Passion for Talent Management
Nick Fitzsimmons '14
Human Resources Internship Puts Business Major Behind the Camera
Nick Fitzsimmons’ internship experience got him on YouTube, and for all the right reasons.
During spring 2014, Fitzsimmons interned at Allentown’s Community Services for Children, which provides early childhood education services and activities in 18 Northeastern Pennsylvania counties. As part of his responsibilities, the Business Management major assisted with projects related to recruitment, talent management, wellness and professional development.
One assignment included producing a seven-minute recruitment video, titled “Community Services for Children: Join Our Team!,” from beginning to end.
“This internship has affirmed my passion for human resources, especially aspects of talent management,” says Fitzsimmons. The former ɫɫ offensive lineman added how much he enjoyed creating the video as well.
“This internship has affirmed my passion for human resources, especially aspects of talent management.”
- Nick Fitzsimmons
In addition to the video, the Flemington, New Jersey, native handled recruitment initiatives through social media and community outreach, reviewed resumes and designed a wellness program for CSC employees. He also continued to develop and implement a 360 degree feedback system for professional development. This initiative grew from a larger course project in Fitzsimmon’s “Industrial/Organizational Psychology” class, led by professor Bob Brill.
“My professor, Dr. Brill and Dr. Katie Desiderio have prepared me well for a future career in HR, but it is truly special to see that knowledge come together in this internship,” he says.
Fitzsimmon’s education continued under the leadership of his CSC supervisor, Sue Cimerola, the organization’s human resources manager. “She has given me a wealth of knowledge and applicable HR experience that I can now offer to my future employers,” Fitzsimmons explains. “I have also gained an appreciation for Sue’s management style, where she open to input and creative solutions for accomplishing tasks.”
Human resources is truly a passion for Fitzsimmons, who was active in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), serving as the University’s club president and the president of the Lehigh Valley student chapter.