Interview with Guadalupe Moles, a graduate of the Bachelor’s program in Management and Administration, who recently earned a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Edinburgh.
Why did you decide to pursue ORT's Bachelor's Degree in Management and Administration?
What really appealed to me was that the program exposed me to different aspects of the business. Plus, since I was working, it was important to adjust my schedule to fit my needs. I took classes in the morning and at night. That helped me get through the program without any problems.
I completed my degree while working at the family business. I started before I began my studies, as a messenger, and my degree helped me grow professionally and eventually become a key contributor in the company’s administrative department. It was a very rewarding experience. I was involved in various departments within the company and learned a great deal. Doing this alongside my studies was incredibly valuable because I was able to apply what I learned in a real-world setting.
Which parts of the course did you find most interesting?
The program consistently encourages students to focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, not just in specific subjects but by using real-world examples and inviting entrepreneurs to speak in class.
After I finished my bachelor’s degree, I pursued a graduate degree in Uruguay, worked at the international consulting firm Willis Towers Watson as an associate analyst, and worked at the IDB as a project financial management consultant. I was interested in continuing to advance in entrepreneurship and innovation and pursuing a master’s degree in that field.
In addition, through ORT, I had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program in Germany at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. During this experience, I was able to take some very interesting courses that helped me learn more about innovation and entrepreneurship.
An exchange program is an incredibly enriching experience; I highly recommend it to any student who has the chance to participate. Getting to know other cultures is the most important aspect of these exchanges. They help us grow, learn from others, and see things from different perspectives. Above all, it’s especially beneficial for those interested in entrepreneurship and innovation, since in these fields it’s essential to be able to work with people from diverse academic backgrounds and with varied experiences.
Do you think your degree helped you develop an interest in creative problem-solving?
This interest is closely linked to the entrepreneurial spirit that ORT constantly fosters. In their courses, students are encouraged to develop innovative ideas. I think this helps students feel empowered to take risks, see things from a different perspective, and step outside their comfort zone.
At ORT, we took some very interesting courses that were entirely focused on the case method. I applied that learning to my master’s program, where we worked on consulting projects with clients from real companies.
You recently completed a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Edinburgh. The Bachelor’s degree in Management and Administration places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. How does your undergraduate degree relate to your decision to pursue this master’s program?
After having the chance to do the exchange program, I was left wanting to study abroad. It was something I’d actually always wanted to do.
I enjoyed the challenge of being involved in different areas of the family business while I was in school. In my program, we talked a lot about entrepreneurship and innovation. I realized that I was interested in the company’s growth and what an innovative spirit means for society.
I had the opportunity to study this at ORT and during my exchange program in Germany. Given my experience, I felt it was essential to continue studying these topics. I was interested in furthering my knowledge in these areas and pursuing a master’s degree in the field.
How did you compare to your classmates in the master's program?
It was a really interesting experience. We can stand out at top universities like the University of Edinburgh and hold our own alongside classmates who have studied in Germany or the UK.
That made me very proud; I was satisfied with what I had to offer for the master’s program. I felt that we Uruguayans can compete on the world stage without any trouble. We have the education and resources to stand out as students on the global stage.