Growth Through Experience: Dasya McKenzie's Summer Internship at the BCCEC

Published August 6th, 2026

As part of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's National Summer Youth Programme, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC) was pleased to welcome Dasya McKenzie for a summer internship through the Job Placement Programme. Although Dasya is pursuing a degree in Biology at the University of The Bahamas, she embraced the opportunity to gain experience in a professional office environment. We sat down with her to reflect on her internship, the skills she developed, and the lessons she will carry forward in her academic and professional journey.

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1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Dasya McKenzie. I am 21 years old, and I attend the University of The Bahamas. My major is Biology. I chose it because life has always interested me. To see the intricacies of a leaf, for example, and how it all comes together to facilitate the health and maintenance of the plant amazes me. In humans, to see the way the eye works, or digestion, or even breathing, and the chemical exchange involved was incredible! My curiosity about the world around me made me choose Biology as my field, but I also have other interests, such as the Social Sciences, Mathematics, History, Architecture, Music and the Arts, some of which I’m better in than others.

2. As a Biology major, what was it like completing your internship at the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers' Confederation?

It was less hands on than a usual Biology experience. At school, a class would typically involve a laboratory session, with reagents, other chemical compounds, apparatuses, and in some instances, observing bodily fluids (etc…) underneath a microscope. Here at the Chambers, however, it was more so desk work, which I didn’t mind because for once my mind could relax without having to think about chemical formulas, equations, processes, or cross section diagrams, haha, so I was glad for a break.

3. What were some of the tasks you worked on while assisting the Finance Officer, and what did you enjoy most about the experience?

I helped Ms. Romer with finding TIN numbers for various companies from the VAT Registrants, filing, which involved digitizing files more than 10 years old, and highlighting companies from various invoices. What I really enjoyed was the catharsis of completing a task, such as removing outdated files from all folders in a cabinet. Also, being able to see the myriad of companies Bahamians have founded that are still going strong in 2026, so that was cool.

4. What is the biggest lesson or skill you learned during your internship that you'll carry with you into your future career?

Probably to never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Doing this internship is completing left field of what Biology entails, but I was excited to experience something different and to do it to the best of my ability.

5. What advice would you give to other students who may be completing an internship outside of their field of study?

I would tell them what I learned, “never be afraid to something new.” Though it may not be what you intend to do for a career, there’s no telling where the experience will take, and what you could learn from it if you’re willing to embrace it. You may even meet people who can encourage you and assist you in your future endeavors. You will certainly see some of them again at some point in your life.

We would like to thank Dasya for taking the time to share her internship experience with us and for being such a wonderful addition to the BCCEC team this summer. Her positive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to step outside of her comfort zone made a lasting impression, and we are grateful to have been part of her journey.

We wish you every success as you continue your studies in Biology at the University of The Bahamas and in all your future endeavors. Keep embracing new opportunities—we know you have a bright future ahead!