Name: Mariana Burstin
Age: 24
High School: Elbio Fernández
Degree: Certified Public Accountant
In 2005, Mariana began studying to become a Certified Public Accountant at Universidad ORT Uruguay. In 2007, she served as an intern in the Academic Coordination Office. The following year, she worked at the National General Accounting Office in the Budget and Financial Control division. She later went on to work at the multinational company Kraft Foods Uruguay. She is currently focused on completing her final two courses to earn her degree in Public Accounting.
Interview published in March 2011
- Why did you decide to study at Universidad ORT Uruguay?
- After consulting with professionals in my family, I attended an informational session on the Public Accounting program at ORT. The opportunity to start in August, the teaching methodology, the curriculum, and the focus on preparing for the workforce, combined with receiving a scholarship thanks to my strong performance on the Academic Aptitude Test, motivated me to make the decision.
- When did you first feel that Public Accounting would be your profession?
- I always knew I had a knack for numbers. I decided to pursue a high school track in Engineering, and after finishing it, I wasn’t sure what I liked. Finally, I chose the Accounting program because it seemed like the right fit for my profile, plus there’s a strong job market for the profession.
- How is the program going for you?
- The facilities are top-notch, which creates a study environment that meets all expectations. Materials are always available, and the library service is excellent. When we had to do group work or study, we always met at the university. The faculty are highly qualified and very supportive of the students. Additionally, the curriculum is designed to provide all the necessary tools for the workplace and is continuously evaluated, ensuring it remains up-to-date with the profession’s highest standards. I was able to verify this since, fortunately, I had the opportunity to be part of the Academic Coordination team for the program.
- What would you highlight about the program?
- One of the highlights is that professors are always present and class schedules are strictly adhered to. As for my classmates, we formed a very strong bond from the first semester, and many of us remain friends today.
- In what year did you start working?
- My first job was as an intern in the program’s Academic Coordination Office in 2007. I consider it a very enriching experience that allowed me to become more deeply involved with the curriculum, the faculty, and national and international standards. Then, in 2008, I applied for a position at the National General Accounting Office, in the Budget and Financial Control department. My job involved auditing the various implementing units of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Shortly thereafter, thanks to having sent my resume to my faculty’s Graduate Coordination Office, I received a call from the multinational company Kraft Foods Uruguay. I found the offer very interesting and decided to accept it. I started there as an intern and later became an analyst in the Finance department. I was able to see how a large, globally successful multinational company operates and apply the knowledge I gained during my studies by working in teams with various professionals and maintaining contact with different countries.
- Do you feel that college prepared you for the job market?
- Without a doubt. I had to tackle different areas of work, and in all of them I felt prepared to take on the responsibilities assigned to me.
- What are your plans for the future?
- In the future, I’d like to pursue freelance work—another option this profession offers—and eventually pursue a graduate degree.