From BSB to New York: Rares Grecu
From Sixth Form life at the British School of Bucharest to professional life in New York, Rares Grecu’s journey reflects initiative, resilience and a willingness to step beyond his comfort zone. A member of the Class of 2021, Rares shares how his experience at a top private school in Bucharest, combined with curiosity and adaptability, shaped his path beyond BSB.
What university and course did you attend?
I attended New York University, where I majored in Economics, with minors in Data Science and Psychology.
How was university? What did you enjoy and how did you get on?
University was an incredible experience. Living in New York City, arguably the greatest city in the world, was a privilege I didn’t take for granted. I went in with a clear objective: to meet as many people as possible, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Through that mindset, I connected with some of the smartest and most talented people I’ve ever met.
Alongside my studies, I founded the Romanian and Moldovan Student Association at NYU and served as President of the Singaporean Student Association. My advice is to join as many clubs as you can in your first year and see what sticks.
What are you doing now?
I’m currently working in New York as an Analyst at a private credit firm. I also volunteer with the Romanian United Foundation, which is building a Romanian diaspora network across the United States.
Anything else you’d like to share about your journey?
Keep going and don’t give up. I applied to NYU twice and was rejected the first time. I spent my first year at Queen Mary University of London, then reapplied as a transfer student. It worked out. My biggest piece of advice is simple: don’t quit.
When did you graduate from BSB? Any memories that stand out?
I graduated from BSB in 2021. Some of my fondest memories are from Sixth Form, playing Among Us together in the common room and the general shenanigans that came with it. Those moments of simply being together and having fun are what I remember most.
Anything you’d like to say to your teachers or to current students?
To my teachers, thank you for pushing me. Special thanks to Miss Citron for seeing a debater in me I never knew existed, Miss Hooper for sparking my love of economics, and Mr Shuttleworth and Mr Flood for making me genuinely enjoy mathematics.
To current students, you’ve probably heard this many times, but take every opportunity that comes your way. Join CCAs, go on that MUN trip, try debate, push yourself and stay open to new experiences. You never know where they’ll lead.
Looking ahead, Rares’s journey highlights the strength of a path built on curiosity, adaptability and persistence. From engaging fully in school life at BSB, a leading international school in Bucharest, to navigating competitive academic environments and establishing a professional career in New York, his experience shows how confidence, involvement and resilience can open international doors. Today, his work in private credit, combined with continued community engagement, reflects a trajectory defined by both achievement and purpose.
