Gastón Polak, who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in finance at the University of Chile, spoke about his professional experience and his time as a student at Universidad ORT Uruguay in Universidad ORT Uruguay abroad.
-What has your professional career been like?
-I started working at Renmax Corredor de Bolsa S.A. in 2007, while I was in my third semester of college. I worked there for nearly five years. I then moved to Santiago, Chile, to pursue a master’s degree in finance at the University of Chile and to work at the leading local brokerage firm, Larrain Vial.
I'm currently still in Chile; I haven't finished my master's degree yet. I'm in the final stages of writing my thesis. As for the future, I'm staying in Chile for now, but I plan to return in the medium term.
-What is your role in your current position at Larrain Vial?
-I currently work in Wealth Management, a division that specializes in managing investments for high-net-worth clients (families, foundations, institutions, or individuals). As part of a team there, we serve clients, identify their needs, and invest accordingly, while constantly monitoring and rebalancing their portfolios.
-Do you think the education you received in college prepared you for your current role?
-Without a doubt, the foundational knowledge of finance I gained in college has been a cornerstone of my professional development. I also greatly value the emphasis the university places on teamwork.
-What aspects of the school's Bachelor's Degree in Economics would you highlight?
-I would highlight the breadth of the program, particularly in terms of its coverage of economics, finance, and management—areas that are undoubtedly intertwined, regardless of the career path one chooses for the future.
-Can studying a major like economics actually be enjoyable?
-People usually know very little about the program beforehand, but it is certainly not a tedious one; in fact, the coursework is quite diverse.
-What are your career goals for the future?
-Today, I am gaining experience and learning about different realities and work models. This will undoubtedly help me become more proficient in managing and protecting the assets of others.