Driek Desmet (AC 82-84) is a Director in McKinsey & Company’s Amsterdam Office.  He serves both banks and insurers on strategy, organisation, operations and IT issues across Europe.   

 

Driek holds an MBA from Dartmouth College, and an MSc in Material Science from KU Leuven.  Prior to McKinsey he worked for Procter & Gamble.

 

“My first impression of Atlantic College is that it was such an exciting place – it was full of people with very different perspectives but at the same time we were all the same.  Everyone had a real interest in talking.  By its very nature UWC created this huge debate on society.  Everyone at UWC was capable, talented and very interesting.  UWC is a real melting pot.  Everyone brought amazing stories which were fascinating to learn about and discuss” said Driek.

 

“I think that the biggest difference between UWC and other schools is that so much of the personal growth and development that you experienced as a student, came from your peers, the fellow students.  Both academically and personally, I learnt as much from other students as from the teachers.  Other key differences would be that the academic programme is very focused on nurturing curiosity and encouraging personal discovery rather then learning by rote.  This makes you learn how to explore and identify solutions rather then just churning out answers.  This skill has stayed with me and I rely on it daily. 

 

“There was this sense at UWC that there was no limit to what we could try, what we could do, what we would achieve and as a result the discussions were very wide ranging.  It was incredibly liberating. 

 

“My UWC education has had a big impact on me.  I am proud of my ongoing willingness to really try to understand others’ points of view and adjust my own when necessary.  Also I try to focus on building things that impact more people then just those immediately around you.  I would like to be that pebble in the pool creating ripples.

 

“I have a lot of great UWC memories, it was where I met my wife.  Last year we both turned 40 and celebrated with about ten friends from UWC and their families – so we are still living UWC today.   One of my most vivid memories from College though is when I arrived back at the start of my second year and being so incredibly excited to be back. 

 

“I am currently a member of the Finance Committee at Atlantic College and through McKinsey, I do pro-bono work.  I prefer to give something back through my work rather then just shaking a collection tin.  I feel I can help more people and deliver greater impact this way.”