Imagine a world where even the smallest countries could be self-sufficient and every nation could compete on an international level. Some would call this idealistic. But if anyone can make it happen, it's Jason Hecht. An economics and world politics major, Jason aspires to be an economic consultant after he graduates: "I would really love to help industries in third-world countries make smart business decisions so that they can grow and compete with other nations. I want to improve the lives of people in impoverished regions of the world."
How will he achieve this goal?
Jason has spent three years immersing himself in courses -- such as Economic Statistics and Politics of Africa -- that apply directly to his future endeavors. He has also received a Levitt Center Fellowship, which he's using to research the European Monetary Union. "In my analysis, I am looking at the three most influential economies currently in the EMU: France, Germany, and Italy. Each of these three has very unique economic and political interests, and it has been fascinating to explore how those interests manifest themselves in the EMU policymaking process," he said. "I want to determine how those interests might shape the monetary union in the future."
Jason also
knows that he must possess strong leadership skills to fulfill his career
goals, and he has been practicing a lot. He has held the position of Head
Residential Advisor for two years, served as co-chair of the annual Adler
Conference (a student-run day of dialogue about a variety of campus issues), and
represented the student body on the President's Coalition for Alcohol &
Other Drugs. This year, he will also be co-teaching a Freshman Forum, which is
a seminar for first-year students.
This past May, Jason was honored for all of his hard work with the Milton F. Fillius Jr./Joseph Drown Prize, an award given to a rising senior who is academically successful, demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, and is likely to make a significant contribution to society in the future.
"Being at Hamilton has built my confidence so much as a person, both inside and outside of the classroom," said Jason. " I truly feel that I can be successful on very high levels, and that once I leave Hamilton, I will have the tools to be successful in whatever direction life takes me."
