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When Thomas Portnoy ’25 received a phone call on a sunny day at the beach, it wasn’t just any call - it was an offer for what he described as his dream job. Portnoy is completing his degree this fall – a semester early – 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.

“I will be based in their Rosslyn office in Virginia, working in the government and public sector,” Portnoy shared. “Moving to Virginia is exciting. I’m originally from Queens, New York, so it’s a big change. I also love the idea of working in the public sector—it’s such a unique and impactful area.”

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.

“Getting that call was such a surreal moment,” Portnoy said. “It felt like all the hard work, all the long nights, paid off.”

‘I did pitch competitions, networking events, and even guest lectured’

Portnoy emphasized the importance of taking on diverse opportunities, from internships to academic projects. One of his first major experiences was an internship with AGE Solutions, an IT company in Virginia. “That internship helped me figure out that I wanted to be in this sector and gave me a head start providing me security clearance,” he said. “I got to travel to client sites, work on audits, and tackle project tasks that really prepared me for what’s ahead.”

Another defining experience was his summer internship at Ponce Bank, where he gained hands-on exposure to investor relations and commercial banking. “I worked on quarterly financial reports, the annual ESG report, and even worked with the CFO to create the annual investor presentation,” he shared. “Those moments taught me the ins and outs of the industry.”

Portnoy also credited his involvement in student organizations and academic projects with helping him develop crucial skills. “I did pitch competitions, networking events in New Haven, and even guest lectured at a local high school while studying abroad in Italy,” he said. “All of those experiences added depth to my resume and helped me grow personally and professionally.”

He encouraged other students to adopt a similar mindset. “Always say ‘yes’ to everything,” Portnoy advised. “Even if it seems tedious at first, every experience adds up and shapes your path forward.”

‘The personal contacts I made at the University set me apart’

Portnoy mentioned his thankfulness for the support and mentorship he received from the �������Թ� community. “The University helped me make connections that I hope will be crucial to my career,” he said. “Whether it was professors or University leaders, the resources were there to help me build a strong foundation.”

Among the mentors who shaped his journey, Portnoy highlighted several professors and programs. “Michael Driscoll, ASMET, BSMET, EMBA taught my first entrepreneurship class, and John Rosen MBA, who works with , opened so many doors,” Portnoy said. “I also gained valuable experience through the Gaia Initiative with David Sacco, MBA and Professor Jared Sheffield.”

His relationship outside the University has allowed Portnoy to secure internships, grow his network, and gain Department of Defense clearance – one of the many factors that landed him this role at Deloitte. “The personal contacts I’ve made at networking events in New Haven and New York City have helped set me apart,” he shared. “They gave me the edge to succeed in a competitive field.”

‘My goal is to keep asking questions, learning, and being a resource to my team’

He also stressed the importance of networking. “I had conversations with people from so many organizations,” he said. “Even if a job didn’t come from those interactions, building those relationships helped me grow and opened doors for the future.”

Now, as he prepares to launch his career, Portnoy is focused on continuing that momentum. “My goal is to keep asking questions, learning, and being a resource to my team,” he said. “Deloitte is a place where you’re not just another co-worker—you’re part of a community that values growth and collaboration.”

For Portnoy, this mindset is what drives him. “I’m a big go-getter,” he said. “I don’t just sit back; I actively seek out opportunities to learn and improve. That’s what got me here, and I know it will carry me forward.”