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#SoaringToSuccess: Justin Porrett '19

Elmira, NY (07/31/2018) — This week's #SoaringToSuccess story spotlights Justin Porett '19. Justin is an economics and finance double major who interned with the Chemung Canal Trust Company. Let's hear from Justin himself about his experience:

After months of searching, interviewing and receiving feedback from several companies that I applied for internships with, I found the right fit with Chemung Canal Trust Company in Elmira, NY. In fact, Chemung Canal is the oldest active independent bank in New York State. Initially, I was set on finding an internship at an investment bank like my previous experience at Laidlaw & Company in NYC. However, after much thought, the opportunities that Chemung Canal offered to provide me with during my 12 weeks at the company were too much to pass on.

As a summer intern, I have started with the closest client interaction as a summer teller for around 3-4 weeks. During this time period, exposure to the day-to-day functions of a teller has enhanced my communication and money handling skills. The world of finance is all about being able to connect with different people. In fact, life is all about being able to communicate and it is definitely something our current generation lacks the skills of.

After my rotation as a teller, I will move around to different departments within the bank including; finance, marketing, wealth management, audit and a multitude of other areas. During this time period I will be able to learn the overall operations of a bank. I'll be able to learn from professionals who, in some cases, have over 20 years of experience. In addition, I will be tasked with a project to find problems that I have encountered within the departments that I have worked in. Utilizing my problem solving skills, I'll be presenting my observations and recommended solutions to the executive board at Chemung Canal Trust Company. I do not know of many internships that offer that same level of importance for an intern.

I urge everyone to start building relationships with everyone that you can. You never know who that person may know. If there is one thing I have learned from this internship so far is that it's not always about landing the most high-profile company out there. In fact, it's not about that at all. It's about finding a company that is willing to teach and grow with you. With the end result, giving you the tools to become an excellent professional. With Chemung Canal Trust, I am not just some glorified coffee grabber or a random intern in the hallway. With Chemung Canal, I am a part of a family culture that wants me to succeed in life. I urge you to take similar chances like I did!

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