Muhlenberg athletes are spending the summer of 2026 enjoying fantastic experiences on campus, in their hometowns, across the country, and even around the world.

As a dual-sport athlete, rising field hockey and lacrosse junior Katie Zarish-Yasunas doesn't have a chance to study abroad during the academic year. So the business administration major and double minor in political science and public health traveled to London for a summer internship.

This summer, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to intern for the West London Chambers of Commerce in London, England. Because I am a two-sport athlete at Muhlenberg, where I play field hockey and lacrosse, I started looking for different summer opportunities and found a program that allows students to study abroad and learn professional skills through a hands-on internship - the best of both worlds! I applied to the program, was accepted, and then interviewed for an internship with a company that matched my major. 

Muhlenberg helped prepare me for this internship because of the rigorous and interdisciplinary classes I have taken. One of the management classes I took last semester prepared me a lot, as it taught me the ins and outs of managing people.

Some of my favorite tasks here include managing business events, handling spreadsheets, and organizing the 2026 Business Awards. The Business Awards are held every year for local businesses in and out of the three main boroughs that we work closely with: Ealing, Hounslow, and Hammersmith and Fulham. Throughout my internship, I have not only been communicating with our members and nonmembers in the boroughs but also across West London, helping manage the award applications, organizing data, and assisting in the office where it is needed. This experience has provided me with valuable lessons and experiences in the professional world. 

One of the most exciting parts of this experience so far is that I am physically in London. Living and working in a different country, and one of the largest business cities in the world, has allowed me to experience a different work culture and meet new people. This summer is especially thrilling, as the World Cup and Wimbledon are occurring. The atmosphere around the World Cup is something I have never experienced before; people from all over the city uniting is unbelievable! 

I have enjoyed learning about how the Chambers help the local community. I have been to a lot of events this past year, and I have been pushed out of my comfort zone. I enjoy hearing from each company (most of the companies we work with are small businesses) and learning about their experiences and how they need help and/or guidance.

Some of the events we host are international. This means that I am meeting companies from across the world, which is super interesting!

I have also enjoyed developing the skills that I know will help me down the line. Within the past few weeks, I have become more confident in writing professional e-mails, communicating with leaders, organizing and analyzing data, and paying attention to the small details. As a business administration major with a concentration in marketing, these small skills that I have picked up have shown me what it takes to be organized and have effective communication. 

Overall, this internship has been and continues to be an incredible experience full of professional and personal growth. I am grateful for this extremely rewarding experience abroad.

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