Hey There!

My name is Jose Ortiz, though you're welcome to call me Joe. I'm very happy you found yourself on this blog. The purpose of this blog is two-fold: (1) it serves the purpose of ensuring I stay atop of any changes in regulations and/or changes in market conditions (so long as I stay true to my weekly update schedule), and (2) it will hopefully help me find my niche in international trade as I write more about it.

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So why a blog?

I was inspired to write this blog by a professional mentor of mine. An exceptionally famous international tax attorney; at least in our neck of the woods. He maintains a blog about tax expatriation, and when I was a 1L in law school interning for him he had mentioned how his blog turned into something he greatly enjoyed as a way to funnel your professional passion. If I could find just 20% of the passion he has for that, then this blog will have been worth it.

Who am I?

I'm from San Diego, CA, born and raised. I attended San Diego State University where I studied Accounting and International Security and Conflict Resolution (ISCOR). After Undegrad I taught finance to teens for a bit, did some accounting, worked construction, messed around with a Rolex Expedition in the jungle, and finally decided to give law school a try. I attended (formerly) U.C. Hastings School of Law, however, trouble on the homefront called me back home after my 1L summer cutting that short. Do I plan on going back? I'm greatly considering it, but first I want to find a professional trade I enjoy and from it, a niche to excel at. Currently, I am at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies earning a double masters in International Trade and Economics.

Where do I see myself professionally?

Preferably employed, but otherwise I'd like to find a practice in trade that I enjoy and excel at.

Any Relevant Experiences?

The International Trade and Economics masters is certainly a start as it introduces me to the concepts of global trade as well as the nitty gritty of export/import compliance and regulations. But I am currently interning for the International Trade Administration. My work includes analyzing import data to identify trends in the U.S. market and globally, which supports the development of interactive import monitors and data visualizations, especially for the aluminum and steel sectors. Additionally, I've engaged in research providing both domestic and international perspectives on industry trends, thereby assisting stakeholders in making informed decisions. This upcoming summer I have several offers with a Big 4's global trade consulting practice, a federal agency, and a think tank.

What Geographical Area of Trade Will I be Covering?

My present interest mostly revolves around US/Mexico trade as, professionally, I find that area fascinating and I have experience with it. However, I will also try to respond to any new sparking areas of interest within the United States. For example, the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel.