Pablo González Sáez learned that Universidad ORT Uruguay scholarships for the degree program he wanted to pursue, so he began studying. He needed to pass the entrance exam. After a great deal of effort, he succeeded, and that is how he began his studies in the associate degree program in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Pablo is grateful for the opportunity he was given and pleased that he took advantage of the resources available to him to further his academic and professional development.
-Why did you decide to study electrical and electronic engineering?
-It all started when I heard an announcement saying that ORT was offering scholarships for the degree program I was interested in. I had already decided to study electrical and electronic engineering a few years earlier; I was tired of grueling work and low pay.
I realized that to grow and achieve your dreams, you need to be educated and trained in today’s society. So I went after my dream and enrolled at UTU to pursue my degree. I passed my first year. I enrolled in the second year but couldn’t finish it due to the demanding hours of the job I had at the time. I felt like I had wasted a year of my life by dropping out of school for another job that didn’t meet my expectations.
When I heard that announcement on the news, I saw an opportunity to get back on track with my degree and revive my dreams. That scholarship had to be mine. It was the best chance to get my life back on track. So I researched and studied for the entrance exams. When they told me I’d won the scholarship, I couldn’t believe it. I was overjoyed when Shirley Alamón, Assistant Course Coordinator at the School of Technology, told me I’d start classes at the university on Monday.
-What was your experience like as a student at Universidad ORT Uruguay?
-ORT University really changed my life. It provided me with an engaging, structured, and flexible study schedule, and offered a fast-paced, practical, and enriching learning experience. What I liked most about my program were the internships and projects, which are so exciting that you go to bed thinking about what you can do to make your work even better.
-How many hours did you study for your courses, and what resources did you use: notes, books, Aulas, the Internet?
-What I learned in the first semester helped me land a job as an electromechanical apprentice. I worked from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., went to class, and studied on Saturdays and Sundays using my notes, Aulas and reinforced things a bit with the Internet.
-What is your opinion of the teachers you had?
-They are excellent people and professionals. Approachable, willing to help; you can consult them even outside of class hours.
-Did you have several job offers when you decided to change jobs?
-On one occasion, I went out looking for a job during the week. I handed out a few resumes, and by the following Monday I had to choose between three excellent companies to start working for: Prosegur, Rolling, and Panavox’s technical support department, which is the one I chose.
-What is your current work experience like?
-I’m currently working as an intern at Tecnofer. I have good pay and a schedule that allows me to finish my studies.
-What are your professional and career expectations for the future?
-In the very near future, I want to start my own company with colleagues in the field. I recommend that anyone who wants to better themselves sign up for Camino TICs and prepare for the assessments. And know that where there’s a will, there’s a way, and that the sacrifice is well worth it.
Interview published in November 2012.