Welcome back to our Employee Spotlight series! We’re continuing our mission to showcase the remarkable individuals who make Ezra Penland the premier destination for actuarial talent.
For our second spotlight, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Lauren Scalzo, another one of our skilled actuarial recruiters whose dedication and insight make her an invaluable part of our team.
Meet Lauren Scalzo, Actuarial Recruiter at Ezra Penland
Hobbies: Reading, doing puzzles (jigsaw and crossword), volunteering, and strength training
Hometown: Orland Park and Palos Park, IL
Little known fact: I used to be fluent in Spanish and then became conversational in Japanese while living there, but now I mix the 2 when I try to speak either
Last book you read: Tell Me Everything by Erika Krause
Favorite quote: “No mud, no lotus.”
Happiest when: Out in nature and/or spending time with my family and pets
How long have you worked at Ezra Penland? I started at EP in 2014 and recently celebrated 11 years on the team.
What is the most rewarding thing about working with actuaries? I’ve been so fortunate to work with such kind, thoughtful people and become very invested in those with whom I work. It is always rewarding to be a part of an actuary’s career journey, whether they are looking for a new job or just seeking advice.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the actuarial field?
I read industry publications and listen to podcasts, attend actuarial conferences, follow insurance companies and actuarial groups on LinkedIn, and simply talk with clients and candidates about the market.
What advice would you give to an actuary looking for new opportunities?
Be flexible and don’t undersell yourself. Many candidates bypass roles where they don’t have the exact experience listed in the requirements, despite their interest in the opportunity. In so many cases, there is more flexibility than one might think, especially when working with a recruiter who can speak to their experience and fit.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an actuarial recruiter and what drew you to this field?
I have a background in teaching, but have also managed the hiring processes at various past employers. I’ve always enjoyed learning about people and helping them in their career path, and when this opportunity with EP arose, it felt like a great way to utilize my experience and be able to help others in the process.
If you want to learn more about Lauren, please reach out to her directly or connect with her on LinkedIn. She would be delighted to share her expertise and discuss how she can help you advance your actuarial career.
We look forward to continuing our Employee Spotlight series and introducing you to more of our outstanding team members. Stay tuned to meet another exceptional member of the Ezra Penland family!