‘Wartburg has given me opportunities to develop skills in all areas’

NAME: Eric Dowe
CLASS YEAR: 2023
HOMETOWN: Story City, Iowa 
MAJORS: Actuarial Science and Business Administration
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Wartburg College Dance Marathon, Wartburg Choir, Orientation Staff, Math Lab Tutor

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR MAJORS: I have always had a passion for working with numbers. When I came to Wartburg, I started as an “exploring math” student. After my first semester, I decided on actuarial science and then added business administration in my second year. I believe that combining my strong analytical skills in mathematics and statistics with a broad understanding of the business world has set me up for success in the job market and my future career.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION: I plan to attend the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa to complete a Master of Business Analytics and Master of Finance – a two-year, dual-degree master’s program. 

HOW HAS WARTBURG PREPARED YOU FOR THE FUTURE: The actuarial science program provided me with a challenging curriculum that allowed me to develop the technical skills necessary to excel in today’s data-driven world. The business administration program has given me a broad understanding of the corporate landscape, including marketing, finance, accounting, and management. Both programs emphasize the practical application of the curriculum to real-world issues, which has prepared me for the challenges I will face in my career.

Eric Dowe

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS: I am proud of the amount of growth I have shown over my past four years at Wartburg. Wartburg has given me opportunities to develop skills in all areas of my life, both academic and personal. Graduating from here, knowing that I am well-prepared for what lies ahead, is what I am most proud of.

HOW HAS DANCE MARATHON IMPACTED YOUR STUDENT EXPERIENCE: As the finance director for Dance Marathon, I have had a unique opportunity to not only contribute to a worthy cause but also to develop my skills in financial management. Through this role, I have gained hands-on experience in budgeting, financial planning, and fundraising. Furthermore, being part of such a dedicated and passionate team of students has helped me cultivate my leadership skills and foster meaningful relationships. My time with Dance Marathon has taught me the importance of teamwork and the power of coming together for a common cause and has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that will stay with me long after graduation.

WHAT IS ONE MEMORY YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER FROM YOUR TIME AT WARTBURG: In my final May Term, I got the opportunity to tour across Europe, singing with the Wartburg Choir. We visited Greece, Italy, Austria, and Germany. Exploring Europe with my closest friends was a once in lifetime experience, and I will always remember the fun and fellowship that was had.