Human Resources Intern - Summer 2027

Colonial Group; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly wage

Mentorship from leaders

Exposure to HR functions

Job summary

Independent Bank invites you to join its 2027 Internship Program as a Human Resources Intern at the Downtown Grand Rapids office. You will support enterprise-wide HR priorities, gaining exposure to Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Total Rewards, and Employee Experience through research, analysis, and project coordination.

You will collaborate with HR professionals and business leaders, contributing to meaningful projects while developing practical HR skills, including HRIS, data

Qualifications

• Pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s in HR, business, psychology, analytics, or related field.
• Capable of handling sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse teams and leaders.

Responsibilities

• Support HR strategic initiatives led by the CHRO and HR leadership.
• Conduct research, organize findings, and prepare summaries and materials for decision-making.
• Assist with project planning, meetings, and cross-functional documentation.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Initiative

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Be Proud, Be YOU, Be Independent!

Are you interested in exploring your potential and growing from real-world experience? If so, we are looking for goal-oriented, disciplined, and eager-to-learn individuals to be a part of our 2027 Internship Program. At Independent Bank, we promote a culture that encourages professional growth and embraces the collective sum of your individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent. We value diversity of thought, ideas, and background. Our inclusive and collaborative culture helps us find the best solutions to meet the needs of our clients and company.

As a Human Resources Intern, you will support enterprise-wide Human Resources priorities and gain broad exposure to the work of the HR leadership team. This internship provides meaningful project experience across areas such as Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Total Rewards, and Employee Experience. You will build practical HR skills through research, analysis, communication, project coordination, and collaboration with leaders across the organization.

This full-time summer internship will sit at our Downtown Grand Rapids office and provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while working alongside HR professionals and business leaders. You will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects and learn more about the Human Resources function and the banking industry.

Why You Should Apply:

• Earn a competitive hourly wage.
• Full-time opportunity for the summer.
• Receive development and mentoring from leaders of Independent Bank.
• Gain exposure to a broad range of Human Resources functions and initiatives.
• Collaborate with HR team members and business leaders across the organization.
• Participate in a joint intern project and present your group’s recommendations to Independent Bank’s executive leadership team.
• Build practical skills in research, analysis, communication, project coordination, and problem-solving.
• Assist with other departments and teams as needed.

What You Will Do:

• Support HR strategic initiatives led by the CHRO, including projects related to organizational effectiveness, employee experience, leadership development, workforce planning, culture, and communications.
• Conduct research, organize findings, and prepare clear summaries, presentations, and other materials to support HR recommendations and leadership decision-making.
• Assist with project planning, meeting coordination, follow-up tracking, and documentation for cross-functional HR initiatives.
• Partner with HR team members on defined projects in areas such as talent acquisition, onboarding, learning and development, total rewards, HR systems, employee engagement, and policy administration.
• Help analyze HR data and trends, including headcount, turnover, compensation, recruiting, benefits, training, and employee feedback, as assigned.
• Support communications and resources for employees and managers, including job aids, presentations, surveys, and internal announcements.
• Maintain organized, accurate, and confidential project files and information.
• Participate in team meetings and learning opportunities to gain exposure to the HR function and the banking industry.
• Contribute to various HR projects and initiatives as assigned, providing support and insights to drive successful outcomes.

What We’re Looking For:

• Currently pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, Communications, Analytics, or a related field.
• Capable of handling sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and collaborate with a variety of team members and leaders.
• Shows interest in Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) or has prior experience with any HRIS system.
• Demonstrates excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, while exhibiting a high level of initiative and a strong willingness to learn.

Investing in your career can feel overwhelming when there are so many choices, and we understand your time is valuable. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our clients, shareholders, and the communities we serve, and will empower you to Be Independent.

Be Successful. Be YOU. Be Independent.