“My best selling point in a job interview is that I studied at ORT”

“The decision to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Systems was a well-considered one, since I began this program after completing my degrees in Software Engineering and Information Technology Analysis,” says Claudia Soto, 29, who graduated in 2010 with a degree in Software Engineering, and a current student in the Bachelor’s in Systems and Information Technology Analyst programs at the School of Engineering.

Claudia says that while studying for her technical degree, she realized this was the field she truly loved and that she wanted to be part of a job market that is growing rapidly every day, but to do so, she needed further preparation—she had to acquire new knowledge and achieve an even higher academic level. For these reasons, she decided to pursue a university degree at the same institution where she was already studying.

Her experience as an ORT student was very positive. “From day one, I received all the support I needed throughout my studies. My concerns, questions, inquiries, and suggestions were always heard. Additionally, I felt supported and guided academically in every way.” Claudia has no hesitation in stating that what she enjoyed most about studying at ORT was the relationships she built, both with classmates and with professors and coordinators “from whom I never lacked advice or a friendly chat at just the right moment.”

Immediately after starting her Programmer Analyst degree, she began working in the technical support and infrastructure department, and by the end of her degree and the start of her bachelor’s program, she ventured into the development field.

She currently works in the development department at Banca de Quinielas in Montevideo. Less than a month ago, she joined this company, which allows her to work with Genexus—a tool Claudia was already familiar with—while also gaining knowledge of new technologies. According to Claudia, her best selling point in a job interview is having studied and currently studying at ORT. “That’s highly valued in the job market.”

For the future, she hopes to continue her academic training on an ongoing basis. “Someone once told me at ORT that luck is the meeting point between preparation and opportunity. Without a doubt, good opportunities don’t come simply by luck, which is why I’m currently continuing on the never-ending path of preparation so I can keep growing professionally, constantly learning new things, and making every day a new challenge,” Claudia concluded.

Interview published in June 2012