ISU Healthcare Management Program Intern (HR)

Care Initiatives; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Professional mentorship

Networking opportunities

Real-world experience

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Discounts on gym memberships and more

Job summary

Care Initiatives invites motivated Iowa State University Healthcare Management students to join a paid Healthcare-Driven HR internship that links healthcare leadership with human resources.

As a participant, you will rotate through Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Leadership Development, and HR Operations, collaborating with senior leaders at Home Office and facilities across Iowa and Nebraska, gaining hands-on experience.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in Iowa State University's Healthcare Management Program.
• Interest in healthcare leadership and Human Resources.
• Willing to travel to multiple locations to gain a broad and diverse learning experience.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Show leadership experience through work, student organizations, athletics, volunteer service, or project involvement.
• Be self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Possess a valid driver's license and meet insurability requirements (MVR review required).

Responsibilities

• Explore multiple Human Resources disciplines including Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Leadership Development, Workforce Planning, Employee Engagement, Performance Management, and HR Operations.
• Partner directly with senior leaders and HR professionals across the organization.
• Gain exposure to both Home Office and Skilled Nursing Facility operations.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Leadership experience

Travel willingness

Self-motivation

Adaptability

Driver's license

Education

Iowa State University Healthcare Management Program enrollment

Job description

Start Your Career Where Healthcare and Human Resources Meet

Healthcare-Driven Human Resources Internship (Paid)

Care Initiatives is seeking future healthcare leaders to join our paid Healthcare-Driven Human Resources Internship.

Developed through a unique partnership between Care Initiatives and Iowa State University's Healthcare Management Program, this hands‑on internship provides an opportunity to gain real‑world HR experience while exploring the dynamic world of healthcare leadership.

Please note: This internship is only open to students currently enrolled in the Healthcare Management Program at Iowa State University. This internship was established through a dedicated partnership between the Iowa State University Healthcare Management Program and Care Initiatives.

As Iowa's largest nonprofit provider of senior living services, Care Initiatives offers an immersive learning experience designed to help students discover how strategic Human Resources drives organizational success, employee engagement, workforce development, and exceptional resident care.

Why You'll Love This Internship

This is not a "sit back and observe" internship.

You'll actively participate in meaningful projects, collaborate with experienced healthcare and HR leaders, and gain exposure to the essential functions that support one of Iowa's largest healthcare organizations.

During the internship, you'll:

• Explore multiple Human Resources disciplines including Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Leadership Development, Workforce Planning, Employee Engagement, Performance Management, and HR Operations.
• Partner directly with senior leaders and HR professionals across the organization.
• Gain exposure to both Home Office and Skilled Nursing Facility operations.
• Develop practical leadership, communication, and business skills that prepare you for future career opportunities.
• Build relationships with healthcare professionals across a network serving communities throughout Iowa and Nebraska.
• Discover which areas of Human Resources and healthcare leadership align best with your long-term career goals.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

Care Initiatives serves:

• 43 Skilled Nursing Facilities
• 2 Assisted Living Communities
• 7 Independent Living Communities
• 9 Hospice Hub Locations
• Growing operations throughout Iowa and Nebraska

Through rotational learning experiences and project-based assignments, you'll gain firsthand insight into how Human Resources supports healthcare operations while making a meaningful impact on the lives of residents, families, and team members.

Whether you're interested in talent management, leadership development, healthcare administration, or organizational strategy, this internship provides valuable experience and professional mentorship to help launch your career.

Preferred Qualifications

We're looking for ambitious, driven students who are excited to learn, lead, and make a difference.

• Be currently enrolled in Iowa State University's Healthcare Management Program.
• Have an interest in healthcare leadership and Human Resources.
• Be willing to travel to multiple locations to gain a broad and diverse learning experience.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Show leadership experience through work, student organizations, athletics, volunteer service, or project involvement.
• Be self‑motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn in a fast‑paced healthcare environment.
• Possess a valid driver's license and meet insurability requirements (MVR review required).

Bonus Qualifications

• Previous healthcare experience is helpful but not required.
• Senior living, long-term care, or healthcare administration experience is a plus.

Internship Benefits

As a Care Initiatives intern, you'll have access to:

• Paid internship experience
• Professional mentorship and networking opportunities
• Real-world experience
• opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discounts on gym memberships, Verizon Wireless, travel, entertainment, retail purchases, and more

Launch Your Future With Care Initiatives

If you're passionate about healthcare, interested in Human Resources, and ready to gain hands‑on leadership experience with one of Iowa's most respected nonprofit healthcare organizations, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: Applications will be accepted from 10/21/26-11/6/26, and qualified applicants will be reviewed for consideration the week of 11/9/26 with interviews for those selected scheduled throughout the month of November.