<p><span class="p-body">At NYU SPS, students thrive at the center of it all. Placed in the global epicenter of real estate, students have the city as their classroom, gaining hands-on experience to complement their studies. Christopher Auguste is a current student who recently spoke with us about his background, how he is applying his classroom knowledge to the real world, and his advice for incoming students.</span></p>
A Natural Leader Steps Up
<p><span class="p-body">When Auguste moved from Haiti to Queens, New York, after the devastating 2010 earthquake, the transition was life-changing. The experience shaped him into a resilient and open-minded leader, fueling his motivation to succeed in both his personal and academic pursuits. Now, as a senior at NYU majoring in Real Estate and Urban Sustainability, Auguste is using his passion for mentorship and leadership to make a lasting impact in his field.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">From a young age, Auguste knew that helping others would be a central part of his life. His passion for mentorship became clear through his involvement in the NYU SPS Bridge Program and as president of the BIPOC Student Union. These roles gave him the chance to develop his leadership skills and form meaningful connections with students and staff, all while maintaining a stellar 3.9 GPA.</span></p>
The opportunity to grow as a leader has been one of the most transformative aspects of my NYU experience…NYU's focus on diversity and inclusion, especially through programs like the BIPOC Student Union, has allowed me to feel more connected to my community while helping others."
Putting Knowledge into Practice
<p><span class="p-body">In addition to leadership, Auguste's interest in finance grew through practical coursework, including classes like <i>Financial Modeling and Business Organization Management</i>, taught by Professor John Burnett. These classes, combined with internships as an Investment Sales Intern at Avison Young and PGIM, provided him with real-world exposure to market research, capital markets, and sales analysis. "These internships allowed me to bridge theory with practice and sharpen my analytical skills, which are crucial in both real estate and finance," says Auguste.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">His time at NYU has been filled with countless learning opportunities, from discovering a passion for finance to mastering the balance between academics and mentorship. After graduation, Auguste will be joining PGIM in Asset Management, a role he is incredibly excited about. He also hopes to continue his commitment to mentorship, helping young professionals navigate their career paths.</span></p>
Advice for New Students
<p><span class="p-body">For those just starting their journey at NYU SPS, Auguste offers some advice: "Explore, be curious, and enjoy the journey! Life is full of twists and turns, but there's always a light at the end of the tunnel."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Looking back at how far he's come—from his start in Haiti to becoming a leader at NYU—Auguste finds inspiration in his own resilience. It's clear that his journey is just beginning, and he's ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of real estate. Though Auguste’s Real Estate and Sustainability degree isn’t offered by DAUS any longer, students can set their sights on Schack’s BS in Real Estate program.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Do you have your sights set on shaping the future of real estate? Place yourself at the center of the industry when you pursue a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-real-estate.html" target="_blank">BS in Real Estate</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>