High school students from Montevideo and other parts of the country who attended the Universidad ORT Uruguay Open House Universidad ORT Uruguay the degree programs that interest them, the possibility of studying abroad at partner universities, the support ORT provides to help students secure the best jobs, how to turn their business ideas into reality, and how to access scholarship opportunities.
The event, which took place on Friday, May 24, 2019, was aimed at 10th and 11th graders.
What was the Open like?
- “It was really great, to be honest. The fact that they invited current students and recent graduates gives you a more up-to-date and fresh perspective and tells you a lot about what’s going on in the program, what it’s like, what career paths you can pursue, what it’s like to study abroad for a semester, and about the elective courses. Everyone was really welcoming,” said Aitana.
- “What I liked about the information session was that they focused more on showing us how professionals actually work, so you felt like you were part of a class. It wasn’t just about telling you about the program,” said Victoria.
- “I thought it was really well organized, and they conveyed the information clearly, which was great. They didn’t just present it in a formal teacher-to-student way; instead, they tried to make it entertaining. For example, during the talks we had, no one was on their phone. Everyone was paying close attention. The teachers really knew how to capture everyone’s attention,” Julieta said.
- “I think it’s wonderful how the event can bring so many people together. It gives us a chance to think about what we want to do and encourages us to reflect. I found the activity to be very inclusive. Inviting us all to contribute and reach conclusions together is fantastic,” said Agustín.
- “It was really great. It helped us decide what we’re going to do in the future and what we’re going to study. It gives you an introduction and ideas about what you might like and what might interest you. The talks are interactive—it’s not just about listening to what the teachers say. Being around people our own age also makes you think a little more,” said Nicolás.
Your future is in your hands
The event began with the motivational talk “Your Future Is in Your Hands,” presented by Florencia Gubba, a graduate of the School of Business Administration and Social Sciences. The event was aimed at students interested in all degree programs.
Gubba, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Administration, is the director of Gubba Health & Soul Coaching and has extensive experience giving motivational talks for various organizations, such as the Organization of Women Entrepreneurs of Uruguay (Omeu).
“When you’re focused on what you want, the career finds you,” Gubba said. He spoke about the importance of combining your passions. For example, someone interested in music could study to become a certified public accountant and then work at a company where they can apply both interests, he said.
And then what?
Graduates from the four university degree programs shared their experiences in college: from the moment they decided to pursue a degree to their entry into the workforce. The speakers were Federico Bermejo, a Certified Public Accountant; Sebastián Roda, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics; Mercedes Thul, who holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies; and Martina Quartara, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and Administration.
The graduates spoke about their career paths and the possibility of pursuing graduate studies, and then engaged in a discussion with high school students.
The college's degree programs
The students then took part in activities specific to the faculty’s academic programs, during which—in addition to learning about study methods—graduates, upperclassmen, and professors spoke about their professional roles, the knowledge they had acquired during their studies, and teaching methods.
- Certified Public Accountant
- Bachelor's Degree in Economics
- Bachelor's Degree in International Studies
- Bachelor's Degree in Management and Administration
Experiential learning
They also had the opportunity to participate in a workshop on developing communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, led by Federica Abella, director of Soyvos.
The workshops involved group activities. Afterward, they reflected on what had happened and brainstormed alternative ways to achieve their goals.