Facundo Möller Arnaldi, Tourism Management Technician, a Sales Executive at Sacramento Management, shared his experiences as a professional and as a college student.
-In what year did you choose to study at Universidad ORT Uruguay, and why?
-In 2010. That was when I started looking into different universities to see what programs they offered for a degree in tourism. I chose ORT because, on the one hand, I was impressed by the curriculum, and on the other, because I had heard good things about the university.
-What do you value most about college?
-A lot of things. Without a doubt, the experience I had while I was there, the excellent facilities, the smooth communication with the instructors, and, above all, the friendships I made.
-How did you come up with the idea of pursuing this degree?
-When I was working at a hotel front desk and saw all the responsibilities the job entailed, that’s when I realized that tourism is something I truly enjoy. Beyond that, something that also suits me is interacting with and dealing with people.
-How did the race go for you?
-It was great; the teachers made the subjects engaging, and the classes were very interactive and educational. Overall, it was challenging, which made it interesting because I learned so much.
-What do you remember about your college days?
-Nothing in particular—I mean, I remember it all. Beyond that, the friendships I formed along the way. Although we had classes where everyone participated, I would highlight the time spent with my classmates working on reports and/or assignments, which we had to complete through fieldwork and which gave us a broader perspective on our learning.
-What would you highlight about the program?
-Without a doubt, the professors—since they were deeply immersed in the world of hospitality and services—were a great help, as their teaching style was more engaging. They were also willing to provide support and/or materials for our assignments outside of class hours.
-When did you start working?
-In 2009, I worked at the Hostal del Espinillo in Soriano, Uruguay, in the front desk department. After that, during the 2011–12 season, I worked in the food and beverage department at the Serena Hotel in Punta del Este. I then worked at DMC Uruguay, a travel agency, in the Operations and Sales department. I am currently serving as a Sales Executive at Sacramento Management.
-How did your degree prepare you for the job market?
-Really well. At every company where I’ve worked, I’ve always felt both the need and the ability to apply the knowledge I gained or tackle situations that allowed me to learn during my studies. While the university is well-known in the professional world, beyond being a major point of reference, it also gave me the confidence to take on certain job opportunities.
-What are your plans for the future?
-While my current job gives me the freedom to gain a deep understanding of the hospitality industry, I want to travel and network with managers at major hotel chains. I’m considering pursuing a graduate degree outside of Uruguay and am also looking for opportunities to work in the hospitality industry abroad.