Human Resources Internship Program

Job Description

Here is the detailed enriched job description:

Human Resources Internship Program

About APCO

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm dedicated to helping leading corporations, foundations, and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact. Founded in 1984 with a singular vision, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm with over 1,200 employees, spanning 80 markets worldwide.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO comprises strategic advisers, consultants, and creators who collaborate across borders and functions. They provide expertise and services on financial, competitive, political, and societal issues. APCO serves as a trusted partner to purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media, and other stakeholders across vital sectors such as health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure, and food & consumer products. For 40 years, the firm has delivered public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation, and global solutions services.

APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients’ interests, build their reputation, and strengthen their standing. Through an integrated approach and a team of tenacious and empathetic talent, APCO fosters connections and develops winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact. By bringing diverse people and ideas together and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the uncommon ground upon which progress is made.

Job Summary / Program Overview

Our Human Resources team is actively seeking a forward-thinking and enthusiastic senior or recent graduate to join our full-time paid internship program. This invaluable opportunity offers hands-on experience in a dynamic HR environment, focusing on developing foundational skills in:

• Talent Management
• Organizational Support
• HR Strategy
• Communications

This internship will be based in APCO’s Washington, DC office.

Key Responsibilities

As an HR Intern, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Human Resources team across various functions. Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting employee programs and data reporting to ensure the maintenance of accurate employee records and databases.
• Ensuring data confidentiality and compliance across all HR activities.
• Assisting with the onboarding and offboarding processes for employees within our HRIS platform, VIA.
• Providing dedicated support to our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• Contributing to the creation of educational materials and resources for our employees.
• Performing essential administrative tasks such, as data entry, digital filing, managing contracts/POs, and processing invoices.
• Helping prepare compelling communication materials, presentations, and reports for various HR initiatives.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Education: Recent college graduate or senior in class standing.
• Preferred Major: A major in human resource management, business, or learning technology is preferred.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Work Ethic: A collaborative team player who can also work independently, demonstrating self-starter qualities, initiative, and strong prioritization skills.
• Confidentiality: Proven ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information at all times.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to organizational and grammatical detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with Microsoft products preferred, specifically Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Availability: Available to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Work Authorization: Requires US Work Authorization. Please note that APCO is unable to consider candidates with CPT/OPT/Post-OPT status for this program.

Work Schedule & Environment

Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. APCO is committed to a hybrid and flexible working environment. This means there may be days you choose to work from home and days where coming into the office is encouraged to experience APCO’s culture and meet colleagues. A company laptop will be provided to facilitate seamless work from both home and the office.

Compensation

This is a paid internship at a fixed hourly rate of $17.95.

Important Dates

• Application Closing Date: Friday, February 27th.
• Internship Commencement Date: Tuesday, June 16th (2026).
• Internship End Date: Friday, December 11th, 2026.

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

Through our recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams that bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint, and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies, and practices. Our aim is to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

APCO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.