Julio Ribas, a marketing analyst and head of the Marketing Department at Regency Golf – Hotel Urbano, spoke about his experiences as a student and his professional career.
-In what year did you choose to study at Universidad ORT Uruguay, and why?
-I completed my technical degree in 2009 and 2010, and I really had to make a careful decision. I knew that choosing a cheaper program or one with a lighter course load could be very costly and detrimental to my future. In short, it could have been a waste of time and money. Since I was striving for excellence and wanted to study with Uruguay’s top professors, I chose ORT.
-What did you value most about college?
-I will always be grateful for the staff’s constant willingness to help students. From the program coordinators and administrative staff to, of course, the professors, they have always been—and continue to be—in constant contact and ready to assist. There is excellent “after-sales” support, so to speak, especially in relation to my Marketing Analyst program.
-How did you come up with the idea of pursuing this degree?
-Personally, I’ve always been passionate about the “business” side of things—sales plans and strategies, how to stand out to be the one chosen, creating a product for every need, market segmentation, and so on—and I needed the “technical tools” that only instructors of this caliber can provide.
-How did the race go for you?
-It was demanding, but nothing that couldn't be achieved with hard work and dedication. My situation was a bit unique: I listened carefully, took notes, and paid close attention to the real-life cases the professors discussed. That helped me earn 9 out of 10 points on every assignment throughout the technical program, and ultimately achieve a 92% grade for the entire degree.
-What do you remember about your college days?
-Everything—you have to work hard and make sure others do too, otherwise the team won't function. All activities are team-based, which helps you grow and helps others grow. The teachers can immediately tell who's working hard and who isn't, so you have to push yourself and hold others accountable.
-What would you highlight about the program?
-There are many things, but above all, the courses are very well chosen; they’re all useful and nothing is wasted. Another thing worth mentioning is the professors—they’re always approachable and humble, and they’ll answer your questions a thousand times over if necessary. Today, for work-related reasons, I’m in touch with several of them, and it’s still a real pleasure.
-When did you start working?
-I started working at age 18 at La Cabaña Tennis Club; I also played professional soccer in the first division for Club Atlético Bella Vista, balancing both. But my true pride was the soccer school for underprivileged children that we ran at the club’s facilities—it was a real pleasure to give them a snack at the end of each day. I have to give a special shout-out to Mr. Roby Schindler (from Umbro), who always gave me a hand. It’s another great thing I got to experience years later at ORT: the constant encouragement of sports and integration.
-How did your degree prepare you for the job market?
-It cut me off, but in a good way—it showed me a path I didn’t need to take. The program is grounded in current trends; it’s modern, practical, and comprehensive. Plus, you can add your own personal touch to all of this—in fact, they expect you to. Here at ORT, they listen to and value all ideas.
-What are your plans for the future?
-To continue growing both personally and professionally, to give back to the Regency Hotels chain in some way for the opportunity it has given me, and—why not?—to keep updating my skills through a specific degree program. It’s always good to stay informed, and for those reading this, I recommend the Marketing Analyst program at ORT—it will be a real turning point for you. And remember, it’s never too late to learn.