Name: Augusto Richieri
Age: 26
High School: Jesús María School
Degree Program: Bachelor's Degree in Management and Administration
Year of graduation: 2006
Professional Experience: Marketing Manager at Kraft Foods Uruguay (beverages, premixes, pasta, and cheese)
Interview published in November 2007.
In August 1999, he began pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Management and Administration. In 2000, he worked in the administrative department of the port company Estibamar. Since 2002, he has been working at the multinational food and beverage company Kraft Foods Uruguay.
From a young age, Augusto was interested in the business world—so much so that by the age of nine he was already playing at running his own company. "I even had a greenhouse at home and would go out to sell potted plants to the neighbors; I used to think about what it would take to make a business work. I’ve always found it fascinating to come up with an idea and work on it until it bore fruit. Of course, the greenhouse business didn’t take off—my mom and grandma ended up buying the plants from me."
After graduating from high school, Augusto thought he should major in accounting. But, “one night in July, I went to the ORT in Pocitos; I wasn’t sure what to do with my life, and I had a meeting with Enrique Kramer (Academic Coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Administration). I remember he asked me what I liked, and I told him everything related to starting a business. At that moment, Kramer told me that I was going to love the Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Administration.”
After that conversation, Augusto continued to research the courses and immediately began his degree program. "Right from the start, I found the practical approach I was looking for. At ORT, I discovered that perfect balance between theory and practice. It provides just enough theory to understand how things work, and we’re constantly working with examples, which makes the program incredibly motivating."
While pursuing his degree, Augusto applied for a scholarship. "From the moment I was awarded the scholarship, I felt I couldn't let the university down. I was always very committed to my studies; I didn't study just to get by, but to learn."
"In 2002, while walking through the hallways of ORT, I saw a bulletin board posting for an intern. I sent in my resume, and after a few interviews, I was selected to work at Kraft Foods Uruguay, an international company."
"From that moment on, the program became more interesting to me because everything I learned at ORT could be applied to my work. That really fascinated me; it made me enjoy the classes and get the most out of them because I felt that everything the professors taught me was useful in one way or another for my job. The way to analyze a case, conduct a situation analysis, develop an action plan, and perform evaluations—I still apply all of that today. I close my eyes and see the whiteboard with the whole process."
Over the years, Augusto has taken on various roles and assumed greater responsibilities at Kraft Foods Uruguay. "In 2005, I spent six months working in Argentina in the company's sales department." "I'm currently working in marketing, focusing on the categories of mix-to-order products, beverages, pasta, and cheese."
Augusto plans to continue his studies. "I'm currently brushing up on my English, which is essential in a multinational company, and I'd also like to pursue a graduate degree, if possible at ORT."