Amber Agustus

Amber is an Application System Developer. 

Questions and answers with Amber

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

What I enjoy most about my role as an Application System Developer, within the Mainframe world, is the collaborative environment. I really value being a part of a close-knit team where people support each other, share knowledge and help solve problems together. I also enjoy that there is always something new to learn in this field, whether it’s a tool, technology or way to improve a system. My interest in this field started early because my father is an Electrical Engineer, and I was often exposed to engineering through him. Once I was introduced to Information Technology in my Secondary Education, I realized that I really enjoy that aspect as well. I wanted a path that combined both hardware and software and to be an engineer, like my father, which is why I chose to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering.

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest game-changers in your career? 

Looking back, the biggest game changers in my career have been problem solving, collaboration and continuous learning. Strong problem solving helps me analyze systems and identify efficient solutions when issues arise. Collaboration has also been key, especially working in a close-knit team where knowledge sharing helps everyone move forward. Finally, staying curious and continuously learning has helped me adapt as technologies and systems evolve. 

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

Concordia prepared me for my career by giving me a strong technical foundation through my Computer Engineering program while also helping me build practical professional skills. Concordia offered workshops through the Student Success Centre that supported resume building and interview preparation which helped me feel more confident entering the job market. Academically, the program developed my problem-solving and system thinking skills. Concordia also provided the avenue for me to balance school while working at the Student Success Centre, which helped me develop strong time management and discipline, which have been very valuable in my professional career.

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

A core memory from my time at Concordia was being involved in the campus community. I worked with the Student Success Centre as a Welcome Crew Mentor, where I helped new students transition into university life while collaborating with a great team and leadership. I was also a part of, as well as attended functions of student groups and associations such as ACSiON Concordia, CCSU, and ASAC, which made my experience even more meaningful. Coming from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it was especially important for me to connect with others who shared a similar culture, as it often eased feelings of homesickness. While I enjoyed meeting people from many backgrounds, forming those cultural connections and making great friends along the way was particularly memorable.

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to stay curious and not be afraid to ask questions or seek help. Growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning from others. I would also remind myself to be patient because skills, confidence and opportunities develop over time.

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

Right now, one of the most interesting shifts is the push to making legacy systems more flexible and easier to integrate with modern platforms. There’s also a big focus on DevOps practices and automation, which speeds up development and deployment cycles on systems that were traditionally slower to change.

Feeling inspired?

• Attend learning services workshops to learn how to effectively approach problem-solving and manage your time during the term.   
• Get involved with student groups like Software Engineering and Computer Science Society or other student societies to connect with peers in your field.  
• Get feedback on your resumé and cover letter to strengthen your job application.
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to start planning your career path.