Kendall West

Through these roles, Kendall has truly found his niche at AUP. “The diversity here is incredible,” he says. “You can have breakfast with someone from Sweden, lunch with someone from Nigeria, and drinks with someone from Ecuador. That kind of exposure widens your perspective in ways that go beyond the classroom.” 

Kendall has long known that he wanted to study business, and his passion for sustainability, developed during high school and drove his college search. At AUP, he found the perfect match in the International Business program, which allowed him to pair his major with double minors in Environmental Policy, and Environmental Economics. 

His favorite courses so far have been Corporate Finance, and Financial Accounting, which he describes as “grounded in the real world.” “I like that the courses at AUP are practical and applicable to my future career,” he adds.

Kendall has also gained valuable professional experience through internships, taking on the role of property management intern at JLL, a commercial real estate firm in Chicago, a role that has allowed him to join JLL’s Paris office from January to August 2025.  This interest has also carried over into his role in Student Government, as he has been involved in discussions on real estate needs and property acquisitions for the University.

With a long-term goal of getting into sustainable development, Kendall is considering pursuing a master’s degree. For now, he’s focused on leveraging his time at AUP to build connections and expand his expertise. 

AUP’s location and opportunities for study trips have been highlights of Kendall’s experience. He has traveled to the Netherlands for a sustainable fashion-focused program, where he worked with AUP alumni on environmental business strategies, and to southern France to study the fragrance industry. He also participated in the sustainable development practicum in India, working with NGOs on service-based projects. “I love that I have been able to study both the things I enjoy—business and sustainability—so seamlessly.”

Reflecting on his time at AUP, Kendall acknowledges that the first year can be challenging. “Finding your community and where you fit in takes effort,” he says. “But if you put yourself out there, the rewards are tremendous. Take advantage of all the resources AUP has to offer—it’s a small school, but the opportunities are there.” 

For Kendall, the friendships and connections he’s built have been transformative. “The diversity here is a real plus,” he emphasizes. “It’s not just about academics—it’s about learning from the people around you. That’s something a lot of my friends back in the U.S. aren’t experiencing.”  Now in his final year, Kendall is confident in the path he’s forged at AUP.