Bornhausen received a law degree at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro in 1960.

After college, he went to work at the Bank of Industry and Commerce (Inco), where his father was the majority shareholder.

[1] In 1967, Bornhausen entered politics when was appointed Lieutenant Governor by the National Renewal Alliance (ARENA).

The following year he participated in the founding of the Liberal Front Party (FPL), and was elected president.

In the private sector, Bornhausen is a member of the Advisory Council of Industries Chapecó and Mercedes-Benz in Brazil.