Success Breeds Business Idea

Professional success in the field of actuarial science inspired Drake junior Roy Ju to create a business to help his fellow students succeed.

Ju pitched his idea for an e-book study guide for actuarial exams during Project Bulldog.

Modeled off the television show Shark Tank, Project Bulldog allows Drake students to present business ideas, either individually or in groups, to a panel of judges comprised of business leaders from the community. The students receive prize money for the best business plans.

Ju received first place in the contest for the study guide, which introduces a new approach to studying for actuarial exams based on his own methods of preparation. The exams are required to work in the field of actuarial science. While many Drake students start taking the tests before they graduate, Ju achieved a rare feat: completion of all exams before his 21st birthday. The accomplishment made him the youngest person to ever be named a Fellow of Society of Actuaries, which is the field's highest professional designation.

"I have received hundreds of emails inquiring about my study approach to the exam process," said Ju of the inspiration for his business idea.

Ju is currently focused on finishing his last year at Drake while working at The Principal Financial Group. Though he is not actively pursuing his business idea at the moment, he says participation in Project Bulldog was a valuable professional experience.

"I enjoyed the opportunity to meet other successful entrepreneurs," he said. "I enjoyed receiving feedback from the competition judges. I felt the biggest benefit from winning was receiving validation that my business idea has merit."
Project Bulldog is organized by the student group Enactus. It is supported by a generous gift from Drake alumnus Dan Sinykin.

Invest in Tomorrow's Leaders
If you would like to explore ways to strengthen the Drake experience for students through programs like Project Bulldog, contact John Amato at 515-271-2849 or john.amato@drake.edu to discuss your giving options.