The event took place during the visit to the United States by Marcela Mailhos, MBA, the university’s director of Marketing, Institutional Communications, and Admissions.
Beyond the personal and professional exchanges, a notable fact emerged: three of the participants work at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and had not met before.
The event served as a gathering place for Uruguayans living in the U.S. capital, a city known for its high level of professional mobility and concentration of international organizations and embassies.
Experience abroad
During the conversation, the graduates shared insights about life in Washington, D.C., comparing its dynamics to those of other U.S. cities. They also reflected on their college experience and critically assessed the impact of their professors and courses on their professional development.
They all agreed on the quality and depth of the education they received at Universidad ORT Uruguay, especially when compared to their postgraduate experiences abroad.
They highlighted their practical approach and entrepreneurial spirit as key distinguishing factors throughout their careers.
“Our university is excellently represented by this group of ORT ambassadors, in none other than Washington, D.C., an iconic city and global hub for diplomacy and international organizations,” said Mailhos.
Employment Trends
Among the topics discussed were challenges related to the transformation of work and the impact of artificial intelligence. This phenomenon was described as a mixed blessing: a source of opportunities, but also a constant need to stay up to date.
The participants agreed on the need to adopt new tools and skills in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
Alumni Relations
The proposal was viewed as a relevant and innovative initiative that has a positive impact on both institutional ties and networking among graduates abroad.
According to Mailhos, “these events are extremely valuable to the university: they strengthen our ties with our graduates and allow them to expand their network of contacts with fellow alumni, as well as identify professional opportunities.”
Participants
The event brought together individuals with diverse backgrounds who shared common ground in their professional development and involvement in organizations with an international reach.
Representing the international organizations were Paula Lago (B.A. in Communication), Business Analyst at the IDB; Cynthia Alonso (Certified Public Accountant), Resource Planning & Administration Specialist at the IDB; and Roni Szwedzki (graduate of the Specialization Diploma in Finance), Economist at the same organization.
The exchange provided an opportunity to compare perspectives on working in multicultural environments and the professional mobility typical of Washington, D.C.
Marcelo Jabif (CPA), Head of Emerging Products for Small Businesses at Capital One, also participated, offering insights from the private sector and on the development of financial products tailored to small businesses.
The group was rounded out by Magdalena Rodríguez (B.A. in Graphic Design), who works as a realtor at Keller Williams Realty, an international real estate services network.