Internship Opened Career Door for Actuarial Science Alum Dan Dunkelberger

Dan Dunkelberger ’10 recently returned to campus to talk with actuarial science students about being a corporate vice president and actuary at New York Life in New York City. 

He transitioned into the role after starting as an actuarial assistant, a position he earned after a successful internship with the company the summer between his junior and senior year. Dunkelberger said it was a relief to start senior year knowing he already had a job offer. He credits the education he received at LVC for his success.

“My classes provided background and experience in all the things you need to learn to get a job and pass the exams,” he said. “The structure of classes is more do-it-yourself and then using class time as a discussion. It’s more aligned with how you learn in the real world when, for example, complicated regulations are released and you need to determine their implications for your clients.”

Although learning is more self-directed and less lecture style, Dunkelberger emphasized faculty were always willing and excited to help. “Faculty are there and want to help people. Use their open office hours.”

Dunkelberger recommends taking advantage of the services available through the Center for Career Development. “In my sophomore year they helped revise my first résumé when I was applying for my first actuarial internship. I also attended an etiquette workshop where you ate dinner and they taught you things like what utensils to use.”

In addition to Dunkelberger’s classroom success, he starred on the hardwood as a three-year starter for the men’s basketball team and finished his student-athlete career as LVC’s 7th all-time rebounder.