on my playbook, and she consistently provided constructive feedback that helped shape the designs.
Beyond them, many others contributed to the playbook in important ways. People took the time to meet with me, allowed me to shadow their work, and gave me new information to include. Everyone’s openness and willingness to help made the process smoother and more meaningful.
And of course, getting to know the other interns has been a fun bonus. Whether we were in meetings, at lunch-n-learns, or just stopping by each other’s desks, it’s been great to connect with people in different departments who are also just starting out. I’m leaving this HR internship with not only more knowledge, but new friendships too.
The Unexpected Takeaways from my HR Internship
One thing I did not anticipate was how much I’d genuinely enjoy listening to other people’s experiences. As part of building the playbook, I spoke with a few recent hires to better understand what their first few days at the company were really like. I originally approached those interviews to gather feedback, but they ended up being some of the most memorable parts of the process.
Hearing what made them feel welcome, what their highlights have been so far, and what was helpful during onboarding helped me see just how valuable thoughtful onboarding resources can be. It was also a reminder that a strong company culture isn’t something you just write about. It is something people feel in the way they’re supported from day one.
What I’ve Learned
Almost halfway through this HR internship, there are already a few lessons I know I will carry with me.
- Effective communication is very important. How you say something really matters, whether you are summarizing orientation or sending a follow-up email. This is especially important in human resources, as it is sometimes your job to deliver unpleasant news, and it is critical to know how to deliver it effectively.
- Relationships make the work better. When people trust each other, collaboration becomes more enjoyable and productive.
- Supportive teams shape careers. I have seen firsthand how guidance and encouragement can boost someone’s confidence and help them grow.
Looking Ahead
This project, and the people who are helping shape it, have helped me get a clearer idea of what I want in a future career. I now know I thrive when I am working with kind, communicative teammates who care about doing good work and making others feel supported.
The playbook isn’t finished yet, but it already feels like a full-circle learning experience. I am really looking forward to learning more and growing with this Indium Corporation.
Final Reflections on my HR Internship
Creating the new hire playbook during my HR internship has taught me more than how to organize information. It has taught me how to build relationships, grow from feedback, and work toward something meaningful as a team. I am lucky to have had this opportunity and even luckier to have done it with people like Nate, Maria, and Cara to help guide me each day.
