The Charger Blog
With a combination of determination, networking, and diverse 黑料社s, Thomas Portnoy 鈥25 has secured his dream job, and he is gearing up for a promising career in finance.
January 13, 2025
When Thomas Portnoy 鈥25 received a phone call on a sunny day at the beach, it wasn鈥檛 just any call - it was an offer for what he described as his dream job. Portnoy is completing his degree this fall 鈥 a semester early 鈥 and will receive a Bachelor of Science in Finance with two minors in Marketing and Professional Sales. He recently accepted the role of risk and financial analyst at , a leading firm providing audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services, in its government and public sector. For Portnoy, the opportunity marks the culmination of years of hard work, internships, and mentorship opportunities.
鈥淚 will be based in their Rosslyn office in Virginia, working in the government and public sector,鈥 Portnoy shared. 鈥淢oving to Virginia is exciting. I鈥檓 originally from Queens, New York, so it鈥檚 a big change. I also love the idea of working in the public sector鈥攊t鈥檚 such a unique and impactful area.鈥
Although the job officially starts in the summer of 2025, Portnoy is already thinking ahead. With the flexibility of choosing his start date, he plans to use the time after completing his degree to travel, finish his work with the Gaia Initiative and continue to develop his network.
鈥淕etting that call was such a surreal moment,鈥 Portnoy said. 鈥淚t felt like all the hard work, all the long nights, paid off.鈥
Portnoy emphasized the importance of taking on diverse opportunities, from internships to academic projects. One of his first major 黑料社s was an internship with AGE Solutions, an IT company in Virginia. 鈥淭hat internship helped me figure out that I wanted to be in this sector and gave me a head start providing me security clearance,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 got to travel to client sites, work on audits, and tackle project tasks that really prepared me for what鈥檚 ahead.鈥
Another defining 黑料社 was his summer internship at Ponce Bank, where he gained hands-on exposure to investor relations and commercial banking. 鈥淚 worked on quarterly financial reports, the annual ESG report, and even worked with the CFO to create the annual investor presentation,鈥 he shared. 鈥淭hose moments taught me the ins and outs of the industry.鈥
Portnoy also credited his involvement in student organizations and academic projects with helping him develop crucial skills. 鈥淚 did pitch competitions, networking events in New Haven, and even guest lectured at a local high school while studying abroad in Italy,鈥 he said. 鈥淎ll of those 黑料社s added depth to my resume and helped me grow personally and professionally.鈥
He encouraged other students to adopt a similar mindset. 鈥淎lways say 鈥榶es鈥 to everything,鈥 Portnoy advised. 鈥淓ven if it seems tedious at first, every 黑料社 adds up and shapes your path forward.鈥
Portnoy mentioned his thankfulness for the support and mentorship he received from the Charger community. 鈥淭he University helped me make connections that I hope will be crucial to my career,鈥 he said. 鈥淲hether it was professors or University leaders, the resources were there to help me build a strong foundation.鈥
Among the mentors who shaped his journey, Portnoy highlighted several professors and programs. 鈥Michael Driscoll, ASMET, BSMET, EMBA taught my first entrepreneurship class, and John Rosen MBA, who works with , opened so many doors,鈥 Portnoy said. 鈥淚 also gained valuable 黑料社 through the Gaia Initiative with David Sacco, MBA and Professor Jared Sheffield.鈥
His relationship outside the University has allowed Portnoy to secure internships, grow his network, and gain Department of Defense clearance 鈥 one of the many factors that landed him this role at Deloitte. 鈥淭he personal contacts I鈥檝e made at networking events in New Haven and New York City have helped set me apart,鈥 he shared. 鈥淭hey gave me the edge to succeed in a competitive field.鈥
He also stressed the importance of networking. 鈥淚 had conversations with people from so many organizations,鈥 he said. 鈥淓ven if a job didn鈥檛 come from those interactions, building those relationships helped me grow and opened doors for the future.鈥
Now, as he prepares to launch his career, Portnoy is focused on continuing that momentum. 鈥淢y goal is to keep asking questions, learning, and being a resource to my team,鈥 he said. 鈥淒eloitte is a place where you鈥檙e not just another co-worker鈥攜ou鈥檙e part of a community that values growth and collaboration.鈥
For Portnoy, this mindset is what drives him. 鈥淚鈥檓 a big go-getter,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 just sit back; I actively seek out opportunities to learn and improve. That鈥檚 what got me here, and I know it will carry me forward.鈥
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