This summer, INB’s four interns are seeing whether banking might be a fit for their futures. Working across various departments, they are not only getting hands-on experience but also seeing how their education, personalities, likes and dislikes could translate to a career in banking. And just as valuable for INB: we get to learn what skills today’s college graduates might bring with them!
Get to know each student’s story.
Tyler Burris Sharpens Problem Solving Skills in Accounting
College: University of Illinois Springfield
Degree path: B.S. Accounting
Expected graduation: May 2024
As he prepares to enter his senior year of college, Tyler Burris plans to continue his education by pursuing his MBA after he receives his bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Thanks to his work at INB this summer, Tyler’s been introduced to many different ways he might be able to use his accounting background in his future career.
“INB has helped by showing me some of the different career path options one can pursue with an accounting degree,” he says.
Growing up in Chatham, Tyler received his associate degree from Lincoln Land and then attended the University of Alabama. He’s glad to be back in Central Illinois for his senior year at UIS, planning to graduate next May.
In between his work and his studies, Tyler enjoys golfing and spending time with family and friends.
At INB this summer, Tyler has been working with fellow intern Ben Knepler to compile an economic report, analyzing how it affects the bank.
The two accounting interns have also put together a report on Barbara Minto’s book The Pyramid Principle and examined how the book’s findings can be applied to INB’s procedures.
“My favorite part about working at INB has been getting to know everyone and being able to solve problems that may not have a correct answer,” Tyler says. “I’ve learned a lot about different styles of reports since I’ve been here.”
Matthew Johnson Gets Inside Look at Banking Operations
College: University of Mississippi
Degree path: B.B.A. Finance and B.S. Economic
Expected graduation: May 2026
Before working at INB, Matthew Johnson would have never considered the roles and procedures needed to keep a bank operating effectively.
“My biggest takeaway has been that there is much more to banking than appears from the outside,” he shares. “Each person has a different role that is essential to keeping the bank running smoothly.”
A graduate of Springfield High, Matt currently attends Ole Miss, majoring in finance and economics. This summer, he’s been working in the deposit operations and treasury departments.
“My primary responsibilities include assisting with daily account balancing and researching reports for our business customers,” Matt says.
Matt’s been a great fit for this role, thanks to his extensive involvement in business-related activities and extracurriculars.
While at school, he serves as an ambassador for the School of Business and as the treasurer of Alpha Kappa Psi, the co-ed professional business fraternity at Mississippi. Of course, it’s not all work for Matt — he’s also a loyal fan of Ole Miss sporting events, especially football games.
When Matt thinks about his future, he definitely sees banking being part of it.
“My time at INB has shown me that there are many opportunities within banking, along with new changes and advancements within the industry,” he says. “While interning at INB, I’ve enjoyed being able to work alongside a wide array of people.”
Giovanna Giganti is First Intern for INB Florida
College: University of Boulder Colorado
Degree path: B.S. Finance; Real Estate Minor
Expected graduation: May 2024
Giovanna Giganti holds a unique designation for INB this summer: she’s our first intern in our Florida market.
In this new role, she’s gotten to experience many exciting aspects of INB South Florida, not the least of which is the grand opening celebration of our Miami office at the end of June.
“Being in Miami when INB had their grand opening allowed me to meet the entire Tampa team as well, along with some of the board members from Springfield,” Giovanna says. “It was a great day to make connections with the INB team and celebrate our new commercial office space.”
Originally from Springfield, Giovanna attends school at the University of Boulder Colorado as a finance major with a minor in real estate. When May rolled around, she traded in mountains for beaches as she’s spent this summer under the guidance of INB’s South Florida Market President Gabriella Cioli.
“Gaby is teaching me about what she does and brings me along with her when she goes to closings. She walks me through the process and explains the paperwork that goes with some of the deals she does,” Giovanna says. “I have really enjoyed learning the ins and outs of what exactly Gaby does day-to-day and what commercial lending consists of.”
Although she is undecided on her future career plans, Giovanna looks forward to applying the skills and knowledge she’s picked up at INB as she finishes her last year at Boulder and pursues a future career.
“INB has opened my eyes to the banking world and has given me insight into what I want to do after graduating,” she says.
Ben Knepler Finds Ideal Environment for Learning
College: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Degree path: B.S. Finance and Supply Chain Management
Expected graduation: May 2025
After he graduates college, Ben Knepler hopes to work in consulting, preferably in the supply chain sector. Interning in the INB Accounting department this summer has only strengthened this goal and helped Ben on his way in his future career.
“INB has helped me really understand all the components of a bank and how it runs, which will give me a better understanding of finance in general, and the processes of borrowing and investing money,” he shares. “This knowledge should help me when giving advice to companies in a consulting and problem-solving role.”
He’s getting a lot of practice as a consultant while collaborating with fellow accounting intern Tyler Burris as they review and give suggestions about current INB processes and reports.
“On top of this, we created an economic report designed to give employees insight on current economic factors that may affect INB and are currently working on a presentation that we will deliver to executives at the end of the summer,” Ben says.
The Chatham native is about to enter his junior year at U of I Urbana-Champaign, pursuing a degree in finance and supply chain management.
In his free time, he likes to golf, work out and play pickleball. He also helps coordinate a philanthropy volleyball tournament to raise money for the United Service Organizations each semester at U of I.
Ben is always striving to learn something new, and he’s grateful for a summer internship experience at INB that helps him do exactly that.
“Each day that I come into the office, I get excited to gain some experience or knowledge beyond what I can learn in a classroom,” he says. “INB employees do a great job of communicating and working together; I have always felt comfortable reaching out and asking questions, which is the type of environment that allows everyone to be productive.”