Dipanjan Paul

Despite English being his second language and being used to a different educational system in his home country, Dipanjan Paul rose to the challenge to achieve firsts in every module in the final year of his Business Management and Marketing Management degree. 

Dipanjan, 22, from Kolkata said: “I set myself some steep challenges for my final year. I had promised my mom I would get a mark of over 80 in every single module this year. I achieved that, which made me (and her) really proud.” 

As well as succeeding academically he also joined the best young marketers in the country when he reached the finals of a national marketing competition, The Chartered Institute of Marketing’s The Pitch, and enjoyed work experience of a lifetime at Walt Disney World. 

His year’s work placement at the world-famous resort was a particular highlight because it helped him come out of his comfort zone to give guided tours to hundreds of visitors despite presenting being something he hadn’t previously enjoyed. This made him especially proud when his family visited.

He said: “One of my dearest memories from working at Disney was when my family came to visit me down to Florida. My brother, who has Down's Syndrome, saw me work for the first time. He seemed overwhelmed with pride and admiration and wanted to emulate me. This exemplified my year abroad, since I had been creating magic for kids from around the world, but seeing my brother beaming with joy made all the sacrifices worthwhile.

Not surprisingly Dipanjan impressed his lecturers at the University of Chester Business School and he received well deserved recognition at this year’s Valedictory and Prize Giving Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievement. He was presented with the Dean’s Commendation Award for Performance for the Department of Marketing and Sales. His Programme Leader Jane Martin said: “His enthusiasm and application is apparent to all of his tutors. He is a fine ambassador for the Business School. All the staff and I wish him all the very best in his next endeavours!”

Commenting on his award, Dipanjan said: “I truly am humbled by the recognition and the support my peers and lecturers gave to me. I joined the University with an open heart ready to be moulded by the British culture and educational excellence. The last four years have been a whirlwind of a time. The three years in University and my study abroad year at Disney taught me so much; it almost feels surreal. I really am touched.”

Dipanjan credits the University which has supported and guided him throughout his degree and allowed his talents to shine and now hopes to progress to an MBA in Sales and Advertising.  He added: “For any international student, the first year is always the most challenging. Transitioning into a new country, culture, and educational system is always difficult. In this aspect, I found the lecturers and Personal Academic Tutors extremely helpful.”