From Witten/Herdecke University to Meta
How UW/H graduate Daniel Verst has built an impressive career thanks to his entrepreneurial spirit and the network he established early on
Daniel's passion for starting up was evident from an early age, and he set up his first company, an online marketing agency specialising in financial topics, while still at school. After his higher education entrance qualification, it quickly became clear that he wanted to study at UW/H: "I wanted to go to a university that not only emphasises academic excellence, but also promotes exchange and entrepreneurship. UW/H offered me exactly this combination," explains Daniel.
What Daniel particularly appreciates about his time in Witten is the network he was able to build up during his studies. "The intensive work in small groups and the constant dialogue with my fellow students and professors not only deepened my professional knowledge, but also led to close friendships that still exist today," he says. These connections are invaluable to him, both in his private and professional life. "We work on joint projects, exchange ideas and tell each other about our ideas," Daniel continues.
Theory meets practice - and the network grows
In addition to the personal connections, the UW/H offered Daniel the opportunity to network professionally at an early stage and get a taste of practical experience. "The mixture of theory and practice was the ideal start to an entrepreneurial career for me," he recalls. Even during his studies, he made contacts with companies that later made it easier for him to start his career. This early networking, supported by the practice-orientated teaching at UW/H, laid the foundation for his later career.
After graduating with a degree in economics, Daniel's professional career quickly took off. He founded three more companies before finally joining Meta, then known as Facebook. In his role, he helps companies realise their full potential: He shows them how to use the Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms effectively for their marketing strategies.
Values, responsibility and the network as the key to success
"In short, I advise them on how they can grow and achieve their goals with the right digital tools," he explains. He is also responsible for successfully launching new Meta products on the European market.
A particularly formative experience for Daniel during his studies was the realisation that he had to make decisions in line with his own values. "Teaching at UW/H not only gave me technical knowledge, but also shaped me as a person," he says. Today, in his role at Meta, this value orientation is a central component of his work.