Meet Our 2026 Summer Intern: Joey Portell
At Virtue Asset Management, we are committed to delivering personalized, boutique-style wealth management services, and that commitment begins with building a knowledgeable and client-focused team. This summer, we are pleased to welcome Joey Portell to Virtue Asset Management as our newest intern. Joey joins us from Illinois State University, where he is pursuing a degree in Finance, and we are excited to support his professional development while continuing to enhance the client experience for the families and individuals we serve as a fiduciary financial advisor in Barrington.
Why Internships Matter at a Boutique Wealth Management Firm
At a boutique registered investment advisory firm, you often value direct access, customized planning, and long-term relationships. Our internship program supports these goals by helping us cultivate future professionals who are interested in fiduciary financial planning and investment management.
Interns at Virtue Asset Management may assist with research projects, market analysis, operational initiatives, and other support functions under the supervision of senior team members. These experiences help interns gain practical exposure to the financial services industry while allowing our advisory team to remain focused on delivering personalized guidance and service to clients.
Getting to Know Joey Portell
We believe transparency is important not only in the advisory process, but also in introducing the individuals who contribute to our organization.
A Little About Joey
“My name is Joey Portell, and I will be a senior at Illinois State University where I am pursuing a degree in Finance. I am interested in financial planning and wealth management. I am excited to join Virtue Asset Management this summer as an intern and look forward to expanding my knowledge and contributing to the team. At school, I am involved with my fraternity and enjoy giving back to the community through volunteer work and community service. In my free time, I enjoy watching baseball, playing golf, working out, and traveling.”
Illinois State University and Finance Education
Joey’s academic background reflects an interest in economics, investing, and financial analysis. Illinois State University’s College of Business emphasizes both theoretical and practical applications of finance, which aligns with the analytical approach utilized by a top asset manager in Chicago throughout the financial planning and portfolio management process.
Why Finance and Investment Management?
“I am currently studying Finance at Illinois State University, where I have developed a strong interest in economics, investing, and financial analysis. My passion for working with numbers and gaining a deeper understanding of the economy began at a young age. Through my studies, I hope to build a career in finance where I can use my knowledge and analytical skills to help others make informed investment and financial decisions.”
Joey also shared his interest in economics and accounting coursework, noting that these subjects helped him better understand financial systems, business operations, and market dynamics.
“I enjoyed studying both microeconomics and macroeconomics because they gave me a deeper understanding of how financial systems and markets operate,” Joey explains. “These courses also allowed me to apply my interest in numbers and analytical thinking to real-world economic situations. I also enjoyed financial accounting, as it provided insight into how businesses evaluate performance, manage finances, and make strategic financial decisions.”
Supporting the Barrington and Chicago Communities
Virtue Asset Management values community involvement and local engagement throughout Barrington and the greater Chicago area. We believe strong client relationships are built through trust, accessibility, and long-term commitment to the communities we serve.
Joey’s participation in volunteer work and community service during his time at Illinois State University reflects values that align with our firm culture, similar to how we operate as a fee-only financial planner in Barrington.
Summer Internship Goals
At Virtue Asset Management, interns gain exposure to various aspects of the financial services industry through hands-on learning opportunities and collaboration with experienced professionals.
“During my time with Virtue Asset Management, I hope to develop a deeper understanding of investment management and how real portfolio decisions are made. I want to strengthen my analytical skills and gain hands-on experience in financial research. I also hope to contribute to the team by supporting the delivery of the high-quality, personalized service Virtue Asset Management is known for, while continuing to gain a clearer sense of my future direction in finance.”
Life Outside the Office
Outside of academics and finance, Joey enjoys staying active and participating in sports and outdoor activities.
“I have a strong passion for sports and enjoy following a variety of them, especially baseball and football,” Joey shares. “In my free time, I enjoy playing golf and participating in a men’s softball league. I have also had a longtime interest in fishing and skiing, both of which I have enjoyed since a young age.”
Looking Ahead
We are excited to have Joey join Virtue Asset Management this summer and look forward to supporting his continued growth and professional development. As our firm continues to evolve, we remain committed to maintaining a client-focused culture centered on fiduciary responsibility, personalized planning, and long-term relationships.
Are You Planning for Your Financial Future?
Whether you are seeking retirement planning in Barrington, IL, tax-efficient investing in Chicago, or wealth management firms in Chicago, our team is here to help.
Disclosure: Virtue Asset Management is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice, or as a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Any opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. Interns and support staff do not provide investment advice or make portfolio management decisions on behalf of clients. Past performance does not guarantee future results.