Fabiana Bracco, one of the first graduates of the Bachelor’s program in International Studies, spoke about her experience as a student and her professional career, which has taken her to more than 60 countries.
-Why did you choose to pursue a Bachelor's degree in International Studies at Universidad ORT Uruguay?
-Actually, ever since I was very young, I knew I wanted to pursue this degree. Even when my parents asked me at age 15 if I’d rather go to a party or take a trip, I didn’t hesitate to choose the trip, because I knew I’d be traveling a lot—though I never imagined I’d end up visiting more than 60 countries.
-What's it like to have visited more than 60 countries?
-It’s a great learning experience. The cultural environment of each country plays such a decisive role in how business is conducted and how a product is presented that we often have to adapt it to ensure it’s truly accepted. But I think the best part is that, at the end of the day, you realize that no matter where in the world you are, we’re all the same in many ways and enjoy the same things.
-Of all the things you must have experienced on your travels, what’s your favorite story?
-A lot of fun things have happened to me, and some complicated ones too, because traveling alone is tough. I think the best part was when I shared a flight with the band The Killers —we ended up becoming friends and had dinner together, and they gave me VIP tickets to their concert (this was in Puerto Rico). I have an amazing photo with Brandon Flowers, hahaha. In fact, they were in Uruguay, in Punta del Este, two years ago, and we got together here too. They’re amazing people. I’m still in touch with some of them.
-You were one of the first graduates of the Bachelor’s program in International Studies. What made you choose a program that had only recently been established?
-If there is one thing that stands out about Universidad ORT Uruguay the professionalism and commitment they have cultivated and maintained from the very beginning. Every new challenge is carefully planned and skillfully guided to produce outstanding professionals who not only excel in our country but, more importantly, can compete on the global stage.
Personally, I think that when I saw the facilities and experienced the hospitality, I really felt at home. I was coming from the countryside, and everything I saw gave me a great sense of confidence.
-Do you remember what year you graduated?
-It’s impossible to forget the year of our graduation. Right here in my office, right in front of me, I have the ORT plaque that reads: “Montevideo, November 20, 1997.” I think it was the third graduation ceremony for our program.
-Looking back now, do you think it was a good decision?
-I have no doubt about it. It allowed me to become the person I am today; it gave me fantastic tools, both professionally and personally.
-What would you highlight about the program?
-Diversity. I think it’s a degree program that provides a well-rounded education, with a strong focus on international trade and marketing, but it also offers a solid foundation in economics, politics, and history.
It's wonderful to travel the world the way I do today and be able to talk about any topic anywhere.
-What has your career path been like?
-I think it’s been really great, because I was hired by the company where I did my internship, so I didn’t even have to look for a job, and since then I’ve never been short on opportunities. I think college gives us the tools, but it’s also up to us to know how to use them. Sometimes you need a little luck, but generally it takes a lot more hard work (“luck can be an excuse for the unsuccessful”).
-What are you doing right now?
-Today, I am the export director for two major wineries: one in Uruguay, Finca Narbona, and another in Mallorca, Spain, Anima Negra.
I am also a partner at Aguas del Sur, a national company dedicated to the production and domestic and export sale of premium-quality water. For the past few years, I have been teaching a course on international marketing at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
-What other jobs have you had?
-I started out working in the imports department at Metzen y Sena S.A., then became the overseas purchasing manager at Divino S.A., and later served as export manager at Bodega Pisano.
-You've spent most of your career in marketing. Did you know you had a knack for it, or did you decide to pursue it during or after college?
-It actually just happened naturally. I think my personality played a role in it, but there’s no doubt that completing the Specialization Diploma in Marketing Management was a key factor.
-Did your degree prepare you well to succeed in the world of marketing?
-Yes, it really is a career with a solid foundation, despite its diversity—which I value but which others might dismiss.
-Did college help you enter the job market?
-At that time, we were doing internships that were coordinated jointly by the students and the faculty. Throughout my studies, I’ve always had a lot of contact with ORT, and I think that’s perhaps what led me to become a professor today and give back to the university a little of what it gave me.
-What are your plans for the future?
-I have way too many; maybe we need a book to write them all down... hahaha.