Work/Life Balance Internship (University Unions - Human Resources)
The Division of Student Affairs Internship Program
The Division of Student Affairs Internship Program allows students to spend a summer handling a special project for the university designed to prepare them for life after graduation. Interns will work 19 hours per week for 10-weeks. These part-time internship positions offer a competitive compensation package that includes an hourly wage. Due to COVID-19, we are currently planning for each of our internships to take place virtually. Housing assistance may be provided on a case by case basis after internship positions are offered. Undergraduate students are eligible to apply. The internship runs from May 31, 2021 to August 6, 2021. The application is due February 14, 2021.
Please contact utlei@austin.utexas.edu with questions.
*Undergraduate students must be enrolled in the Spring 2021 semester to be eligible.
The Office
The mission of the University Unions is to enhance the student experience and to enrich campus life by providing cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs as well as related goods and services to the campus community. The University Unions is the community center for the university, offering activities, programs, services and facilities that complement the academic mission and the focus on student development. Our facilities and management include the Texas Union, the Student Activity Center, the Hogg Memorial Auditorium, the Student Services Building, and 2609.
The Project
This internship is designed to appeal to a candidate considering Human Resources as a career and will provide an entry level opportunity to explore the dimensions of this career path. The second goal of the internship will be to assist and support our diverse team members in inclusive programs and initiatives that promote balance between University Unions staff personal and work lives. This role will provide tools, information and opportunities to our employees to ensure they have differing levels of outlets to manage stress and have time during the day to reflect. The intern selected will help to identify, support and facilitate opportunities and initiatives to support our teams in ways that focus on mental happiness, physical health and focused productivity in their daily roles and to support their personal lifestyles.
The Supervisor
Debbie Dillingham & Sophia Spera, Human Resources, University Unions
Things You’ll Do
- Work closely with the HR Coordinator to plan department enrichment events.
- Research mindful initiatives to support team members working on-site and remote in a variety of forms, such as but not limited to: brown bag healthy eating, respite exercises for deep breathing and mindful meditation, researching flexible work arrangements, etc.
- Bring forth findings and ideas to the HR team to determine projects well suited for department staff members.
- Build repository of useful articles and educational materials to provide to team members both in person and via the department staff newsletter.
- Build and maintain University Unions Wiki page of articles and other educational materials that can be used during the semester to educate staff on mindfulness in all forms.
- Support the rooftop garden project at the Texas Union Building as hands-on work begins with student and staff members during the Summer semester, such as coordinating the plant/harvest teams and organizing outreach/delivery to garden participants and to others who have a need.
- Work collaboratively will all members of the Unions organization and other VPSA stakeholders such as UT Outpost to determine if garden outputs can be utilized by not only staff, but student community as well in future semesters post internship.
- Participate in other Human Resource related projects and work as determined by business needs.
- Present programs and opportunities to our team in individual and all staff meetings.
Who You Are (Preferred Qualifications)
- Any course related studies in Human Resources, Organizational Behavior, Human Dimensions, Occupational Health,
- Interest in Horticulture best practices
- Have a strong desire to help employees excel in their roles with the Unions and to impart vision and mission to led to a shared goal.