11/25/2024 | News release | Archived content
Bryn Deibel '25 lives eight hours away from Lebanon Valley College, but the reputation of its Actuarial Science Summer Camp traveled far and wide and reached her in Indiana.
"The camp was very engaging and gave a good view of what actuarial careers look like," said Deibel. "When it came time to select a college, I was looking for a small school with a great actuarial program and a tight-knit community. LVC, despite its distance from my hometown, fits these criteria perfectly."
Deibel intended to only major in Actuarial Science but enjoyed a sequence of Computer Science electives during her first year and chose to add the second major.
"I think a Computer Science education is a great complement to Actuarial Science," said Deibel. "It has given me a unique set of applicable skills in my career that have helped me stand out from other candidates and excel at a wide range of work in my internships."
In addition to adding a second major, Deibel's first year included competing in the prestigious Putnam Exam and the Mid-Atlantic Regional of the International Collegiate Programming Contest. Deibel and six other LVC students achieved a positive score during the 2024 Putnam Exam, the preeminent math competition at the college level for students in North America.
"My ability to participate in these experiences is a testament to the value of LVC's small class sizes and excellent professors," said Deibel. "The Putnam practices provided a great place to learn advanced mathematical techniques through hands-on problem solving and collaboration with my peers."
Deibel used these experiences to build a résumé with the help of LVC's Breen Center for Career and Professional Development. That résumé and Breen's interview preparation helped Deibel stand out at the Actuarial Science Career Fair and land internship interviews with multiple companies.
Deibel spent two summers interning in the health actuarial practice at Oliver Wyman, a consulting firm. She spent the first summer updating internal models at the company using lessons from her Actuarial Software and Computer Science classes and presentation skills she had built at LVC.
"During my second summer, I worked on a good mix of non-billable and billable projects," said Deibel. "Since I was more experienced, I took on a lot more responsibilities. Across both summers, I gathered a wealth of knowledge about the health insurance market in the U.S.- though I still have much to learn, the field has both a large breadth and depth."
Deibel, who has already passed four actuarial professional exams, accepted a full-time position as an analyst at Oliver Wyman starting after graduation.
"My experiences with my advisors and professors outside the classroom have also greatly contributed to my success as a student," said Deibel. "Getting help through office hours and seeking career guidance has been incredibly beneficial. Across both the Actuarial Science and Computer Science Programs, the focus is always on developing your skills for a successful career. LVC students often have valuable skills and insights that set them apart from other candidates and set them up for great careers."