He knew practically from the cradle that science and engineering would be part of his life. “Something most engineers have in common is that, ever since we were children, we’ve wondered how things work—that curiosity to understand how systems and machines function,” reflects Paulo Pérez, a graduate of the Telecommunications Engineering at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
From a young age, he felt a drive to find technological solutions that would help develop and improve his community. He notes that this is possible in all areas, including healthcare, the economy, and education.
In particular, telecommunications always caught his attention. “I remember going to a school friend’s house and seeing his father, who was a ham radio operator, talking to people on the other side of the world while sitting at his desk. Back then, it was incredible, and I think that left a lasting impression on me,” the graduate says.
"Being a team player in different roles has allowed me to grow and achieve my goals. Sometimes I've taken the lead, and other times I've played a different role, but I've always known that the team comes before any one of us."
Over time, his curiosity about that world only grew, and so Pérez decided to pursue a degree in Telecommunications Engineering at ORT. While he was in school, he was able to receive a 40% scholarship from the university. “The scholarship helped me a lot, and starting to work early on allowed me to pay for my studies while gaining work experience in the tech field,” recalls the engineer.
After graduating and gaining experience at various companies—including Geocom, Citi, and the Montevideo Stock Exchange—Pérez now works as a Senior Information Security & Compliance Analyst at Equifax, a global data, analytics, and technology company.
The telecommunications industry is booming. Have there been rapid advances in the sector in recent years?
Yes, absolutely. These advances and progress in telecommunications have been essential to the development of the new disruptive technologies that are changing the world. The interconnection of remote systems is essential for technological and inclusive development.
To what extent did the knowledge you gained during your degree program at ORT influence your subsequent professional development?
It has been instrumental; it has given me the basic tools I need to grow in the field where I currently work.
What do you enjoy most about your job as a Senior Information Security & Compliance Analyst at Equifax?
What I enjoy most is helping to create a secure environment for the company and its clients. I work in the field of Information Security and Technology Risk Analysis, and since security is a cross-functional priority throughout the company, we all need to be committed to it on a daily basis. This allows me to work on multidisciplinary teams with people from different countries and cultures, but who share the same goal.
What challenge had the greatest impact on you during your student years and your professional career?
I have many memories of various challenges I’ve had to overcome, both as a student and in my professional life. But what I always remember is how, through teamwork, any challenge can be overcome. Being a team player in different roles has allowed me to grow and achieve my goals. Sometimes I’ve led, and other times I’ve taken on a different role, but I’ve always known that the team comes before any one of us.
What advice would you give to a student who decides to pursue a degree in Telecommunications Engineering at ORT?
I would tell you that you’re embarking on a career that will give you the opportunity to grow in various technological fields that interest you. I would encourage you to value teamwork even while you’re still a student, because it will be very important later in your professional career.