Bogdan Grama on the Future of the Job Market, the Impact of AI, and the Skills That Will Make the Difference
Students of the Finance and Accounting School at the Romanian-American University had the opportunity to meet Bogdan Grama, RAU alumnus and one of the respected and well-known professionals in Romania’s food industry.
Invited to the Meet the Graduate series on November 25, Bogdan delivered an honest, pragmatic, and deeply inspirational talk about his career journey, the profound transformations shaping the labor market, and the competencies young people need to succeed in a world that is constantly changing.
From Work Experience in France to RAU Graduation and a French-language MBA
Bogdan Grama began his professional path in a completely different direction. After completing a first technical degree, the changing years of post-1989 Romania led him to France for three years, where he worked in supermarkets and, unexpectedly, gained his first practical insights into marketing.
Upon returning to Romania, he chose to continue his studies at the Romanian-American University, later pursuing a French-language MBA. The year 2025 marks two decades since his graduation – twenty years in which the university has remained a major reference point for him.
|“Life is made of circumstances. We don’t always have a clear plan, and the most important decisions are sometimes taken in a fraction of a second,” he told the students.
Built Through Work and Determination: The Road to Leadership in the Food Industry
Bogdan Grama’s career is a perfect example of a path built through perseverance, a willingness to learn, and the courage to take opportunities as they arise.
His professional experience is extensive: he worked for one of the world’s largest pork producers, coordinated complex industrial projects such as building a frozen-pastry factory, transforming a dairy plant, developing a frozen-vegetable factory, managing a poultry operation, and overseeing fruit and vegetable trading activities. He has held top management roles in companies across the agri-food industry and is currently part of the Carmistin The Food Company team, contributing to the growth of one of the most important players in Romania’s food industry.
|“Start somewhere, don’t set limits for yourselves. Accept an offer and begin working. Growth comes along the way,” Bogdan emphasized.
Entrepreneurial Companies vs. Corporations: Where Do You Learn the Most?
Bogdan shared his perspective on the two main professional environments:
|“In my opinion, entrepreneurial companies are much better for developing people and their thinking.”
|“Some companies offer stability, others offer challenges. What matters is knowing what you want and where you want to grow.”
Some Jobs Will Disappear. How Should Young People Prepare?
One of the strongest messages of the meeting was related to the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on the job market.
|“I’m concerned about what will happen in the next 10 years. Some jobs will disappear. Those who remain need to know what they work on.”
In the coming years some jobs will be transformed or replaced by technology. Bogdan encouraged students to evaluate their skills honestly:
- How well do I speak English?
- Do I use AI tools efficiently?
- Can I speak confidently in public?
- Do I write correctly and coherently?
- Do I have a clear profession or specialization?
Recommendations for Students: Essential Investments for the Future
A career is built through work, openness, and timely decisions. Bogdan’s story illustrates a career formed step by step through diverse experiences—from working in France, to developing factories, to executive roles in major companies. His message: start anywhere and grow as you move forward.
He concluded with a set of practical and valuable recommendations:
- Cambridge English courses – an investment that offers decisive advantages in the job market.
- Excellent command of Microsoft Office – a solid foundation for any job.
- Public Speaking training – essential for future leaders.
- Choosing a clear profession and mastering it thoroughly.
|“I hope you work with someone who gives you responsibilities from day one. Get involved, work, and build your skill set.”
Final Message: “Go into the field. Go into the fire.”
Bogdan encouraged students to seek authentic experiences, direct exposure to the professional environment, and visits to factories and companies. Only field experience builds real understanding and solid competencies.
|“The food industry will not disappear. Factories will not disappear. If you work in a factory, you will witness the transformation. You will understand different professions and learn the reality on the ground. Go into the ‘fire’ and you won’t regret it.”
About Bogdan Grama
Bogdan Grama is a leader with over 20 years of experience in the food industry, specializing in business development and team coordination in dynamic environments, with the goal of generating sustainable growth and organizational performance. He has held positions such as General Manager, Executive Director, and Sales Director, with a proven track record in strategic business scaling and internal process optimization, both in newly established companies and joint-venture structures, as well as in major investment projects.
His strong expertise in sales and marketing enables him to design, implement, and optimize commercial processes and market strategies with direct impact on revenue and profitability. With a people-centered leadership style, Bogdan is valued for his ability to inspire, build cohesive teams, and develop strong partnerships with business clients and stakeholders.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bogdan-grama/
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