He graduated in 1997 and began working at Geocom Uruguay. Later, in 2001, he decided to pursue a degree in public accounting, from which he graduated in 2010.
-When did you first think about pursuing this degree?
-Even before high school, I knew that my interests lay in the field of business administration. When I enrolled at ORT to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Administration, I was drawn to the program because of its curriculum and faculty. I graduated in 1997, and in 2001 I began taking the remaining courses required for a degree in Public Accounting as a way to broaden my professional horizons.
-Why did you decide to study at ORT?
-It was a relatively new option in the field, and it allowed me to do a couple of things that were essential to me: to start being professionally productive at a young age, and to have control over my study time—for better or worse—meaning that external factors didn’t come into play. I believe that today, nearly 20 years after that decision, those goals have been achieved, and those same reasons still hold true for choosing ORT.
-How would you assess your years of study at ORT?
-Both degree programs were very rewarding experiences. I pursued them at different stages of my life: during the first one, I was eager to study and had plenty of time. By the second one, I already had many work responsibilities. The ORT system works well for both situations because the schedules are very flexible. It’s worth highlighting the emphasis on teamwork and the frequent “fieldwork,” which helps you understand different realities beyond what’s in the books. I give the facilities and the faculty a very high rating overall. I had wonderful professors whom I hope to remember for the rest of my life. At ORT, I always felt that I was treated with respect and that things were fair, just as they should be.
-What memories do you have of the race?
-First and foremost, the people—colleagues and friends—and then the mandatory ones; it’s amazing what you learn by doing them.
-When did you start working?
-I started in 1993. I worked for four months as a messenger at a recruitment consulting firm. I then became a Technical Assistant, handling simple recruitment tasks and administrative duties. From there, I moved to a multinational company called NCR, where I worked for nearly two years as the Customer Service Department Coordinator.
-Where do you currently work?
-I’ve been working at Geocom Uruguay since 1997. I was one of the company’s first employees, and since I was the only one with administrative experience, I was able to learn a great deal. Today, the company employs over 200 people, and I am the Administrative Manager.
-Do you think ORT prepared you for the job market?
-The programs for the Certified Public Accountant and Bachelor of Science in Management and Administration degrees are well-suited for a variety of professional roles. I believe the bachelor’s degree prepared me for management and for handling countless situations. The Certified Public Accountant program provided me with many technical tools. I think both programs prepare professionals with market knowledge, although it’s always good to gain work experience if possible; you learn a lot by seeing how things actually work in the real world.
-What are your plans for the future?
-Luckily, I have a lot of personal plans, and professionally, I want to grow by making the most of and applying what I’ve learned in every way I can.
Interview published in 2010.