Ryan Scandale believes in contributing in whatever way he can to his fellow students at the Fox School of Business.
Whether that’s serving as vice president of actuarial science in the professional fraternity Gamma Iota Sigma, Sigma Chapter at Temple University or as treasurer of the Temple Queer Student Union, Scandale has found ways to support his career path in actuarial science and create a nurturing community where he can be comfortable and open with his sexual identity.
His contributions toward the LGBTQ+ and actuarial science communities have earned him a scholarship from the Sexuality and General Alliance of Actuaries (SAGAA), a professional organization dedicated to facilitating connections between LGBTQ+ actuaries and allies.
Scandale is one of four scholarship winners across the country to earn the honor that is given to LGBTQ+ students looking to pursue an actuarial career. He plans to use the $2500 scholarship to help fund a study abroad experience at Temple Rome.
“I was really happy to be recognized for my efforts to help out in both areas,” Scandale says, referring to his roles with both the professional fraternity and the Queer Student Union. “I would like to work more on fostering that connection, trying to bring together the togetherness.”
Scandale decided to major in actuarial science after taking an online career quiz in high school.
“I knew that I wanted to do something in the math-related field and it just seemed like a really good fit,” says Scandale. “I learned that Temple had a really good program for actuarial science, so the pieces all kind of just clicked together and I'm really happy with my decision.”
Scandale credits the Fox School, its professors and overall program in aiding his success by helping him be prepared for opportunities like scholarships and internships that will help him advance his career plans.
“There’s a really big emphasis on presentation skills and group projects that help you teach how to collaborate with others,” says Scandale.
“I think these are really important skills for anyone entering into the professional industry. I can speak from my own experience. I had an internship last summer with a health insurance company and I felt like I was really well prepared to give my presentation.”
Scandale plans to continue his passion for actuarial science and hopes to help connect other LGBTQ+ students with professional resources and networking opportunities.
“I definitely think there is a long way to go, a lot of improvement that could be done to bring those communities together,” Scandale says.