Liberal Arts student explores AI adoption through Chapel Internship

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Emine Barik, a fourth-year economics student at Penn State, spent her summer in Philadelphia helping Global Indemnity Group (GBLI) navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI).

Through her role as an AI adoption intern, Barik worked across teams, helping employees understand how emerging technologies can be used in the workplace. Her work included researching AI applications, developing educational resources and delivering companywide training and live sessions that help employees integrate AI tools into their daily workflows.

For Barik, the opportunity to pursue the internship was made possible in part through the support of Penn State’s Chapel Executive Internship Program. As one of the program's 26 Chapel Interns this summer, Barik received enrichment funding through the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network to aid her professional growth during her summer internship.

Thanks to the funding, Barik said she was able to fully immerse herself in the internship, pursue networking opportunities and connect with professionals across different departments and levels of leadership. From participating in company events to exploring the heart of Philadelphia, she said she was able to fully maximize her experience.

“The funding significantly reduced the financial barriers associated with relocating for a summer internship,” she said. “It allowed me to focus fully on making the most of the experience rather than worrying about housing and living expenses.”

Originally, Barik applied for a business analyst internship with GBLI, but during the interview process the team recognized her enthusiasm for new technologies and their applications in business. They then introduced her to an opportunity within the company’s AI Center of Excellence, which Barik said aligned even more closely with her interests and career goals.

“Because AI is evolving so rapidly, a significant part of my role involves continuous learning and translating technical developments into practical business applications,” Barik said.

One project Barik said she is especially proud of was helping to create educational materials that make AI more accessible and allow employees with varying levels of technical experience to integrate it into their daily work. In doing so, she saw firsthand the impact of combining technology with business to improve efficacy.

“Seeing colleagues become more confident using AI tools reinforced how important change management and education are alongside technological innovation,” she said.

Along with her work developing educational resources, Barik also evaluated new and evolving AI tools and how they could be used in the workplace. This allowed her to see how different departments could benefit from AI, as well as design curriculum tailored to specific department needs.

“One of my biggest takeaways is that successful AI implementation is much more about people than technology,” Barik said. “Even the most advanced tools create little value unless employees understand how and when to use them effectively.”

Besides allowing Barik to explore the crossover between business and technology, the internship also exposed her to a new environment. With GBLI’s headquarters in Bala Cynwyd, she explored many parts of the greater Philadelphia area.

“As an international student, it has been an incredible opportunity to experience a professional environment in the United States while learning from colleagues across many areas of the business,” she said.

One of Barik’s most memorable experiences outside of the office was attending a Philadelphia Phillies-Miami Marlins baseball game with her fellow interns. She said she found it to be a great way to connect with her colleagues while taking in a new atmosphere.

“It’s been especially exciting to experience the city during such a memorable time, with Philadelphia serving as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” she said. “Seeing the energy and international atmosphere throughout the city has made my internship experience even more meaningful.”

As she reflected on the overall experience, Barik said she can’t help but feel grateful for the support she received from Penn State.

“The Chapel Executive Internship Program opens doors that extend far beyond financial assistance,” she said. “It provides students with the opportunity to pursue internships that might otherwise be difficult to access while validating the value of a liberal arts education in today’s professional world.”