As the spring semester comes to a close, Georgetown McDonough is pleased to commemorate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025. To celebrate, we're spotlighting several of the exceptional students in the Class of 2025 as they share their personal stories, reflect on their time on the Hilltop, and preview what the future holds after commencement.
For Caleb Legis (MSF'25), the journey through Georgetown's online Master of Science in Finance program was a powerful blend of discipline, technical mastery, and professional growth. As a military service member turned finance professional, Legis embraced the challenges of the program while discovering new ways to connect numbers to narratives and strategy to impact.
Legis made the most of his time at Georgetown – from collaborating with classmates during the Financial Markets Residency to sharpening his skills in valuation, accounting, and financial modeling. Now, as he looks ahead to the next phase of his career in strategic finance and private equity, he reflects on the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the mindset that made his experience truly transformative.
What is your favorite memory or proudest moment from your time at Georgetown?
My favorite memory was the Financial Markets Residency. It was eye-opening to realize how much we actually learned and to see those concepts come together in a real-world setting. It also meant a lot to meet many of my classmates in person and connect beyond the screen.
In what ways did your military background contribute to your experience in the MSF program?
I think the biggest way my military background helped prepare me for the MSF was the discipline that was instilled in me to do the “not-fun” but necessary things to be successful. Whether it was studying hard for an exam or just being diligent in watching the videos, reading the books, etc., the military positioned me well to be structured in my approach to the program.
What are your post-graduate plans?
I recently completed a strategic finance internship at Navy Federal Credit Union, which solidified my interest in working at the intersection of strategy and financial planning. I'm exploring full-time roles in strategic finance, and I'm also actively pursuing opportunities in private equity where I can apply my skills in a dynamic, growth-focused environment.
How do you plan to apply the skills you've learned at Georgetown in the next phase of your career?
I'll rely heavily on the accounting, financial modeling, and valuation skills – especially as I pursue strategic, forward-looking roles. Accounting is the language of business, and modeling helps translate strategy into numbers and outcomes.
What is one of the most important lessons you've learned while at Georgetown?
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the power of storytelling. The numbers matter, but only if people can understand and act on them. The program consistently emphasized not just technical accuracy but the ability to simplify complexity and tailor communication to the audience.
Is there a particular person in the Georgetown community who has been instrumental to your success?
Without question, it's Rebecca Couvillion. From the very beginning, she was responsive, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in my success, even while supporting over a hundred other students. Her attentiveness and care made Georgetown feel like the right place, and she played a big role in my decision to enroll.
What advice would you give to the next class of Georgetown students?
Don't just practice until you get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong. In undergrad, I was focused on getting through. But after grad school, companies expect you to hit the ground running. So lean into the technical work and truly master the skills. It'll set you apart from day one.