Marquette Student-Athletes Thrive with Summer Internships at Fiserv

For student-athletes, the concept of “free time” can feel elusive. Balancing rigorous practice schedules, travel for games, and academic commitments often leaves little room for additional pursuits. However, three Marquette Business student-athletes found enriching summer internships at Milwaukee-based financial technology firm Fiserv, resulting in hands-on experience and job offers after graduation.

Pursuing Opportunities in Fintech

Sayla Lotysz, a senior majoring in finance, marketing, and accelerating ingenuity in markets (AIM) and a lacrosse player for the Golden Eagles, identified Fiserv as a target company early in her academic career. “I have always been very interested in technology and knew that Fiserv was a leading fintech company,” she noted. Lotysz secured a finance internship at Fiserv in the summer of 2024 and was invited back for another internship in 2025.

Making an Impact Through Financial Audits

During her initial summer at Fiserv, Lotysz engaged in billing audits, achieving remarkable results. “I was able to find $330,000 in additional revenue that wasn’t billed, so I discussed it with my manager,” she said, showcasing her ability to add value to the company.

Skills Development Through AIM Specialization

Lotysz credits her AIM specialization for preparing her for the challenges she faced at Fiserv. This specialized knowledge equipped her to create pricing curves and perform statistical analyses efficiently. Additionally, she tutors fellow student-athletes in subjects like business statistics and finance, further solidifying her understanding of these topics. “Tutoring for the athletic department really set me up for success,” she remarked.

Utilizing Academic Knowledge in Real-World Scenarios

Josie Bieda, another Golden Eagles athlete studying finance, information systems, and AIM, also translated her classroom experiences into practical contributions during her 2025 summer internship at Fiserv. Coming in with a solid background in SQL and programming languages such as Python enabled her to make immediate contributions to her team. “This made working with Python a lot easier,” Bieda explained.

The Challenge of Balancing Training and Work

Juggling an internship while training for football presented unique challenges for Bieda. “Working 40 hours in the office each week during preseason training was tough,” she shared. Her commitment required early morning workouts, leaving little room for rest, but her determination proved effective in managing her time.

Translating Athletic Skills to Workplace Effectiveness

Teddy Wong, a finance and AIM major and member of Marquette’s men’s tennis team, also discovered that the mental resilience he honed through athletics served him well during his internship with Fiserv’s corporate accounting team in the summer of 2025. “You have to stay mentally strong and focused throughout the workday,” Wong noted, highlighting the transferable skills he gained from sports.

A Bright Future Awaiting Marquette Graduates

Lotysz, Bieda, and Wong have all accepted full-time positions in Fiserv’s analyst rotation program, starting after their graduation in spring 2026. This two-year program will expose them to various aspects of the business, setting them up for successful careers in the fintech industry.

Tips for Future Interns

For student-athletes aspiring to gain internship experience, Bieda offers valuable advice: “Start researching early and be open to different opportunities. Communication is key—both internships I completed were flexible with my soccer schedule because I was clear about my commitments.” With proper planning and time management, achieving internships alongside athletic responsibilities is entirely feasible.