When Agustin (Augi) Martinez was a student at Cristo Rey St. Martin, his first Corporate Work Study Program placement was with Catholic Charities. Ten years later, when he began his career journey at Catholic Charities in 2023 as a Housing Occupancy Specialist, it all came full circle. In his current role as a Housing Case Manager, Augi interviews individuals experiencing homelessness, helps them set goals, and works with them to find stable housing. He continues to be a person for others, a key aspect of the CRSM mission, day-to-day in this role. While the job is rewarding, Augi acknowledges that it comes with challenges due to the trauma and stress many of his clients’ face.
Reflecting on his time at CRSM, Augi shared how the Corporate Work Study Program was instrumental in shaping his career. “CWSP prepared me to communicate professionally with clients and coworkers and taught me essential office skills, like faxing and filing,” he explained. “Although these may seem like small things, they are actually major parts of a job, and I’m lucky to have been taught these skills early on”. He also appreciated CRSM’s strong sense of community, which he carried with him into college. “It felt like a family,” he said.
After graduating from CRSM, Augi attended St. Xavier University. While initially starting as an art major, he later found his passion in psychology with the guidance of his professors, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology.
Augi offers advice to current students CRSM: “Don’t feel rushed to choose your career path. Take your time, chase your highest dreams, and always have a backup plan. Even if you don’t know what you want now, work toward something.”
As a first-generation college student, Augi found essential support from CRSM’s college counselors, who helped him navigate the college process. Today, in addition to case management, he manages marketing, advertising, social media, event planning, and networking. “Building bonds in the community is key. You never know what opportunities you’ll run into.”