Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Connor Leicht

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At the Faculty of Social Science, we take pride in celebrating the achievements and aspirations of our students. Today, we highlight Connor Leicht, a first-year Master of Financial Economics (MFE) candidate, who is pursuing a career in investment banking. The MFE program, a unique collaboration between the Department of Economics, Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences, Ivey Business School, and the Faculty of Law, offers Connor the multidisciplinary approach he sought to advance his career.

Leicht’s academic journey began when he graduated this past spring with a Bachelor of Management & Organizational Studies (BMOS) Honours Specialization in Management & Legal Studies. His decision to attend Western University for his undergraduate studies was deliberate. “I chose Western specifically for the DAN Department of Management & Organizational Studies,” Leicht explains. “Studying business through the lens of Social Science provided me with a strong foundation in business principles while allowing me the flexibility to pursue other academic interests.”

The interdisciplinary nature of the BMOS program empowered Leicht to explore areas outside of a traditional business or commerce education. His involvement in the Social Science Internship Program led him to two impactful summer internships with RBC Wealth Management Family Office Services, where he worked alongside the largest team of wealth planning professionals in Canada. These internships allowed him to apply his academic knowledge to real-world experiences, gaining invaluable insights into the financial sector.

Beyond his academic achievements, Leicht’s involvement in campus life has shaped his leadership and community-building skills. For three years, Leicht has served as a Residence Don, providing support to students transitioning to university life. His role involves organizing weekly floor meetings, hosting social events, and designing programs to meet the diverse needs of his residence community. “Being a Don has increased my confidence and improved my public speaking, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills,” Leicht shares.

Leicht’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for his peers is a testament to his leadership. “Having the opportunity to serve as a leader in my community has been a privilege and an honour. I always strive to design programs for my floor that are entertaining, engaging, and inclusive,” he says. His ultimate goal is to build a community where every student feels safe, accepted, and supported.

Reflecting on his time at Western, Connor emphasizes the importance of faculty and peer support. “Class discussions were always lively and engaging, and my professors were genuinely interested in the success and well-being of their students,” Leicht recalls. He credits the open lines of communication with his professors and peers for enriching his academic experience, saying, “Office hours were a valuable opportunity to connect with my profs outside of class.”

As a student leader, Leicht encourages his peers to make the most of their time at Western. His advice? “Get involved as much as possible outside of the classroom. Use your time during university to gain real-world skills and experience, and take advantage of all the leadership, volunteer, and employment opportunities available on campus. Most importantly, find your community and thrive!”

With his academic achievements, leadership experiences, and a strong foundation in financial economics, Connor Leicht is poised for success in his future career in investment banking. His journey is a shining example of how the Faculty of Social Science at Western University provides students with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow into well-rounded leaders.

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