A helping hand: Harpur Edge helps transfer student transform his Binghamton experience

Fresh from a transfer in his sophomore year, Jonah Poueriet-Santana felt a little lost.

He already had a mission: Growing up in the Bronx, he saw how his parents — both immigrants — struggled due to a lack of knowledge about personal finances.

“I wanted to be a financial guide for my parents and many others in the future,” he explained. “I felt that with an economics major, I could learn about how money moves this world.”

But his previous school, SUNY Brockport, hadn’t been a good fit and he was determined to find a fresh start. Once at Binghamton, he joined Financial Literacy for the Youth, an organization committed to empowering the youth through knowledge of financial literacy and personal finances. He admitted to club president Edon Prelvukaj that he was struggling post-transfer.

Prelvukaj had some ready advice: Go to Harpur Edge. Poueriet-Santana emailed director Erin Cody the next day and landed a 1 p.m. appointment.

“As soon as I got there, she introduces herself and gives me a list of things we’re going to do together: ‘I’m going to build your LinkedIn, I’m going to build your résumé, I’m going to build your handshake, I’m going to show you how to network with people and some interviewing skills, and I’m going to build your confidence,’” he recounted. “Coming in as a transfer student, literally every success I had that year I attribute to her.”

They tackled the resume, LinkedIn profile and handshake etiquette in the first week. Cody gave Poueriet-Santana homework as well: Reach out to these alumni in your area of interest. Practice your public speaking and interviewing skills.

“He has done the public speaking and Excel crash courses, leveraged one-on-one appointments, networked with alumni, utilized the economics career online resources we developed, attended our Econ-nect series and met peers through his work in the office,” Cody said of Poueriet-Santana. “He’s gone from zero to 100 in terms of focus and exploration of career and professional development.”

He put those skills to the test before heading home for the summer when he interviewed for an internship position on Standard Chartered Bank’s Financial Crime and Compliance team. He received an offer and plans on joining the bank next summer.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this incredible opportunity. Starting my junior year with an internship already secured is a huge stress reliever,” he said.

Now a junior, Poueriet-Santana strives to spread the good news about Harpur Edge and all that it offers to Harpur College students. He’s brought five of his friends over to the office so far and plans to bring more.

“It’s a resource that can really help you build your confidence,” he said.