The challenge of becoming a professional in Mexico

The DF is the home of the best university in the country, UNAM, the place where Gabriela studied her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“Studying here is tricky, because depending on the career you choose and the location, you might need heavy support from your family,” she stated.

In Mexico there are public universities like UNAM, and private, which are extremely expensive, and the long days at school and solid academic exigencies make it almost impossible for the students to find part time jobs that can get them by through college, which makes studying seem a luxury of the elite.

“Part time jobs don’t cover university fees, and all other expenses you may have, that’s why you need the support of your family and continuous discipline. And then, the problem is facing the overpopulation of professionals,” explained Gabriela, noting that the competition among professionals in her area is enormous. Still, this odontologist sets excellence before profit and knows the only way of succeeding is offering a quality service based on difference.

“I have two master’s degrees, and that separates me from most colleagues, almost no one has two specializations,” said the prosthetists, implantologist and oral surgeon.

In Mexico, like in many other countries, people go to the dentist whenever they detect a problem, and when they visit Gabriela, it means that an urgent solution must be found.

“Here they come with strong oral deterioration, that can imply the installation of implants, or the removal of teeth, things that can be avoided with prevention and care,” she explained.

This hard-working divorcee knows how difficult it is to be a competitive professional woman in Mexico, and believes deeply that her society still shares old fashion views that are rooted in the cultural imagination of the community.

“Some people still believe that women are intellectually less capable than men, and that is obvious at the professional level,” she said. “My path was easier because both of my parents where professionals who went to university and that allowed me to be in a better position than the rest.” Gabriela added that the renewed confidence of women can change their future.

Gabriela is an example of the ways in which one can grow, even in Mexico, doing what you love. To all those willing to take risks and fight for success, she advises:

“Don’t focus on what’s expected from you, do what you love, even if it doesn’t mean going to university. Passion is more important that doing what they want you to do, and this is the only way to harvest abundance.” (La Semana)