Human Resources Intern

Why This Role Matters

Shepherd has been built by people who showed up, learned fast, and took ownership from day one. This internship is designed for someone who wants a real look at how HR functions inside a growing, operationally-driven distribution company - not a summer of filing and coffee runs.

You will work alongside HR and operations professionals on real projects - recruiting support, onboarding, compliance documentation, and process improvement - and leave with a sharper understanding of how people strategy connects to business results. If you bring curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to do the work, this internship can open doors.

How This Role Connects to Our Compass

We Keep Our Promises: When you take on an assignment - a report, a research task, a scheduling request - it gets done on time and done right. The team should never have to wonder whether you followed through.

We Stay Hungry: You treat every task as a chance to learn something useful. You ask smart questions, pay attention to how decisions get made, and look for ways to contribute beyond what was asked of you.

We Grow Together: You are not here to observe from a distance. You participate, collaborate, and bring what you learn in the classroom to the work in front of you - and take what you learn here back to your studies.

We Own It: When you are unsure, you say so and ask - before it becomes a mistake. When you make an error, you flag it and fix it. Ownership at any level means not waiting for someone else to notice.

We Go Above & Beyond: The best interns do not wait to be handed the next task. They finish what they were given, look around for what else needs doing, and bring energy to the work. That is what gets noticed here.

What You Will Work On

Projects and responsibilities vary by business need and intern interest, but typically include:

Recruiting & Onboarding Support

• Assist with screening applications, and coordinating interview schedules
• Help prepare new hire onboarding packets, orientation materials, and day-one logistics so employees start strong
• Support applicant tracking and maintain organized candidate files with accuracy and attention to detail

HR Administration

• Assist with maintaining accurate employee records, HR files, and documentation in compliance with company policy
• Help compile HR reports, track key metrics, and organize data that supports leadership visibility and decision-making
• Support benefits and compliance administration tasks as directed, with careful attention to accuracy and confidentiality

Process & Project Work

• Contribute to an assigned intern project - researching a process gap, benchmarking a practice, or building a resource - and present findings to the HR team before the internship concludes
• Observe and document existing HR workflows to identify opportunities for improvement or standardization
• Support special projects and cross-functional assignments as needed - the best intern opportunities often come from raising your hand

Learning & Exposure

• Shadow HR and operations professionals to understand how people decisions connect to business outcomes at a distribution company
• Gain exposure to Shepherd's Compass values and operating system to understand how culture and accountability are built intentionally
• Attend company-sponsored training opportunities and take notes worth keeping - what you learn here should follow you into your career

What Success Looks Like

By the end of your internship, you and your Manger should both be able to point to these markers:

• You completed your assigned project and presented it clearly - with a real recommendation, not just a summary
• Every task assigned to you was completed accurately and on time - no one had to chase you for a follow-up
• You handled confidential information with discretion throughout the internship
• The HR team describes you as reliable, curious, and genuinely easy to work with
• You leave with a clear understanding of how HR operates inside a distribution business - and with a reference from a team that means it

Who Thrives Here

This internship is a strong fit if:

• You are pursuing a degree in HR, Business, Psychology, or a related field - and you want real experience, not just resume filler
• You are organized, dependable, and take deadlines seriously even when no one is watching
• You communicate clearly, professionally, and without needing to be reminded twice
• You understand that sensitive information stays confidential - full stop
• You are curious about how businesses actually operate - not just the theory, but the day-to-day decisions that keep people and operations aligned

Qualifications & Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an associate's or bachelor's degree program; HR, Business, Psychology, or related field preferred
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 preferred; academic standing in good order required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); comfort learning new software quickly
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a professional demeanor
• Dependable attendance and the ability to commit to an agreed-upon schedule for the duration of the internship
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment screening requirements

Why Intern at Shepherd Electric Supply

• Paid internship with real work and real responsibilities - not busywork
• Direct exposure to HR, operations, finance, and sales in a growing distribution company
• Mentorship from experienced HR professionals who are invested in your development
• A company culture built around reliability, ownership, and doing things the right way - the kind of environment that shapes strong early-career professionals
• Stable organization with over 130 years of industry leadership and real paths to grow with it

Work Shift and Hours: Monday - Friday, standard business hours, flexible | full-time during summer; part-time during academic year, if applicable

Compensation Details: The expected pay rate for this position is starting between $19.00 - $20.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Why should you join Shepherd Electrical Supply?

At Shepherd Electric Supply, excellence in service, pricing, and products has been our mission since 1892. As the oldest wholesale electrical distributor in the Baltimore/Washington area, we take pride in our exceptional customer service and extensive inventory.

We have a rich history of partnering with industry leaders like Siemens and Eaton, and our commitment to quality and innovation has made us a trusted name in the industry. Join our team and be a part of our legacy!

Apply now and find out what's next for you.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled

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