During the event, they shared their experiences with education, entering the workforce, and personal development in the United States, as well as their interest in continuing to collaborate with the ORT community. The reunion took place as part of a visit by Dr. Jorge Grünberg, rector , from the University of the South ( Universidad ORT Uruguay), and Carolina Bonaldi, M.A., the university’s Human Resources Coordinator.
The main goal of these gatherings is to keep the bond alive between the University of the Andes ( Universidad ORT Uruguay ) and its graduates who are studying and working abroad.
A place for sharing and reconnecting
The event began at 2:30 p.m. and lasted two hours, in a relaxed atmosphere that fostered the exchange of experiences and perspectives on professional development abroad.
The meeting provided a firsthand look at the career paths of graduates who, coming from various fields of engineering and technology, have built their careers in the United States.
Throughout the conversation, they shared their experiences of arriving in the country, the challenges of integrating into a new professional environment, and the opportunities they found to continue their professional development.
Career Paths in the Technology Sector
The participants are graduates of ORT's School of Engineering who currently work at technology companies with an international reach.
Federico Fontes, a graduate with a degree in Systems Engineering, works at Walmart, where he performs duties related to software development, technical architecture, and team leadership as a Senior Java Developer, Web Developer, and Technical Leader.
Federico Medina, also a graduate of the Systems Engineering program, works as a software architect, while Nicolás Ferreira, who earned his degree in the same program, works as a senior software engineer at Box.
For his part, Sebastián Bardacosta, a telecommunications engineering graduate, is pursuing an MBA at the Berkeley Haas School of Business.
The discussions provided an opportunity to share the lessons they had learned throughout their respective careers.
Some of the participants had also been ORT teachers before settling in the United States, which provided an additional perspective on their connection to the university and the evolution of their own career paths.
During the exchange, the graduates expressed their satisfaction with the education they received at ORT and shared how that training has been part of their professional journeys. Their experiences offered a concrete perspective on the opportunities for growth that arise from an engineering education and an international outlook.
New Opportunities for Collaboration and Mentoring
One of the highlights of the event was the participants' interest in maintaining and strengthening their ties with the university.
The graduates expressed their willingness to serve as mentors to other ORT professionals with similar career paths, as well as to those who are considering pursuing careers in the United States.
His experience in technology companies, startups, and graduate education provides an opportunity to support students and graduates seeking guidance on the job market and opportunities for professional growth abroad.
The opportunity to share what we’ve learned and exchange firsthand experiences allows our connection with ORT to continue beyond our academic training.
A community of graduates without borders
The meeting in San Francisco is one of several international gatherings organized by the University of the South ( Universidad ORT Uruguay ) in cities around the world to stay in touch with its graduates and foster new connections among those pursuing their careers both inside and outside Uruguay.
These events provide an opportunity to learn about the experiences of professionals from different generations and fields and to create networking opportunities.
At the same time, they help build a global community of alumni who share their experiences and maintain a connection with the university.
