News Archives: Jerrell Agunias: Continuous Learning
Wednesday, February 14th, 2024
NWP Staff and Student Jerrell Agunias
Jerrell Agunias, a third-year student in Northwestern Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Business Administration program, is not your average student. He is a continuous learner who also happens to be the Capital Planning and Space Management Assistant within NWP's Facilities Maintenance Operations department.
Jerrell’s campus journey began in 2018. He was chasing an Engineering degree, but quickly realized that the theory-based program was not a fit for his hands-on, creative nature. So, he pivoted and completed a Computer Systems Tech certificate instead.
In 2021, as the world navigated the pandemic, Jerrell found himself craving a new challenge and yet another qualification. “I discovered the Business Administration program,” said Jerrell. “It was appealing because it offered the perfect blend of mathematics and humanities.”
In addition to his studies, Jerrell now works in a part-time role that interacts with several departments within the polytechnic. As the Capital Planning and Space Management Assistant, he manages assets with values over $1,500, and oversees the auctioning of items no longer needed by NWP. He is also responsible for the archiving of all maps related to the institution’s inner workings and growing footprint, “It’s a job I find quite interesting,” he added.
Jerrell's position at NWP has given him insight into the range of opportunities available to Business Administration students. “The job has opened my eyes to the world of operations, an area that involves managing day-to-day tasks and administrative duties that are necessary to keep projects moving,” Jerrell said.
Never one to shy away from opportunity, Jerrell took on a lead role in organizing the Student Business Conference at NWP, where he was a project manager and emcee. “It was an experience that allowed me to put my business knowledge into practice and glimpse what a successful businessperson's journey might look like by conversing with the keynote speaker,” reflected Jerrell.
Jerrell's decision to work and study at NWP was motivated by practical considerations like cost and convenience. The campus commute is easy since he lives in a surrounding neighbourhood. But maybe, most importantly, Jerrell believes that a job should be a balance of profitability and enjoyability.
Despite his busy schedule, Jerrell still finds time to volunteer at his local church and cook. His secret to balancing work, studies, and volunteering is the ability to compartmentalize, ensuring that each activity has its designated time.
Looking ahead, Jerrell hopes to continue working with NWP and advancing his career. He is optimistic and remains open to opportunities that promise a positive corporate culture, much like what he has experienced at NWP. One thing is for sure, wherever Jerrell ends up, his adaptability, broad skill set, and positive attitude will serve him well.
