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Every summer, NYCM
Insurance’s internship program welcomes students into divisions across the
company, focusing on providing them with opportunities to learn and grow as
professionals. This year, 36 interns joined Team NYCM, becoming immersed in our
culture while gaining first-hand experience on what it’s like to work within
our four walls.  

 

The experience that our
interns receive while working alongside our employees doesn’t stop at the
day-to-day tasks within their division. We also offer opportunities to interact
with other teams, lead projects, volunteer, and more. 

 

“Our internship provides
valuable real-world experiences, allowing them to learn and work closely with
the teams they are a part of, as well as getting to be a part of a great
company culture and community,” said NYCM’s Recruitment Team.  “We value
the fresh perspective they bring to the organization and love seeing them
interacting and being a part of their teams. We create a collaborative and
creative environment they will thrive in, in hopes of them returning to us for
full-time opportunities.”

 

This summer, one of the
intern volunteer projects was to set up for the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball
tournament in Norwich, NY. “Setting up hoops was a cool opportunity to not only
support a community event, but also to connect with other interns at NYCM and
work together as a team,” said Maeve Robinson, Public Relations intern within
our Brand Management team. 

 

Another project that
interns worked on was hosting a trivia day for each of our branch offices.
Employees were encouraged to sign up with a team to find out if they were
“smarter than a 5th grader” at the intern-led event. 

 

Our People Development
team wanted to ensure that our interns knew just how much they are appreciated,
so they hosted various events for them throughout the summer as well. One of
the most popular events according to the interns was a Pickleball tournament followed
by lunch. 

 

Networking and learning
about what other teams do is another important part of NYCM’s internship
program. A popular intern and employee event invites each department to set up
a booth with representatives to interact with all the interns, explaining what
their team is responsible for. 

 

“We had a great group of
interns this year and had fun celebrating them on Intern Day to show
appreciation for all they do! This year we invited all the divisions to mingle,
allowing the interns to learn more about each of them and to give the interns
the opportunity to explore how other divisions in the company could fit into
their career interests. A fun day for all that attended, including a tiki bar
provided by our Human Resources Division,” said Talent Acquisition Business
Unit Manager, Crystal Curpier. 

 

Continue reading to learn
more about what some of our 2024 interns had to say about their
experience. 

 

Maeve Robinson

 

Maeve, an intern on Brand
Management’s Public Relations team, said that her favorite part about her
internship was the events she was able to plan and participate in. “I really
enjoyed being able to interact with others and events are the perfect way to do
that.” One thing that Maeve has taken away from her internship is how to manage
her time better and not to be hesitant to ask questions about the processes her
team uses to get tasks done. She learned to really like internal project
management tools because they helped her stay organized. Maeve plans to attend
Florida Gulf Coast University majoring in Hospitality and Resort
Management. 

 

Jaci Wright 

 

2024 marked Jaci’s second
internship here at NYCM, and this summer she had the pleasure of working in our
People Development division. “My favorite part of being part of the People
Development team was planning employee events.” During her internship, Jaci
taught Excel classes, planned an intern day, helped host bingo for employees,
and planned trivia day. Jaci learned about NYCM’s internship program from her
older sister who was an intern in past years. Throughout this summer, Jaci has
built important skills such as multitasking, event planning, and time
management. These skills will help her in the fall as she embarks on her
journey as a teacher.

 

Anna Rinaldo

 

Anna spent her internship
with NYCM’s Casualty Claims team. Her favorite part about her summer internship
was the relationship she built with her team. “I loved that the team was always
willing to help me with any questions that I had.” Anna is pursuing a career in
the medical field and decided it would be beneficial to learn about the
relationship liability insurance has with her chosen path. During her research
for possible internship opportunities, Anna stumbled upon NYCM and had heard
from previous interns that it is a great place to work, so she applied.
Something that Anna took away from her internship is to have a well detailed
process when creating documents like a handbook. “While learning my role,
having a specific process of doing tasks allowed me to work independently, but
also knowing the team was nearby to support me when needed.” Anna said that
seeing the medical side of insurance opened her eyes to a new perspective and
now she knows what things she can do as a physical therapist to make the claims
process easier for claims representatives. After her internship, Anna has a newfound
appreciation for insurance. In May of 2025, Anna will be receiving her
Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

 

Tyler Barth

 

Tyler spent his summer on
the Brand Management team’s Creative Team. “My favorite part of this internship
was the photo coverage that I was able to help with at events.” Doing this
allowed Tyler to get more hands-on experience and he enjoyed seeing employees
interacting with one another outside of the office. Something that Tyler
focused on improving during his internship was his time management skills and credits
internal tools in helping to work on those skills in an efficient and effective
way. Tyler will be a sophomore at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in the fall, where
he is majoring in Communication and Media Design. 

 

Kaden Butts 

 

Kaden was an intern in
NYCM’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU). Throughout the summer, Kaden built a
special relationship with his team and said that was one of his favorite parts
of his internship. “The team was incredibly helpful whenever I had questions
and was very patient as the summer internships are a learning process for
everyone.” Kaden said he has learned some valuable skills during his internship
that he will use throughout his career, like professionalism while doing field
work and questions to ask while out in the field. Kaden is studying Criminal
Justice at SUNY Morrisville and plans to be a state trooper. 

 

NYCM employees pride themselves on providing a
memorable and enriching internship experience to their annual interns. From
developing new skills, gaining practical experiences for their futures, and
creating life-long connections, NYCM interns make us proud when the summer is
through. To learn more about joining Team NYCM, click the link below!

The
transition from summer to fall can be a sad one for some as we experience the
weather shift in preparation for winter. For others, autumn is their favorite
season. No matter how you feel about the seasons changing, we’ve put a list
together of ways that you can make the most of fall. 

 

Transition
to Fall Decor

Step one
to get into the fall spirit is digging out those decorations. From fall signs,
to pumpkins, blankets, and candles there are so many options to make your home
cozy for the season. Don’t have enough decorations to make your house the way
you want it? That is the perfect excuse to visit local small businesses that
specialize in decor or even that department store you love. Even if you have
lots of options already, you can always add to your collection! 

 

Enjoy
Cozy Sweaters, Flannels, & More

Fall
brings cooler weather, and we all know what that means; sweaters, flannels,
scarves, and cozy attire. The drop in temperatures gives you an excuse to break
out your comfiest clothes. Don’t forget to browse the clothing sections while
you’re shopping for home decor! 

 

Visit
Local Breweries

New York State has no shortage of breweries to visit this fall. You can visit your local
favorites one weekend and make a trip out of visiting new ones the next. From
craft beers to hard ciders, a brewery’s fall flavors can certainly get you in
the spirit. Consider taking your brew out to the patio if they have one to
enjoy the fall weather and take in your surroundings, whether that be the
beautiful fall foliage or folks hanging around a firepit. Don’t forget to bring
a designated driver along with you!

 

Go Apple
Picking & Visit a Cider Mill

One of
the most popular fall activities is to gather your family and friends to go
apple picking. There’s something special about spending time together in an
apple orchard that cements fall memories. While you’re at it, stop by a mill to
grab a gallon of fresh pressed cider. Some cider mills offer a behind the
scenes look into the process of making the delicious drink you are enjoying.
Others sell locally-made staples like maple syrup, dips, cheeses, fruit
spreads, and jams that can make your upcoming menus scream fall. 

 

Try New
Fall Recipes

While
we’re talking about upcoming menus, we can’t forget to add new fall recipes to
your list. Try your hand at fall staples like apple or pumpkin pie, use
squashes that are in season, make a homemade pumpkin spice latte, or try
something new. 

 

Visit a
Pumpkin Patch/Corn Maze

Taking a
trip to a pumpkin patch or a corn maze can really boost your fall mood. Whether
you visit your local favorite or take a trip to somewhere new, plan an
afternoon of fun. While you’re there, you can grab some pumpkins and gourds to
decorate your home. Consider bringing family or friends along with you and make
teams to see who can make it out of the corn maze the fastest. 

 

Football
& Soccer Games

The
atmosphere at a home football or soccer game is one of the most beloved fall
traditions. From high school homecomings to a college game, you can’t go wrong.
If watching pro games on the television or hosting a Sunday afternoon football
party is more your thing, utilize some of those fall favorite foods and decor
we mentioned above to create a warm and cozy environment for your guests!
Supporting your favorite team is a great way for anyone to enjoy fall. 

 

Enjoy
the Foliage with “Leaf Peeping”

You
might be wondering what is “leaf peeping”? While the term may be new, the
activity certainly isn’t! The term refers to traveling around taking photos of
falls colors as the leaves change! Enjoying the foliage might just be the most
fall thing you can do in New York State. Take a drive and enjoy the beautiful
sights as trees begin to change color. Experts advise that the end of September
through the middle of October will likely give you peak viewing across the
state. 

 

If we
have you itching to start your fall decor and you’re looking for more
inspiration, click the link below for 8 ways to decorate your apartment this
fall! 

As move-in season approaches,
college students are trying to pack up their belongings to prepare for move-in
day. While it might seem like you’ll be simply taking your bedroom with you,
household and first aid items are also on top of the college packing list. As
packing can feel like an overwhelming process, we’ve compiled a list below of
things you definitely don’t want to forget.

Mattress Topper 

Some college students find
the mattresses provided in their dorm room just don’t match up to the one they
left at home. A good way to combat this is by taking a mattress topper to
increase the comfort level of your dorm room for the ultimate night’s sleep. Pro-tip: consider
purchasing the same mattress cover/topper you have on your bed at home to make
your dorm room feel more like your home. 

 

First Aid Kit 

Accidents happen, so it is
best to be prepared. Having a small first aid kit in your room including band
aids, triple antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, and other common first aid
items might be a good idea. While your college’s medical center is available
for your medical needs, keeping these items in your room can be helpful for
minor injuries and in the case that the center is closed. 

 

Shower Shoes & Caddy 

While colleges do their
best to keep facilities clean and sanitized, there are many students using
them. Having your own pair of shower shoes ensures you keep your feet clean and
protected from anything that might be on the floor. You can’t leave your shampoo
and other products in a community bathroom, making a shower caddy another dorm
room staple. Having some organization for your shower items can save you time
and keep your stuff clean. A good caddy should be able to get wet and have
enough space to carry everything you need from your room to the shower: from
shampoo and conditioner, to your loofah, and more. 

 

Power Strips/Surge
Protectors

You can never have enough
outlets in your dorm room. Having power strips for all your necessities is
another essential. When purchasing power strips, consider those with surge
protection. This will ensure the safety of your computer and other valuable
electronics in the event of a power outage or power surge.  Be sure to
check your college’s policy before adding this necessity to your list, as some
schools don’t allow them. If they are allowed, making sure that your power strip
also has an on/off switch is important to abide by many college’s dorm room
guidelines that your resident advisor will enforce. 

 

Command Strips 

When you move in, it is
important to make your dorm room feel comfy and cozy since it will be your home
away from home. To many college students, this means hanging up photos of their
friends and family, posters, and lights to decorate. When you’re
doing this, remember that if you don’t want to face fines at the end of the
year for wall damage, you need to find another solution. Ung command strips
will allow you to add character and coziness to your space without facing
penalties at the end of the year!

 

Fan 

Not every college has air conditioning in their dorm buildings.
If you prefer cooler temperatures in your room, having a fan may help. Another
great role a fan could play is providing white noise to help you study or
sleep. In a college dorm, nights can get noisy despite quiet hours, so having a
fan to help balance some of that is key. In addition, putting your fan in your
window will provide extra fresh air should you need it. 

 

Storage 

In your dorm room, you
might not have a lot of options when it comes to storage. It doesn’t take much to
create clutter in a small space. You can combat this by having totes, baskets, and
plastic drawers to help you organize. In addition, looking over what you’ve
packed and eliminating things that you don’t need might be necessary. Having an
idea of the storage you need before move-in day is great, but you may also find
yourself heading out to the nearest superstore to grab more organizational
tools to fill in for any missing pieces. 

 

Dry Erase Board/Calendar

Staying organized doesn’t
end at having a place to keep all your items. You’ll also want to consider ways
in which you can keep track of your class schedule, due dates, and more. Many
college students find that having a dry erase board is an easy way to stay
organized. Having one allows you to map out your day and keep track of
assignments you’ll need to work on. In addition, if you have a roommate, it
also helps you both know where the other is. This might be key if you are
planning to hit the gym together, study, or even if you want to plan time for
when your roommate will be out to give yourself absolute quiet to study or
decompress. 

 

Small Trash Can

Having a trash can in your
dorm room might not be the very first thing that comes to mind when you think
of the essentials, but it surely is one. When you’re done snacking or decide to
crumple up the paper you’ve been working on to start fresh, you’ll need
somewhere to put your trash. Pro-tip: purchasing scented trash bags can keep
your room smelling fresh in between taking trash out!

 

Cleaning Supplies

If you’re someone who
thrives in a neat and tidy environment, you’ll want to include cleaning supplies on your packing
list. Having a broom and even a vacuum if you plan on including an area rug in
your decor can be a game changer when it comes to keeping your dorm room clean.
You should also take disinfectant spray and paper towels for surfaces. These
essentials will keep your room tidy and smelling fresh. While it might be
tempting to add a candle to your packing list to keep unwanted odors at bay,
many college dorms have policies against it, so it may be best to leave those
at home. 

Moving into college can be
stressful, but it should also be a
memorable time that you enjoy. By making sure you pack the essentials, you are
setting yourself up for a successful move-in weekend. 

Renting an apartment instead of living on campus? Click the button below to find a local agent and get a free quote for renters insurance today. 

Tornadoes
might not be as common in New York as they are in other areas of the United
States, but it is important to be prepared and know how to react to stay safe.
Keep reading for 5 tornado safety tips to keep in mind this summer. 

Stay Informed

A large part of staying safe during
any type of severe weather is staying informed. Ensure you are following
credible sources, like the National Weather Service
(NWS) department assigned to your local area, for accurate and
up to date information. Knowing the difference between a tornado
watch and warning is also important. According to the NWS, a tornado watch
indicates weather conditions that could produce a tornado and are designed to
give you enough warning to prepare for the potential of a catastrophic event.
During a watch, you should keep a close eye on the weather service you are
following for updates as conditions can rapidly change. 

A tornado warning, however, is more
serious. When a tornado warning is issued, the NWS advises that either a
tornado has been spotted by a credible source, or a developing tornado is being
watched on a doppler radar. Warnings are typically only active for a short
period of time (about an hour) in a smaller area than a watch would be. If you
are in a warning area, you should take action and seek shelter
immediately. 

Seek Shelter

As soon as you hear the news that your
area may be affected by a tornado you should start planning to seek shelter.
Gather anyone in your area, including your pets, and head to the safest
location available. If you are in a tornado warning zone, this should be done
immediately and might look a little different than if you were in a watch and
had more time to prepare. Finding the lowest level of the building you are in,
or a small interior room without windows like a closet, bathroom, or hallway
will be safest. The NWS advises that if you are in a mobile home, you should
try to seek shelter in a stronger building. 

If you are driving or are outside and
unable to find shelter, the NWS encourages you to find the lowest spot possible
on the ground. Think deep ditches or underground culverts and bring an item
like a jacket to cover your head for protection. Once you find an area you feel
is as safe as possible, lie flat and use your hands and the item you brought to
protect your head. The key takeaways from the National Weather Service’s
Tornado Safety Rules are to seek shelter, stay away from windows, doors, and
exterior walls, and to protect your head at all costs. 

Stay Inside

While it might be tempting to go
outside and see what the weather is doing, it is best to stay inside. Your
safety should be a top priority during extreme
weather warnings. Consider bringing a battery powered radio with
you to stay informed of weather updates. Experts advise against trying to
outrun tornadoes in your vehicle, as the tornado may move in your direction
faster than you can travel. In the event that a tornado is headed your way,
being in a vehicle is dangerous as they can easily be swept up in the wake of
the tornado and thrown. 

Keep an Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit at the ready
is never a bad idea because we can’t always predict when to expect severe
weather with enough advanced notice to prepare for it. The National Weather Service
compiled an in-depth list of items to consider including: 

• A First Aid Kit
• Flashlight(s) & Batteries
• Non-Perishable Food & Water – 3 days’ worth for each
  family member, including pets.
• A Whistle – to call for help.
• Prescription Medications & Other Special Needs – at
  least 3 days’ worth. 
• A Battery Powered Radio/Weather Radio
• Solar/Battery Powered Phone Charger
• Blankets 
• Extra Clothes
• & More

We’ve also compiled an in-depth list
of items to consider keeping in your car
safety kit like; a first aid kit, tire gauge, flashlight, jumper
cables, emergency flares, and more! Check it out here. 

Being prepared for the storm may help
to ease some stress you may be experiencing when extreme weather is headed your
way, and having an emergency kit will be helpful if you are impacted. 

After the Storm: Use Caution

Once the
storm is over and weather warnings have been lifted, it may be tempting to head out to see the
effects that a tornado had on not only your home, but also your community.
However, the safest thing to do is to stay in your home, if it is stable and
safe, and wait for further instruction from town, county, and/or government
officials. When you do head out, experts advise assuming that any utility lines
that are down are live power lines and to stay away from them. Power lines are
very dangerous and coming into contact with them or bodies of water they touch
could seriously injure you. 

Offering help and support to your
community is invaluable after tragedy strikes. If you are able, consider
volunteering to help clean up debris or donating time or resources to
organizations that help communities in times of disaster. Contributing in any
way you can will mean so much to those who are affected by a natural
disaster. 

When
severe weather is approaching, it can be a stressful and
overwhelming feeling. By being prepared and following the tips above, you will
ensure you are as safe as possible both during and after a tornado. 

 

To learn
more about the difference between a tornado watch and warning, click the button
below. 

 

Supporting our community
and giving back is a top priority at NYCM Insurance. Whether it’s volunteering
our time, sponsoring community events, or creating meaningful partnerships with
organizations, being good philanthropic community members is a big part of who
we are. 
 

Team NYCM kicked off the
month of June with a lunch and learn seminar hosted by representatives from the
United Way of Mid Rural New York to learn more about the organization and their
initiatives. 

The United Way of Mid Rural New York works to improve the
quality of life for local residents through partnerships with a focus in the
areas of education, health, and income. The organization notes important goals,
like reducing the number of high school dropouts by improving education,
helping working families achieve financial stability, and promoting healthy
lifestyles for youth and adults. 

Throughout the month, NYCM
Insurance collected personal hygiene products for youth in the Mid Rural New
York region who live at or below the Asset Limited, Income Constrained,
Employed (ALICE) Threshold. Team members
from Edmeston, Sherburne, Canajoharie, and Orchard Park offices donated various
products including deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo,
conditioner, feminine hygiene products, and more to be packaged by volunteers
during the United Way Day of Action in June. 

Next, members of Team NYCM
in all offices spent the morning of June 21st volunteering by packaging dental
hygiene kits with donated items to be distributed to local school
districts. 

“This was my first-time
volunteering for this event, and I definitely plan to do it again in the
future,” said Marissa Doing of our Brand Management Team. “It was a lot of fun
making dental kits for the different school districts.”

The team members who
attended the United Way’s Day of Action felt it was a fulfilling experience
that will go a long way in supporting children who need these essentials. In
addition to dental kits, the United Way is helping to provide donated supplies
to stock personal hygiene closets at schools that children can access to get what
they need.

“It may seem like such a
mundane thing, but it really makes such a difference for the kids that receive
them. I’m really excited to see how the personal care closets go this year and
hope that side of the program will be able to keep growing as well,” said Lexi
Wilcox of our Brand Management team. “It was also great to spend a few hours
with a group of coworkers laughing and chatting while giving back to our
communities at the same time,” she said.

NYCM Insurance places
value in providing genuine care to all and helping those in need. This
volunteer opportunity allowed team members to work together toward a common
goal of helping local youth. 

Interested in learning
about job opportunities at NYCM Insurance? Click the button below to learn
more!