The London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), Rennes School of Business, the University of California, and the Center for Monetary and Financial Studies (CEMFI) are the institutions hosting five graduates of the Bachelor’s in Economics program from the Faculty of Administration and Social Sciences at Universidad ORT Uruguay continuing their studies abroad this semester.
The students spoke about their time in college, their work experience, and their plans to continue their studies abroad.
Chevening Scholarship
Gastón Bernheim holds a master's degree in Big Data from ORT and works as a project management expert specializing in economics and public policy at the National Meat Institute (INAC).
Bernheim was selected for a Chevening Scholarship to pursue a master's degree in Economic Policy for International Development at the LSE in London, United Kingdom.
“I chose this master’s program because I’m interested in gaining a better understanding of the fundamental drivers of a country’s economic development and identifying key factors for the proper design and implementation of public policies,” he explained.
He also noted that the master’s program combines the theories underlying economic development with policy analysis and its context, identifying the factors that explain its success or failure.
Speaking about his time at ORT, he said:
“I have fond memories of the discussions we had in class, the quality of the professors and their willingness to help, as well as the friends and connections I made. In recent years, I’ve continued to be part of ORT, but this time as a teacher— a different and incredibly enriching experience.”
He also commented on the skills he gained from his Bachelor’s degree in Economics at ORT, stating:
“The program trains professionals to analyze social and economic phenomena objectively and critically. To do so, students need a diverse set of tools that allow them to bridge the gap between theory and practice, such as statistics, econometrics, and data processing skills. However, I believe that the most important aspect is the development of analytical skills, which enable students to effectively address a wide range of situations and problems, allowing economists to work in diverse fields.”
Develop a way of thinking
Daniel Misail, another economics graduate from ORT, served as a research assistant in the Department of Economics at the School of Management and Social Sciences and is continuing his studies abroad, pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics and Finance at CEMFI in Madrid, Spain.
“I chose it because it’s a school with top-notch teachers who are leaders in their fields. It offers a wide range of high-quality career opportunities,” he said.
He also mentioned that, thanks to his experience at ORT, he was awarded a scholarship that covers the cost of his master’s degree and helps with living expenses during his studies. Regarding his experience studying at the university, he added:
“Above all, it cultivates a way of thinking—an approach to problem-solving that always seeks comprehensive answers and evaluates all the consequences of a situation or decision. Furthermore, programming skills are essential for any field you choose to pursue after graduation, whether it’s finance, business, or even further study.”
A well-rounded education
Ezequiel Yudka also served as a research assistant in the Department of Economics, worked as an analyst at Seguros Sura, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in statistics at the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States.
When asked about her time at ORT, specifically regarding the Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Yudka replied:
“It’s very rewarding. It’s a place where they always support you in reaching your full potential. The program offers a well-rounded education. You not only gain a solid academic foundation—which is essential—but you’re also exposed to opportunities, seminars, and various activities that help you figure out the path you want to take.”
He added that being in touch with the experiences of various graduates also helped him rethink certain aspects and discover alternatives regarding his major that he hadn't previously considered.
“The university experience doesn’t end when you graduate; the doors are always open, and in my personal experience, I also received a lot of support from the institution when I went on to pursue my master’s degree,” said Yudka.
He also spoke about his interest in the field of the master's program he is currently pursuing:
“While I was in college, I took several statistics courses that I found extremely interesting. Today, organizations generate a vast amount of data, and we can use that data to create value and improve people’s lives. Statistics is an essential field for understanding these phenomena.”
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Ignacio Jaunsolo, who is participating in the dual-degree program with Rennes School of Business in Rennes, France, chose the MSc in International Finance.
“I saw it as a unique opportunity to begin specializing in my chosen field, as well as to gain work experience in the industry, in another part of the world, and at a young age. Plus, the program is ranked by the Financial Times, which makes it even more appealing,” he explained.
Before moving abroad, Jaunsolo worked as a research assistant (intern) at Willis Towers Watson and as a research assistant in the Department of Economics at ORT. Regarding the latter, he commented:
“It was an incredibly enriching experience where I reinforced everything I’d learned throughout my degree program.”
He also mentioned that this period was a turning point in his career, during which he learned and discovered which field to specialize in.
When asked what skills the program had given him, he highlighted analytical thinking: “The ability to evaluate different solutions to the same problem, viewing it not only from my own perspective but from various angles.”
“Having direct contact with the professors was a key factor in helping me decide which area to specialize in,” he concluded.
Marina González is also participating in the dual-degree program with the French business school and has chosen the MSc in Data & Business Analytics.
“This program focuses on the application of data science in a business setting and equips us with analytical tools and methods for data-driven decision-making, whether in areas such as marketing, finance, or supply chain,” he explained.
Reflecting on his time at ORT and the skills he acquired there, he noted:
“It covers all the content needed to advance professionally today, ranging from a solid theoretical foundation in the basics of economics to skills more focused on data analysis, such as statistical tools, the use of various software programs, and programming languages.”
González also noted that during her studies, she had the opportunity to tackle various challenges that pushed her to exceed her limits and develop skills in problem-solving and teamwork, among others.
“In addition, the university opened many doors for me and gave me many opportunities, such as the exchange program in Rennes,” he added.