UndeLucram.ro, a Romanian career-focused platform, has released findings that paint a concerning picture of workforce readiness in the country. According to the platform’s latest study, merely 19.8% of Romanian students report feeling adequately prepared to enter the job market, highlighting a significant gap between educational outcomes and employer expectations.
The research underscores ongoing challenges in the transition from academic settings to professional environments across Romania. Recognizing this disconnect, UndeLucram.ro is taking action by offering free access to 500 students for its Campus2Work 2026 Festival of Futures, scheduled for 22 October 2026 at the Romanian-American University in Bucharest.
Addressing the Preparedness Challenge
The low perception of job readiness reflects systemic issues in how students are equipped for employment. Costin Tudor, CEO of UndeLucram.ro, explained the platform’s reasoning behind the initiative: “One of the challenges we see with young people entering the labour market is that they have to make very early career decisions, sometimes before they have enough contact with the professional environment. We want to give them a context where they can learn more about their own profile, see what options exist in the market and discuss directly with people from companies before deciding where and for which role to apply.”
This perspective highlights a fundamental problem—many students lack sufficient exposure to real-world career options before committing to specific professional paths. The early decision-making process often occurs without adequate knowledge of available opportunities or industry requirements.
Festival Structure and Opportunities
The Campus2Work 2026 Festival of Futures is designed to bridge this gap through practical engagement. The event will feature a comprehensive program including workshops, direct networking opportunities with over 25 partner companies, and practical activities aimed at helping students develop career competencies.
By bringing together students and employer representatives in a single venue, the festival creates an informal environment for knowledge exchange. Participants gain insight into different sectors, company cultures, and career trajectories while employers can observe emerging talent directly. The hands-on workshops component addresses specific skill gaps, providing immediate value to attendees seeking to enhance their employability.
Broader European Context
Romania’s challenges with graduate job readiness are not unique to the country. Across the European Union, research consistently shows gaps between university curricula and market demands. Career-focused platforms and bridge initiatives like those offered by UndeLucram.ro represent a growing trend among European startups attempting to address this persistent disconnect.
The initiative also reflects broader movements within the European startup ecosystem toward skills development and workforce preparation, with numerous companies developing SaaS solutions and experiential programs to support career transitions. As European economies face evolving labor market demands and rapid digitalization, platforms facilitating direct employer-student engagement are becoming increasingly valuable infrastructure components within the employment ecosystem.