By Jessica Yang, HR Intern, Saras Micro Devices
Hi, I’m Jessica Yang, a rising junior at Washington University in St. Louis, studying Organizational & Strategic Management and Sociology. With my two interests, I’ve always been passionate about the people side of business, which is why I was looking for internships within Human Resources that really values collaboration and its people.
From the moment I interviewed with Candace, I knew Saras was where I wanted to be. We connected within the first two minutes. It was natural and easy; my nerves were out the window. Having that authentic bond is rare in interviews, and I immediately felt drawn to her and her leadership. That conversation alone told me this was the kind of person I wanted to work alongside and learn from.
What sealed the deal even more was Saras’ startup environment. Being a part of a smaller fast-growing company meant that I would be exposed to all functions and aspects within HR perfect for someone like me who loves learning. It also gave me the chance to learn more about myself and what areas of HR I am most passionate about.
My Role and Projects
I was a part of the People & Culture team, where I worked alongside the Head of P&C, Tia, and my manager Candace. As a smaller group, there was always work to be done, where no two days were the same. The excitement of new projects was always thrilling because I got to tackle new challenges every day.
One of my bigger projects was creating a HR SharePoint site. The task at hand was to create a website that was HR specific, laying out all employee facing documents and such. After researching best practices in intranet design, I built a centralized, user-friendly hub that made it easier for employees to find onboarding documents, benefits information, and key company policies, focusing on ease and how effective the information came across. By making key information easily accessible through the HR SharePoint site, employees could get their questions answered faster. This also allowed the HR team more uninterrupted time to focus on more urgent tasks.
Beyond that, I got to be a fresh set of eyes for the team. As someone new to Saras, I was encouraged to speak up and suggest changes whether it was building benefits guides, crafting pitch decks, or helping with company-wide surveys. I appreciated that my work wasn’t just welcomed, it was used. Having that tangible impact is something the benefit of working at a smaller company and at Saras.
Key Highlights and Moments
It’s hard to pick just one highlight but if I had to, I’d say the people. The culture that Saras has created is truly reflected through their people. Monthly engagement events and programs that encourage collaboration and openness have created a cohesive and dynamic environment; one you want to be a part of.
The culture at Saras is genuinely special. On my very first day, everyone was kind and welcoming, many introducing themselves to me as I was settling in. I might have been the youngest at the company, but I most definitely did not feel any gap in communication, nor did I feel left out.
Also… favorite random moment? When Tia was shocked that I didn’t know who Popeye the Sailor was and became the topic of discussion that day. That memory is engraved in me but still cracks me up. It was just one of many funny and warm moments that made Saras feel like a community, not just a workplace.
What I Learned
This internship taught me a lot not just about HR, but about people. Every employee is unique. From their work styles, to their personalities, it’s what makes us special. I’ve learned to embrace that, especially now through an HR lens. Learning how to adapt to these different dynamics helped me become more confident in new environments.
I also gained hard skills in internal communications, project coordination, and software like SharePoint and HRISs. But beyond the technical side, I leave with a deeper understanding of what it means to build a strong company culture and how impactful that can be in creating an organization
Advice for Future Interns
Put yourself out there! People at Saras are incredibly open and willing to connect, even if someone isn’t on your team. Reach out to people from across all departments and get to know the wonderful people that make up Saras. The people are the most genuine people who never fail to put a smile on your face.
Lastly, your perspective matters here, and your ideas can genuinely make an impact. So, take that initiative and ask questions!
Closing Thoughts
This internship has reinforced my passion for HR and shown me the kind of collaborative culture I want to be part of. I’m beyond grateful to the team and especially to Candace and Tia for all the support I’ve had along the way.
