Estefania Palacios

During the first semester of my senior year, I had the amazing opportunity to work for Thomson Reuters (TR) as a Global Human Resources Intern. My position required me to research, draft, and assist my team in implementing sick leave laws and extending parental leave policies for our offices in the U.S. and Costa Rica. From drafting HR project proposals to managing the plan, I had the opportunity to use all the theory learned in class in a practical manner.

One of the main lessons I learned during my time at TR is that academic theory is essential in providing us with a context and a clear framework to make HR decisions, but there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. The classes that I particularly found to be most useful during my internship where Human Resources Management (ILRHR 2600), Labor & Employment Law (ILRLR 2010), Managing Work & Family (ILRHR 2620), and Intro to Organizational Behaviour (ILROB 1220). The classes that I was inspired to take the following semester after the Credit Internship Program ended were an Excel class (ILRHR 2660) to improve my desktop skills as well as an HR and Outsourcing class (ILRIC 5300).

Apart from having the opportunity to connect my academic training to real-life situations, I really enjoyed learning and working with an amazing boss, Laura Keenan. As my mentor, she really challenged me and trusted me with critical projects that helped me to not only grow as a student, but also as a professional. After my credit internship ended, I accepted a part-time job to work for TR remotely the following semester. I really encourage all ILR students to pursue a Credit Internship because it will give them the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow professionally in their career field of interest while in college!