Marquette Student-Athletes Thrive Through Internships at Fiserv

For many student-athletes, the concept of “free time” can feel elusive. With packed practice schedules, travel commitments, and academic obligations, balancing additional responsibilities poses a challenge. However, three Marquette Business student-athletes have successfully navigated this landscape, securing summer internships at Fiserv, a Milwaukee-based financial technology company. Their experiences not only provided them with hands-on industry skills but also led to full-time job offers post-graduation.

Sayla Lotysz: From Lacrosse to Financial Insight

Sayla Lotysz, a senior majoring in finance, marketing, and accelerating ingenuity in markets (AIM), played lacrosse for the Golden Eagles. Fiserv had long been on her radar as a top fintech company, making it a primary target during her internship search in her sophomore year. “I have always been very interested in technology and knew that Fiserv was a leading fintech company,” Lotysz explained.

Internship Success and Real-World Impact

During her first summer at Fiserv in 2024, Lotysz worked as a finance intern, diving into billing audits. Her contributions were significant, as she identified an underbilling issue that accounted for $330,000 in additional revenue. “I told my manager about it,” she says, highlighting how her work made a tangible impact on the company’s bottom line.

Preparing for Professional Challenges

Lotysz credited her AIM specialization for preparing her for the rigorous demands of her internship. The program equipped her with essential skills in statistical analysis and pricing strategy. Additionally, she served as a tutor in the athletic department, assisting fellow student-athletes in subjects like business statistics and finance. “Tutoring helped me become adept at logarithmic regressions,” she noted.

Josie Bieda: Balancing Sports and Work

Another remarkable student-athlete, Josie Bieda, who plays football for the Golden Eagles, leveraged her academic background in finance, information systems, and AIM during her 2025 internship at Fiserv. “With a strong foundation in SQL, I was ready to jump in and contribute from day one,” Bieda said, adding that her coursework in programming languages like Python facilitated her work.

Overcoming Challenges as a Student-Athlete

For many student-athletes like Bieda, balancing the demands of sports with internship responsibilities can be challenging, especially during summer when training intensifies. “Working 40 hours a week in the office while managing preseason training was tough,” she explained, emphasizing the dedication it takes to manage workouts around a busy internship schedule.

Teddy Wong: Mental Strength in the Workplace

Teddy Wong, a finance and AIM major and Marquette’s men’s tennis player, utilized the mental toughness developed through athletics during his internship with Fiserv’s corporate accounting team in the summer of 2025. “Staying mentally strong and focused throughout the day was essential,” he noted, illustrating how athletic discipline translates into professional settings.

Building a Future at Fiserv

All three student-athletes—Lotysz, Bieda, and Wong—have accepted positions in Fiserv’s analyst rotation program, starting upon their graduation in spring 2026. This two-year program will grant them exposure to various aspects of the business, propelling their careers forward. In addressing fellow student-athletes interested in internships, Bieda offered valuable advice: “Start researching early and remain open to various opportunities. Clear communication about your commitments and effective time management are key to success.”