Story: Emily Nelson
Photography: Tim Schoon
Published: May 7, 2025
Eric Dowe says he always wanted to be like his grandpa. And his grandpa was a Hawkeye.
So, Dowe grew up cheering on the Hawkeyes. But it wasn’t until graduate school that the Story City, Iowa, native could also claim being a University of Iowa student.
After graduating with a BA in actuarial science and BA in business administration from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, he started looking at grad schools.
“The University of Iowa had the exact program that I was looking for,” says Dowe, who will graduate this spring with an MS in finance and MS in business analytics. “My undergraduate studies were largely finance-related, but I wanted to explore the technical side more. The program at Iowa let me do both of those things, so it was a perfect fit.”
Dowe says he was a bit concerned coming in that he would be behind his fellow students in the business analytics program because he didn’t have a background in it. But it turns out he needn’t have worried.
“Everything is built from the ground up and it accelerates really quickly,” Dowe says. “Plus, the class size is small, and the professors know you, which really helps because it creates a more supportive and engaging learning environment.”
Eric Dowe
Hometown: Story City, Iowa
Degree: MS in business analytics, MS in finance
What’s next: Taking a position as a finance analyst at Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he has had a yearlong internship.
While Dowe has a job lined up in the finance field, he plans to put his new business analytics skills to use.
“Everything I’ve learned in the business analytics program is definitely going to play a huge role in what I do and how I do it,” Dowe says.
What are some of your earliest memories on campus?
Actually, it was before school started. We had a team-building day at the ropes course at the University of Iowa. I met all these people, some of whom are now my close friends and classmates. It’s been great getting to know my classmates and learn from them over the past two years.
What was your most memorable experience or your best memory?
All the outside events I participated in with my classmates. The support staff does a lot for us, but one of the things I most enjoyed was the events they organized where we get to go bowling, or play pickleball, or have a potluck. It's at times like these where we get to really build relationships and make friends within the program. That makes a huge difference in the classroom as it is more collaborative, and we can learn more efficiently.
What provided you with the greatest sense of belonging while at the University of Iowa?
Being able to participate in classes with people who share the same passion. We have a similar drive and similar curiosity for the subject. We're exploring, and that helps build community when you all have the same purpose and you're all trying to do the same thing.
What did you get out of your Iowa experience that you don’t feel you would have gotten elsewhere?
One of the most unique things about the Master of Finance program is the Hart Fund, where we get to manage as a team more than $2 million in a fixed-income portfolio. That’s real-world money that we get to make decisions about. Similarly, in our business analytics program capstone class, my team and I worked with a local client to help them expand their business. Having these real-world experiences gives me confidence going forward in my career.
What is one of the most valuable things you learned?
I've learned a ton here, especially the technical skills. But the thing I've learned the most is how to approach problem solving. Working with my classmates who all have different experiences and skills has helped me expand my own thinking and see things from different perspectives. Many professors have real-world experience in their fields and have so much knowledge to share. From both my classmates and professors, I have learned there are many ways to approach and solve a single problem.
What advice would you give future Hawkeyes?
Try everything. Say yes to experiences and opportunities that come your way. That's how you meet people, and that's how you gain the best experiences. Some days you're going to have an absolutely packed schedule, but that's OK, because when you get done, you'll look back on it and say, I'm so glad that I did all those things.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I want to thank my wife, Bree, and my family, who have supported me every step of the way.