From Stockholm University to the World Bank

Today, he is Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank in Washington D.C., representing a constituency of thirteen countries. His journey began at Stockholm University, a decision he describes as life-changing.

My degree from Stockholm University opened up a lot of opportunities

A life-changing scholarship

Liviu Voinea completed his bachelor’s degree at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. During his final year, he had the chance to apply for a scholarship to study at Stockholm University for a few months. Out of 300 applicants, he was one of only five who got a place.

“For the first month we actually stayed on Gotland,” he says with a smile. “That was an experience.”

The move from Bucharest to a small island in the Baltic Sea in late autumn was quite a change. After the first month on Gotland, he moved to Stockholm, where he continued his studies. The experience sparked a new curiosity.

“After those months in Sweden, I went back home and graduated. But I really liked the environment at Stockholm University and wanted to go back to learn more. So, I decided to return and do my master’s.”

Returning for a master’s at Stockholm University

Liviu enrolled at Stockholm Business School, majoring in Business Administration. He immersed himself in his studies, spending countless hours at the University Library.

“I studied a lot, but I also tried to travel and see the country,” he recalls. “I especially remember when I took the night train to Jokkmokk to cross the Arctic Circle – it was very different.”

He found the teaching style in Sweden to be more method-focused, with an emphasis on teamwork. This was a new approach for him, and one that would later influence his own teaching style when he became a professor.

First job at Scania

Liviu credits his studies at Stockholm University for his first full-time job.

“A few months after I returned home, I got a call from Scania, who wanted to open their business in Romania, so I worked for them for a year.”

But academia called him back. He went on to earn a PhD in Romania, followed by a post-doctoral research position at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in Spain.

All through my career, having a degree from Stockholm University on my resume has helped me and given me different opportunities and contacts

From national politics to the World Bank

Liviu Voinea’s career path then took him into politics. He founded an NGO, became Deputy Minister of Finance, and later Minister for Budget between 2012-2014. He was responsible for budget and public debt, and during his mandate, Romania exited the excessive deficit procedure and returned to investment grade.

After his work in government, Liviu Voinea became Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Romania, where he was responsible for financial stability and macroeconomic forecasting.

Since 2024, he has been Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank. Before that, he served as Romania’s representative to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Senior Advisor to the IMF Executive Director.

“To work for the IMF or the World Bank was actually something I dreamt about already when I started my studies,” he says.

Liviu Voinea is also a professor of financial macroeconomics and international economics at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies.

The degree from Stockholm University has shaped his career

Liviu Voinea is convinced that his studies at Stockholm University shaped his entire career, not just through the degree, but through the experiences and network he built along the way.

“All through my career, having a degree from Stockholm University on my resume has helped me and given me different opportunities and contacts, both in politics, the business sector and in academia.”

International experience can be life-changing

Make the most of every opportunity

For today’s students, Liviu Voinea’s advice is clear: get out into the world and make the most of every opportunity.

“International experience can be life-changing,” he says. “It is so important to get to know another country and different education systems.”

He also encourages students to explore opportunities to connect with global organizations early in their careers. Internships at the IMF or the World Bank can be a valuable first step, and their Young Professionals Programme is a great option for recent graduates.

Above all, Liviu Voinea believes in staying open to whatever opportunities come your way.

“I think it is important to have an open mindset for different career paths and seize all opportunities you can,” he says. “You never know when the train will come to your station.”