Human Resource Internship

Summer 2026 Human Resource Internship

The International Institute of New England is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving refugees and immigrants in Boston, MA, Lowell, MA, and Manchester, NH. The Institute offers internships to students, graduate students, and recent graduates with demonstrated interest or experience in supporting refugee, asylee, and immigrant populations. Each internship includes an educational component, through which interns contextualize their experience and reflect on their service.

All internships are unpaid and correspond roughly with the US School (Education) semester system:

• Summer Internship: June through mid-August 2026

First consideration is given to applicants who can commit at least 20 hours per week over the course of the semester outlined above. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of whether their schedule fits the semester system; IINE makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Slots fill quickly and candidates are encouraged to apply earlier than the requested date above.

This internship has a on-site format. Ideally, we are looking to recruit individuals near to the Lowell area who are able to commute into the office.

Human Resource Internship Overview

The Human Resources Intern will work closely with the HR Generalist and other members of the HR team to support a variety of administrative and project-based tasks. This internship is a great opportunity for someone who wants practical exposure to HR operations in a mission-driven nonprofit environment. The intern will gain experience in documentation, filing, recruitment support, template creation, and other HR projects.

Reports to: HR Generalist
Location: Lowell, MA
Type: Summer Internship
Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Responsibilities

• Support the HR Generalist and HR team with day-to-day HR operations and administrative tasks.
• Assist with HR documentation, filing, recordkeeping, and organization of employee files.
• Support recruitment activities, including posting jobs, tracking applicants, scheduling interviews, and communicating with candidates as needed.
• Help create, format, and update HR templates, forms, and standard documents.
• Assist with onboarding-related documentation and maintenance of employee records.
• Support HR projects, research, and process improvement initiatives.
• Help prepare internal communications, presentations, and other HR materials as needed.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Interest in human resources, administration, or nonprofit operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
• Professionalism, discretion, and respect for confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Previous internship or office experience is a plus, but not required.

Learning Objectives

• Gain practical experience in day-to-day HR operations.
• Develop skills in documentation, filing systems, and HR recordkeeping.
• Learn how recruitment and onboarding processes work in a professional setting.
• Strengthen communication, organization, and project support skills.
• Build confidence working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.