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Dear Masego

Thank you for your question regarding human resources and industrial psychology internships.

Finding an internship in human resources is actually a job hunting process that requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are some ideas which may help you in your quest for a job:

• Create a good CV and draw up a plan of action, then implement your job hunting strategy. There are a number of books on the subject, some of which you should find in your local public library. Here are a few books to look out for:
  • The 2008 “What color is your parachute?” By R N Bolles helps you develop a network of contacts which may be able to help you with an internship and future job hunting;
  • “Job hunting : Everything you need to know” by A. H. Gort;
  • “Online job hunting : great answers to tough questions” by Martin Yate;
  • “Hot tips on job hunting” by C Goldschagg;
  • “Job hunting made easy: a step by step guide” by J. Bramham
  • “Successful job hunting” by I. Ural
• Approach the Human Resources departments of large organizations and ask them for information about any internship programs they may have. Apply for as many as you can.
• Look for suitable learnerships at your level - Go to the Department of Labour’s website at http://www.labour.gov.za/documents/useful-documents/skills-development/ then go to “A learnership guide for unemployed people” and “Registered learnerships by SETAs”
• Browse through the “career” or “situations vacant” section of local and national newspapers on a daily basis. The Sunday papers are the best. Your local library should have copies of local and national papers. Apply for all jobs which your experience and qualifications match.
• Register with employment or recruitment agencies. Use your local newspapers and the Yellow Pages Phone Book to help you develop a list of possible agencies in your area. Your local library should have a copy of the Yellow Pages.

To be eligible for an internship in Industrial Psychology you need to obtain at least an honours degree industrial psychology (psychometrist or counsellor internship) or a masters degree (industrial psychologist internship and you must register as an intern with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (www.hpcsa.co.za).

We hope this information will help you to start your network and find a suitable internship. Let us know how you get on.

The Career Planet Team