Name: Paloma
Company: Garmin
For my internship, I chose to join Garmin—a global technology company renowned for its aviation, marine, outdoor, fitness, and automotive solutions—as an intern in the Talent Development (TD) department. Garmin’s strong foundation in GPS technology and its vertically integrated operations allowed me to observe how a large tech company builds learning systems and talent strategies from the inside.
My responsibilities included both administrative work and project participation: translating training materials, managing course records, creating promotional assets, supporting annual Training Needs Analysis (TNA), assisting in competency launch events, designing career talk videos, and developing online training modules. Through these experiences, I learned how talent development systems are built and refined, and I was able to apply theories from my IHRD coursework—such as needs assessment and training program design—directly to real projects.
What impressed me most was Garmin’s culture: friendly colleagues, a pragmatic work attitude, and a supportive environment where questions are welcomed. My supervisor’s trust-based management style allowed me to independently manage tasks while receiving regular guidance through monthly 1-on-1 check-ins. This helped me grow not only in professional skills but also in confidence and workplace adaptability.
This internship reaffirmed my passion for Talent Development and expanded my understanding of how HR can create meaningful organizational impact. I highly recommend Garmin to students interested in HRD, L&D, or organizational development. It is a place where you can truly apply what you learn and gain practical, system-level insights that shape your future career.
