November 2020 Alumni Spotlight: Dan Knapp

Dan Knapp, from Morristown, New Jersey, is a four-time Out for Undergrad conference attendee of the 2012–2013 O4U Tech and Business conferences. Asked about how O4U has shaped his personal and career growth, he says “In a way, O4U showed me what was possible. I had no exposure to the world of business or tech and, to be honest, I didn’t know if I could exist, as me, in those spaces. By meeting people who had already blazed that trail, I could begin seeing what was possible. And by meeting those who were on that journey too, I met great friends who have come in and out of my life in beautiful ways.”

Since his attendance, Dan has been extremely successful in both his business and philanthropic endeavors. While working in brand marketing for YouTube in San Francisco and London, and leading their core product marketing across Asia-Pacific, his campaigns on civic engagement, gender equality, the refugee crisis, and LGBTQ+ rights, totaled over 400 million views. His mission to positively impact the world at every turn has landed him admittance into Stanford’s MBA program as a Knight-Hennessy scholar, where he plans to graduate in 2021. When asked what he eventually wants to do in his future, he told us that he hoped he never has to answer that question, for good reason. “I want to constantly grind and pivot and try new things. If I planned out where I’d be 10 years ago, I wouldn’t be where I am now.” His accomplishments already show precisely that. It is also worth noting that Dan is an avid cycle/spinner, tennis fan, and TikTok’er (@HeyHeyDannyK) where some of his dancing spin videos have been quite the hit!

When asked what advice he has for current students attending Out for Undergrad, Dan says “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. I recommend going into O4U with an open mind and open heart! Follow paths you’re curious about, talk with as many people you can, make friends (they’ll follow you throughout your life). O4U is a chance for exploration- it’s way more than a professional opportunity, it’s a growth opportunity.”