By Aabroo Kahlon – Advanced Human Resource Management Student | August 2025
Hello everyone!
My name is Aabroo Kahlon, and I’m currently pursuing my Advanced Human Resource Management course. This summer, I had the opportunity to complete my HR internship with U-Turn Parkinson’s, a community-focused non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people living with Parkinson’s disease through exercise, education, and support.
I first learned about U-Turn Parkinson’s while exploring internship opportunities with the guidance of my university’s industry coordinator, Manuela Trentin. She introduced me to the organization, knowing it would be a great fit for my skills and interests. After connecting with the team and learning about their mission, I knew this was a place where I could not only apply my HR knowledge but also contribute to meaningful work that impacts lives. It was clear from the start that my skills could grow here while supporting a cause I truly believe in.
My internship began in early July 2025, and from day one, I was welcomed warmly into the team. My work involved a variety of HR and administrative tasks that gave me a well-rounded view of how HR operates in a non-profit setting. I spent much of my time drafting and updating workplace policies including payroll guidelines, respectful workplace policies, incident reporting procedures, instructor-client relationship rules, and class participation policies. I also assisted in employee onboarding, updating personnel files, and organizing HR resources to ensure everything was compliant, accessible, and clear for both staff and contractors.
A highlight of my practicum was being trusted to merge, refine, and simplify complex policy documents so they were not only legally sound but also easy for employees to understand. This required attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to balance professionalism with approachability skills I know will serve me well in my HR career.
Beyond policy work, I also supported recruitment-related tasks, helped coordinate job descriptions, and participated in creating forms and templates for various HR needs. The hybrid mix of independent work and collaborative discussions with the leadership team gave me valuable insight into both the structured and flexible sides of HR in a small, mission-driven organization.
One of the biggest lessons I have taken away from this experience is the importance of clear communication and transparency in workplace policies. In HR, even the most well designed policy can fall short if employees don’t understand it or feel comfortable asking questions about it. U-Turn Parkinson’s is committed to making sure its policies and processes are fair, inclusive, and easy to follow and I am grateful I had the chance to be part of building that foundation.
For anyone considering a practicum or volunteer opportunity at U-Turn Parkinson’s, my advice is to embrace the learning process and be open to every task, big or small. Ask questions, contribute ideas, and take the time to understand the organization’s values and community. The more you immerse yourself, the more you will gain not just in skills, but in confidence and professional growth.
I am deeply thankful to my supervisors, Jordana Hague and Dauda Sulaiman, for guiding me, trusting me with important projects, and making my internship a positive and enriching experience.
This practicum has been an important chapter in my HR journey one that has strengthened my skills, shaped my professional approach, and reminded me why I chose this field. I will carry these lessons forward with pride.
Wishing everyone a wonderful rest of the summer!
Have a question?
Contact us at:
Phone: 204-510-4869
Email: info@uturnpd.org