There is no doubt that globalization has transformed the job market, and an increasing number of professionals are offering their services abroad.
Cecilia Laborde is a graduate of the Specialization Diploma in Human Resources from Universidad ORT Uruguay has been part of the Deloitte team for over 13 years. Today, she works daily from Uruguay for clients based in Switzerland, which she describes as “a commitment and a source of pride.”
In this article, Laborde discusses his experience at Deloitte, his passion for human capital work, and his future career prospects.
You currently work as a Senior Advisor at Human Capital Consulting at Deloitte. What does your job entail?
I have been with Deloitte for over 13 years. Through a partner who moved to Switzerland, I was offered the opportunity to join the Human Capital team there, where I have been for over a year and a half.
I currently work as a consultant specializing in human capital. I focus on the challenges organizations face regarding the role of talent within organizations and the future of work, and this work gives rise to a wide variety of projects…
I also contribute to the development and growth of the Human Resources team.
What is it like to work from Uruguay for another country—specifically, Switzerland?
It’s both a commitment and a source of pride. Before the onset of COVID-19, I had the opportunity to travel a bit more and connect personally with clients and the team. In any case, the challenges of remote work became “the new normal” with the pandemic, and today it feels much easier and more natural.
Switzerland also highlights the richness of cultural diversity. The team is made up of people from more than 20 different countries, which contributes to and enriches the team with a variety of perspectives and experiences.
What aspects of human capital research do you find most appealing, and why?
The most appealing aspect of human capital management is its cross-functional nature across all aspects of an organization.
In every situation, challenge, or context, there is a human factor to consider. This requires constantly bringing different perspectives together. The richness of working with people who are all different demands that we—as consultants—bring not only methodology, knowledge, and experience, but also a great deal of connection and emotional intelligence, human warmth, and a commitment to finding value propositions that are truly unique to each individual.
I’m excited to contribute to the development of organizations by drawing on my understanding of the role people play, because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Learning and challenges are constant.
Working with organizations to figure out how we can find motivation and meaning in what we do, I believe, leads to a much better quality of life.
What are your memories of your time at ORT as a student in the Human Resources Specialization Diploma program?
I remember it as an incredibly enriching and intense time. It was my first step into the postgraduate world, and it undoubtedly gave me the momentum and opportunity I needed to gain a new perspective on the academic challenges associated with my professional field.
In addition, I made several friends there, and I also value my relationship with the faculty and the administration of the Specialization Diploma in Human Resources, which, years later, also entrusted me with a teaching position.
"I believe that if we all focused on our ability to contribute—regardless of our role or area of responsibility—we would have better teams and workplaces."
What skills did you gain from ORT’s Specialization Diploma in Human Resources that you use in your day-to-day work?
There are many aspects to a graduate program: the faculty, the variety of courses, theories, and research methods, and the professional network formed through classmates with diverse professional backgrounds, among other things.
As a student in the Specialization Diploma in Human Resources, I particularly appreciate the high standards they set for us and, above all, the emphasis on teamwork.
What are your career plans for the coming years?
I plan to focus more on the academic field.
I am pursuing a Ph.D. that is closely tied to my work. As a result, I envision continuing to work as a consultant, advising organizations (from an increasingly global perspective) on human capital issues, with a strong emphasis on research as a foundation.
What kind of legacy would you like to leave through your work?
A greater emphasis on contributing. I believe that if we all focused on our ability to contribute—regardless of our role or area of responsibility—we would have better teams and workplaces.
I find it inspiring to think of professional success in terms of how much we contribute or help others grow and succeed. There’s a book by Adam Grant that explores this perspective: *Givers and Takers*—I highly recommend it.