Intern Spotlight Series: Introducing interns Efstathios Plakas, Parker Schemm, Omar Rodriguez-Becerra and Gabriel Quinonez
We are excited to continue our Intern Spotlight Series. Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing each of our summer interns, highlighting their unique backgrounds, interests, and what they hope to achieve during their time at Intact. This week we are proud to introduce interns Efstathios Plakas, Parker Schemm, Omar Rodriguez-Becerra and Gabriel Quinonez.
Efstathios Plakas
Efstathios is an Underwriting Intern with the Entertainment team in the New York office this summer. He is currently studying Finance at Manhattanville University and is eager to apply his academic knowledge in a real-world setting. He shared that he’s excited to gain hands-on experience and “see how risk assessment plays out in the real world,” especially as it connects to broader financial decision-making.
Originally from Yonkers, New York, Efstathios was drawn to Intact by its specialized focus and data-driven approach. He tells us that “the opportunity to explore underwriting in the insurance industry and understand how data can be used to make impactful, informed decisions” really stood out to him. He is especially enthusiastic about working with the Entertainment team, which he describes as “a fun time” and a unique learning opportunity.
If given the chance to travel anywhere in the world, Efstathios would choose Greece. “As a Greek who’s never been there, it makes the idea of visiting even more exciting,” he says. The idea of exploring ancient landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and rich traditions is especially exciting and meaningful to him.
Parker Schemm
Parker is interning with the IT team in the Salem, Virginia office this summer. He is currently studying at Radford University and is looking forward to growing both personally and professionally during his internship. He shared that he hopes to improve how he communicates ideas and thought processes with team members and managers, while also building confidence in his technical abilities. “By the end of the internship, I want to feel more confident in my software coding, testing, and other technical skills,” he said.
Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Parker was drawn to Intact because of the people. “Everyone I’ve met at Intact has been incredibly kind and helpful,” he noted, adding that this level of support has been a standout compared to his previous work experiences.
If Parker could travel anywhere in the world, he would visit Cape Town, South Africa. He also enjoys reading and recently finished To Die For by David Baldacci.
Omar Rodriguez-Becerra
Omar is interning with the IT team in the Salem, Virginia office this summer. He is currently studying at Virginia Tech and is looking forward to growing both personally and professionally during his internship. He shared that he hopes to strengthen his skills, gain hands-on experience, and build meaningful connections. “I’m hoping to make a meaningful contribution to the team while growing both personally and professionally,” he said.
Originally from Martinsville, Virginia, Omar was drawn to Intact’s values and community focus. “I was drawn to Intact’s strong focus on diversity, inclusion, and supporting its community,” he shared. He also appreciated the company’s scholarship support, noting, “That means a lot to me as a student who’s directly benefited from that kind of support.”
In his free time, Omar has been watching Teen Wolf and is completely hooked. “It’s full of action and drama, and I love how each episode keeps me wanting to see what happens next,” he said.
Gabriel Quinonez
Gabriel is interning with the Technology Underwriting team in our San Francisco office this summer. He attends Menlo College and is excited to gain hands-on experience in underwriting while building a strong foundation in risk assessment and decision-making.
He shared that he’s also looking forward to mentorship and networking opportunities. “I hope to gain industry insights and guidance as I explore different career paths,” he said. Gabriel was drawn to Intact’s values-driven approach and Intact’s “philosophy of prioritizing values and the belief that insurance is about people, not just things,” he explained. “That mindset was clear in everyone I interacted with during the hiring process. I really appreciate Intact’s commitment to supporting college students and investing in the industry’s future” he said.
Originally from Pacifica, California, Gabriel would love to visit Japan one day, drawn by its natural beauty, innovative technology, and unique culture. He also enjoys reading and recently finished The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko.
