(Photo courtesy of John Hanlon)
Name: John Hanlon
Major: Actuarial science
Hometown: Harrisburg, PA
With one of his favorite classes being Advanced Actuarial Analytics, it is understandable why John Hanlon is destined for a career as an actuary.
His love of analyzing numbers has translated into successfully passing three of the professional actuarial examinations before he graduates in May with a degree in actuarial science from Temple University’s Fox School of Business. His passion has already set him up for career success as he transitions in May from full-time student to full-time actuarial analyst at Lockton Companies.
“The entire Fox School actuarial science faculty has played a major role in my growth as a professional and in my preparation for actuarial exams,” Hanlon says.
“I especially want to highlight Dr. Thorsten Moenig and the three classes I took with him. His teaching style provided me with a deep conceptual understanding in addition to honing my analytical skills which played a major role in my passing of the actuarial exam Financial Mathematics.
“Even though actuarial science classes are rigorous, I was able to stay active and healthy and maintain a good work/life balance. I truly wouldn’t change anything.”
“The education and support I received throughout the actuarial science program played a major role in helping me hit the ground running in my career.”
Hanlon shares that his favorite memory at Temple was being a peer teacher in professor Jeffrey Zheng’s class, Risk Analytics (RMI 3506).
“Working alongside Dr. Zheng has been beneficial in my personal and professional growth,” Hanlon says. “He is an incredible educator and mentor who conducts himself in a professional manner which really resonated with me and allowed me to further develop my leadership style.
“After taking two of his courses and being a peer tutor in his class, what really stood out to me is his genuine care for his students’ well-being and willingness to form personal connections, along with his care for their academic success.,” he says. “I tried to take a similar approach in my teaching style as a peer tutor. I went in on the first day knowing my job was to help students. However, I also wanted to form connections and be approachable.
John Hanlon (fifth from left) with team members after winning the Temple Men’s intramural volleyball championship in fall 2024. (Photo courtesy of John Hanlon)
“Looking back at the end of the course, I am very happy with what I did in both these areas.”
Hanlon has also thrived outside of the classroom. In his freshman year, he started playing basketball and volleyball in Temple’s intramural programs.
“The intramural programs have played a major role in my social life here at Temple,” Hanlon says. “I have made so many great friends, especially through playing volleyball. My friends are from many different majors and backgrounds. It has also given me the opportunity to see the diverse perspectives of the Temple community and make life-long friends.”
Reflecting on the past four years as a Temple student, Hanlon believes it was a great experience.
“Even though actuarial science classes are rigorous, I was able to stay active and healthy and maintain a good work/life balance. I truly wouldn’t change anything.”