Puspa Jirel

Puspa expected to leave UWS with an expanded professional perspective. And she will. But she’s also found a new personal perspective.

If you’d asked Puspa about her goals when she started studying she’d have told you they were financial success and professional recognition. But not anymore. She’s discovered her true passion is social enterprise. Before joining our School of Business & Creative Industries, Puspa had earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from another university in London.

She was no stranger to her subject, or to higher education – so what made the difference at UWS? “When I was studying for my master’s, I never had time to reflect. But UWS encourages us to really spend time considering our leadership style and our personal development. We were asked to share our deepest goals and dreams – that’s when I realised I want to own a business that is responsible towards our planet and its people, rather than just focusing on profit.”

Renewed passion for her subject isn’t the only thing that motivates Puspa. She’s thrown herself into every aspect of campus life, working as a student guide and acting as the student representative on the University board. “I’m more active than I was in my previous university because I get more opportunities to engage in different activities. I have a real sense that I belong here.”

Ambition. Motivation. Self-awareness. Puspa has all the characteristics of someone destined for success. So what were those goals and dreams she shared with her classmates? “When I complete my studies, I plan to become a part-time lecturer and social entrepreneur. And I’m lucky that through my research I’ve been able to meet hundreds of social entrepreneurs and organisations that I can turn to for advice after I graduate.”