Liberal Arts student leverages resources to score internship in Washington, D.C.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Katelyn Davis, a fourth-year Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar majoring in economics and mathematics, used Penn State and College of the Liberal Arts resources to secure a summer internship with Bates White Economics Consulting in Washington, D.C.

Coming from Kingston, Rhode Island, Davis knew that living in D.C. could be expensive. The Virginia Todd Chapel Executive Internship Program funded Davis’ internship with a $5,000 award. The Chapel program is designed to assist with the costs associated with being a full-time, in-person summer intern in the business or private sector.

“I was probably more excited to be accepted into this program than when I got my internship offer," Davis said. “I had worked hard at Penn State but was never awarded anything for that work. Seeing how the work I have put in so far, in a tangible way, paid off, was inspiring, and I was happy.”

The award helped cover the cost of living in an area of D.C. close to other interns and Bates White employees, which allowed her to understand the culture and environment from their perspectives.

“I could fully participate in after-work events as a result of being able to live in a close area,” Davis said. “Bates White was unique in the fact that they had a lot of activities and a very tight-knit culture. It made being away from home more comfortable while I was there this summer.”

Davis first learned about Bates White Economic Consulting through research that she conducted alongside Robert C. Marshall, distinguished professor of economics at Penn State and an early partner at Bates White. She also attended various informational sessions and career fairs where Bates White was present. Using all these connections and resources, she felt confident when she applied for the internship.

During her time as an intern, Davis worked with three teams, including a team of interns who competed against other teams of interns on a case study project. The other two teams included consultants and expert economists working on litigation cases, which Davis said helped her understand the litigation process, hone her presentation skills, and develop other skills such as coding. She plans to use all of those skills during her final year at Penn State, especially when writing her Schreyer thesis.

“Presenting in front of the entire firm was very stressful, but it was a rewarding experience to showcase my work and answer questions from senior people within the company,” Davis said. “I felt like the employees really were interested; I learned a lot from them.”

“Knowing that our work is done correctly and to a high quality is important so that it can be cited and used in court cases,” she added. “Having some of the practices that Bates White uses to ensure high-quality work is something I will not only use in school but in my future career.”

While not in the office, Davis explored the nation’s capital. She visited almost all of the Smithsonian museums and watched the Fourth of July fireworks show with other interns.

“Getting to explore D.C. and having a better idea of what the city is like is important should I return there for a job or want to live in a city,” Davis said. “I am from a small town, and I had never spent that much time in a big city. It was a good learning experience to see that environment and culture.”

After having a positive and enriching experience, she said she would love to return to Bates White after graduation. She hopes to attend law school or graduate school after a few years of experience working in the "real world."

Davis said she loves Penn State, and although beginning her final year has been bittersweet, she looks forward to soaking up the activities that happen every day and simply walking around campus.

This is one in a series of stories about Liberal Arts students participating in Chapel Executive Internships this summer. Students interested in applying for a Chapel Executive Internship for fall should apply by the Sept. 1 deadline through the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network.