Intern introduction - Erin

Breda, 2 July 2025

Erin Walter is a second-year Human Resource Management student at The Associate Degree Academy. As part of her graduation internship, she spent twenty weeks working with the HR department at LAB Services. What started as a search for an interesting internship turned into a valuable and enriching experience in which she not only deepened her knowledge but truly became part of the team.

Erin quickly chose LAB Services. During her search for a suitable final internship, the company’s listing stood out thanks to the enthusiastic tone and the wide range of assignment possibilities. She was also immediately drawn to the informal, down-to-earth culture typical of the Brabant region. “I thought the industry was bold and exciting,” Erin says. “Lab automation is very different from, say, the staffing industry. You work with a completely different type of employee, and that really intrigued me.”

During her internship, Erin quickly realized that real-world HR often looks different from the theory taught in school. “In class, you work with checklists and standard solutions, but in practice, every situation is unique, textbook answers don’t always apply. You have to be flexible and creative, stay aware of what’s happening in the company and the field. It’s constant learning.” That dynamic made HR even more interesting to her.

What surprised Erin most during her internship was the level of freedom and responsibility she was given. Unlike her previous internship, where she mostly observed, LAB Services immediately involved her in real work. She had the opportunity to contribute ideas, hold conversations, and independently manage projects. “It was a bit intimidating at first, but that’s exactly what allowed me to grow so much. I truly felt seen as an HR professional, not just ‘the intern.’”

A key part of her internship was her graduation research project, centered around the question: “How can LAB Services excel in terms of knowledge and quality as an organization?” To answer this, Erin independently interviewed colleagues, gathered data, and combined these insights with desk research. “It wasn’t a pre-defined assignment - I got to shape it myself. That trust gave me a lot of motivation. Also, brainstorming with my mentor about real-world HR challenges gave me valuable insight into how things really work in the field.”

In addition to what she learned content-wise, Erin gained a lot in terms of soft skills and understanding organizational culture. She learned the importance of being well-prepared, the value of showing interest in colleagues, and how much a positive work atmosphere contributes to job satisfaction. “At LAB Services, interactions are personal, open, and sincere. Sure, there are some clear subgroups, but that’s natural when people work closely together. What really stood out was the positive energy from the team. The LAB Services DNA is strong: motivated people with great drive.”

As an HR intern, Erin also took a critical look at the work atmosphere and the guidance she received. Her verdict is positive: “The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed. There’s room for guidance, but you have to take initiative. You’re encouraged to take responsibility for your own growth, and that’s incredibly helpful.”

What Erin will remember most from her time at LAB Services is the genuine personal attention that runs through the organization. “From birthday cards to spontaneous treats on a hot day - it's those small gestures that make a big difference. You really feel that people care about the person behind the employee. That’s something I definitely want to carry with me into my future career.”

Erin has a clear piece of advice for other HR students: “Choose an internship that aligns with your values and personality. Know what you want to get out of the experience. If you’re looking for a place where you’re truly seen, challenged, and made to feel welcome, LAB Services is the perfect place. You’re not just a number here, you’re a colleague.”