Profile on Ravi Bhagat
I chose to major in mathematics because I was sort of contemplating what to choose back in high school. Initially, I applied to Drexel as a Biomedical Engineer, but before the first day of school, I switched to math. I felt with mathematics I could build a solid foundation that I could delve into any field later on. I really wanted to go into finance but at the same time I wasn't sure if I was going to go into Law or not. I felt that by doing an undergraduate degree in math, I could delve into any one of those fields when I finally decided.
I chose Drexel because of the co-op program. I had two co-op experiences, the first of which was at Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, where I was an actuarial analyst, working in the financial reporting/valuations department. I did a lot of experience studies/valuations, and a lot of financial reporting both on the statutory and gap side. My second co-op was at ACE re-Insurance services, where I worked in the collections department. I made calls to auditors as well as re-insurers and other companies.
" The co-op experiences were the best part of my time here
because they confirmed for me that I wanted to go into the
Insurance industry. Beyond that, it also strengthened my
desire to do something in financial reporting. "
Aside from co-op, Drexel has offered me a number of other opportunities, including being a teaching assistant for calculus. I was also a tutor for one semester as well. I've had the opportunity to go to math conferences with other members of the math department. At each of these conferences, there was information on careers in math, as well as other opportunities available to students who major in math.
To students considering coming to Drexel to study math, there are pros and cons to it. Some of the pros are that it is a small department that gives individualized attention to each student, and the administration that listens to the suggestions of students. As far as cons go, if you are interested in receiving a college education where you can get lost in a crowd, I don't know, some people might prefer that, I guess that would be a reason not to come to Drexel.
Upon graduating in June, I plan to get a job in the Insurance industry. I currently am going through the recruiting process trying to find a job. I hope to eventually get my graduate degree in Mathematics or Financial Mathematics.
Ravi Bhagat is a senior Mathematics major. He was on the 5-year co-op program, but has decided to forgo his third co-op to graduate a year early.
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