Harpur student spotlight: Issac Wecht
Junior economics/PPL double major hopes to aid others in his career
Some pursue high-paying careers – but Isaac Wecht wants more.
“Beyond the paycheck of a job, it’s about being able to develop with coworkers or customers and being able to work together to generate the best outcome,” Wecht said. “That’s why I’m seeking a career that will allow me to work with people, because I value relationships so heavily.”
The Binghamton University junior is majoring in both economics and politics, philosophy and law (PPL). Wecht will spend this summer with accounting firm KPMG, where he will gain experience intertwining the two disciplines.
“I’m working toward a policy-oriented economics career,” he said. “KPMG involves occupation and compliance risk consultation, so I’ll be consulting with businesses on how to best comply with the law. There’s the policy aspect but in terms of an economic standpoint and I’m hoping that will lead me to a career I enjoy.”
PPL is one of the reasons Wecht chose Binghamton, as the program is unique to the University. But having an older sister who attended Binghamton made the decision easier.
“I was trying to decide where I would best fit in, and what school would offer me the best experience in terms of personal development,” Wecht said. “When my sister talked about Binghamton, she highlighted how much (Binghamton University) cared about her personal success. That’s something that means a lot to me.”
Family also means a lot to Wecht, and he considers both his sister and mother as role models in his life.
“Relationships as a whole are something that I value,” he said. “At the end of the day, your family and your friends and the relationships you develop are all you have, and I think true fulfillment comes from that.”
Beyond the classroom, Wecht spends a lot of time training with Binghamton University’s Triathlon Club – something his mother inspired him to pursue.
“The first triathlon I ever did was my first year at Binghamton and it was freezing cold, pitch black,” Wecht said. “I did it with my mom. My mom’s been doing them since she was 19, and she actually beat me. I’m never going to live that down. She brags about it constantly.”
Wecht, who has participated in three triathlons, can be found behind the wheel of Harpur’s Ferry ambulances, too. He joined the organization during his freshman year and the involvement has led to personal growth.
“Taking calls and helping people on campus is a very unique experience,” Wecht said. “You get to see that output of helping others directly. I want to continue chasing that feeling of fulfillment.”
That personal satisfaction is ultimately what Wecht is chasing. In the future, he aspires to work toward something bigger than himself by helping others.
“I want to use my skill set to have an impact on others and gain fulfillment through that,” Wecht said. “As I’m looking for a career I’m focusing on making sure I’m not just monetarily satisfied but that I’m also doing a good thing.”
Wecht said he has a goal to have things more figured out and to learn more about himself, his interests and what he truly wants to do. He also reminds others that it’s OK to not always have an answer.
“A part of figuring things out is becoming OK with not having things totally figured out,” he said. “At this point in our lives, I think it’s OK to not have everything set in stone.”