AIESEC – A Journey That Lives On, Even When You’re Not Paying Attention

When I look back on my college years, one experience stands out above all the rest: joining AIESEC, a global student organization that had a vibrant chapter in my hometown, Cluj-Napoca. What started as a chance to meet new people quickly became one of the most defining periods of my life. The years I spent with AIESEC shaped me in ways I could have never imagined, and the lessons I learned still guide me today.

If you weren’t a part of AIESEC as a student, let me tell you why it’s a name worth remembering—and why, if you meet someone who was, you should count yourself lucky to be in their company.

AIESEC isn’t just another organization; it’s a legacy. Born in 1948, in the wake of World War II, it was created by young people for young people, with a bold mission: peace and fulfilment of humankind’s potential. For over 75 years, AIESEC has stayed true to that mission, changing lives one person at a time and equipping them with the skills they need to make an impact in the world.

Since its foundation, AIESEC has believed that true changemakers are built through a unique, integrated development experience:

  • Soft skills that matter in the real world, like the ability to take initiative, solve problems creatively, and trust that the power to make a change is in your own hands.
  • Leadership that breaks boundaries and dares to believe nothing is impossible.
  • And, perhaps most importantly, international experiences—because nothing shapes you more than seeing the world in its full diversity, with all its possibilities and challenges.

Most students enter college with a checklist of goals—finish a degree, land a good job, build a career. But AIESEC expands that horizon. It shows you that the world is filled with opportunities, and it gives you a taste of what you could achieve if you follow your heart and dare to dream big.

AIESEC’s culture runs deep. Its mission, values, and purpose have remained strong since 1948, and everything is woven together by cultural elements that speak directly to youth. If you’ve ever been an AIESECer, you know exactly what I mean. It’s not just an organization; it’s a mindset—a way of believing that you have a purpose, and that you have the courage to roll up your sleeves and start moving mountains.

After more than 75 years and in over 100 countries, chances are you know someone who was once part of AIESEC. And if you do, you’ve probably noticed that they’re not just good at their jobs; they’re also the kind of people who are fun to be around, passionate, and driven by a deep sense of purpose. Being an AIESECer means being part of a global family—a network of like-minded individuals who are connected by shared experiences and a common vision for the future.

For those of us who were lucky enough to be part of AIESEC, one thing stands out above all else: the friendships. These are bonds that transcend time, distance, and life’s inevitable hurdles. No matter how long it’s been since we last met, whenever we reconnect, it’s as if no time has passed at all. There’s something truly magical about that, something that can only be understood by those who have lived it.

Just last weekend, I was reminded of that spark as we celebrated 30 years of AIESEC in Cluj-Napoca. It felt like coming home, being surrounded by old friends and reminiscing about those wild, wonderful days. Those were probably some of the craziest, most rewarding years of my life, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Now, as a parent, I can only hope that my daughter will one day have the chance to experience something as powerful as AIESEC. I know I’ll be encouraging her to seize the opportunity when the time comes. After all, the story of AIESEC is one that continues to live, long after you’ve moved on, quietly shaping you in ways you’ll always be proud of.

Here’s to many more years of AIESEC and the incredible journey it offers to those brave enough to take it on.