Application Guide

How to Apply for Enterprise Systems Intern 

at World Resources Institute

🏢 About World Resources Institute

World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. Working here means contributing to sustainable solutions for climate, energy, food, forests, water, and cities, with a culture that values independence, integrity, impact, care, and partnership. As a remote-first employer with 2,000+ staff across 12+ countries, WRI offers a chance to make a tangible difference on a global scale.

About This Role

As an Enterprise Systems Intern, you will support the IT team in managing and optimizing Workday, the core platform for HR, Finance, and Payroll operations. This role is critical to ensuring WRI’s internal systems run smoothly, enabling the organization to focus on its mission. You’ll gain hands-on experience with enterprise system configuration, troubleshooting, and process improvement in a mission-driven environment.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up meeting with the IT team to discuss ongoing support tickets and project updates. You could spend the morning configuring a new report in Workday for the Finance team, then troubleshoot a payroll data discrepancy in the afternoon. You’ll also document processes and collaborate with colleagues across time zones via Slack or video calls.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who World Resources Institute Is Looking For

  • Currently pursuing a degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field, with coursework or projects involving ERP systems like Workday, SAP, or Oracle.
  • Basic understanding of HR, Finance, or Payroll processes and how they are supported by enterprise software; familiarity with Workday is a plus.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and ability to document processes clearly.
  • Effective communication skills and a collaborative mindset, comfortable working remotely with a global team.

📝 Tips for Applying to World Resources Institute

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with Workday or other enterprise systems, even if from class projects or internships; mention specific modules (e.g., HCM, Financials, Payroll).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your interest in sustainable development with the technical skills you bring—WRI values candidates who care about their mission.

3

Research WRI’s recent projects or reports (e.g., on climate or energy) and mention one in your application to show genuine interest.

4

If you have experience with data analysis or reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI), highlight it, as enterprise systems often involve data extraction and insights.

5

Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote environment—give examples of self-directed projects or virtual collaboration.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for WRI’s mission and how your technical skills can contribute to their operational efficiency.', 'Specific experience with enterprise systems or related coursework, especially Workday or similar platforms.', 'Your problem-solving approach and attention to detail, with an example of troubleshooting a system or process.', 'Your ability to thrive in a remote, global team environment, citing any cross-cultural or virtual collaboration experience.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read WRI’s latest annual report and strategic plan to understand their current priorities and impact areas.
  • → Explore the Workday website or documentation to familiarize yourself with its key modules (HCM, Financials, Payroll).
  • → Look up WRI’s IT team structure or any blog posts about their digital transformation to understand the context of this role.
  • → Review recent news about WRI’s work in climate or sustainability to bring relevant talking points to an interview.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your understanding of how an ERP like Workday supports HR, Finance, and Payroll functions.
2 Describe a time you identified and fixed an error in a system or data set—what steps did you take?
3 How would you approach learning a new software system like Workday if you had no prior experience?
4 Why are you interested in working at a non-profit research organization like WRI instead of a tech company?
5 How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple stakeholders (e.g., HR, Finance) with competing requests?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning WRI or their mission—candidates who don’t show genuine interest are often screened out.
  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating an understanding of how enterprise systems support business processes.
  • Ignoring the remote work aspect—failing to mention your ability to work independently or your setup for remote collaboration can raise concerns.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to World Resources Institute!

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