Andrew Dorst ?21

Andrew Dorst

Class Year

’21

Hometown

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Major(s)

Mathematics

Minor(s)

Computer Science, Economics

“I feel like the professors do a great job of not only teaching the fundamentals, but explaining the background of the material and how it applies to the real world. I know it has ignited a greater passion and interest in the material for me.”

Andrew Dorst, ’21

Why Carthage?

“I chose Carthage because this school gives me the opportunity to make close connections with faculty, students, and members of the community along with unique experiences in and out of the classroom that may not be available to me at a large university.”

Faculty mentors

Professor Mark Snavely was incredibly helpful when I was studying for my first actuarial exam. He provided great guidance and advice in my process of looking at studying to be an actuary. He is always welcoming when I stop in with any questions about class as well.”

Favorite class

“My favorite class so far has been Thinking Like a Dickens Scholar with Professor Alyson Kiesel. This class has been unlike any one I have taken before because each day was purely based on class discussion. Because of the small class size, the flow of it felt very natural. I became close with a lot of people in the class, and I looked forward to meeting with them each day.”

Toughest class

“My toughest class has been Mathematics of Actuarial Science because the whole semester was independent studying. I had to keep myself on a strict schedule to ensure that I was learning all of the necessary material at a good pace and retaining it well enough to apply it on an exam.”

Campus involvement

“I am an eBoard member of Alpha Phi Omega and Alpha Lambda Delta on campus. Both of these organizations have given me an outlet to complete service activities for my school and community and make new connections with other members. I am also a Career Ambassador in The Aspire Center.”

Internships or campus employment

“I had one internship last spring that went into the summer with Froedtert South in Kenosha. I was a compensation intern, and my main project was to compile salary data from a few online sources and compare it to the hospital’s current information to decide what adjustments needed to be made to the salary ranges. I also received college credit for it, which I did not know was an option until I applied and made the experience manageable during the semester.”

Career goal

“I am studying to be an actuary, hopefully working in the Chicago or Milwaukee area. Some day I would like to obtain my master’s degree and become a college professor and use my experience to teach more insightfully.”

Favorite spot on campus

“My favorite spot on campus is the top of the staircase on the south side of Lentz Hall. It is not really a spot where you would think to stop and take a breath, but I found that during mid-day, it has the most beautiful view of the lake, especially when the waves are reflecting the sun on a clear day. I always find myself able to take a moment and appreciate the beauty of the water and find some calm for a bit.”

Favorite memory

“My favorite moments include sitting in a classroom until midnight with my friends and getting some homework done, but mostly just talking and having a good time after a long day of classes and work.”

Biggest surprise

“The biggest surprise has been how much more I enjoy going to classes now that I have more control over the classes I take. The professors also focus on more than just giving a grade.”

Advice for other students in your major?

“I would say do some research into the different career options that are available, you would be surprised how many directions it can take you. I would also suggest taking a class or two in the major and seeing how you feel about the course. I feel like the professors do a great job of not only teaching the fundamentals, but explaining the background of the material and how it applies to the real world. I know it has ignited a greater passion and interest in the material for me, and so I hope it would do the same for others.”

What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?

“I think he would be very surprised that I was able to find a career that allows me to pursue my passion of math and take it in a direction outside of teaching. Growing up, I was told that was really the only option from studying the subject. He would also be really confused about what an actuary is.”

Scholarships

“I received the Kenosha Scholarship, which has allowed me to dedicate my time at Carthage to my academics without the stress of accumulating too much student debt. I can put my focus into my education and my college experience.”