Inspiring Graduate: Dipesh Sharma, M.S. Operations and Supply Management

Traveling thousands of miles from home and earning a University of Wisconsin-Stout master’s degree in operations and supply management have given Dipesh Sharma the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the corporate world. 

Sharma, who came to Menomonie from Ahmedabad, India, said the projects embedded in his classes at Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University helped prepare him for work in his field. “I have always admired application more than just learning something,” Sharma said. “So, for me, as I did more projects I kept getting a better feel for my subject. Group projects or even just group assignments also helped me get an idea of how it is to work in a team, which is crucial in the corporate world.” 

Sharma was one of 1,174 students to receive UW-Stout degrees during the university’s spring commencement on May 10. He looks forward to using the creative thinking he honed at UW-Stout in his future career.  

“I am sure that once I get proper understanding of my field as I gain experience, I will find creative ways to either improve existing processes or create astonishing solutions to existing bottlenecks,” Sharma said. 

What brought you to UW-Stout? 

Destiny, perhaps. Initially I chose Stout because of its inclusive culture and its welcoming environment towards international students, and it has been so good to the international population. But then there were also so many things that happened to me after coming here that, when I think about them, it is quite impossible for me to negate the possibility I was fated to be here.  

What is next after you graduate?  

I am planning to get a job in a multinational company and work there for a while. I want to gain some experience, travel the world, get myself immersed in diverse cultures and then eventually I plan to start a business of my own. One thing that I know for sure is that as soon as I graduate and get a job, I am buying a motorcycle. 

How has UW-Stout prepared you to work in your field?  

Most of the courses I took had some sort of projects embedded into them. Some even had multiple projects, and this helped me apply my knowledge. I have always admired application more than just learning something. So, for me, as I did more projects I kept getting a better feel for my subject. Group projects or even just group assignments also helped me get an idea of how it is to work in a team, which is crucial in the corporate world. 

What stands out about your UW-Stout experience?  

The professors stood out the most. Every professor had their own way of teaching and some strengths associated with their teaching. They tried their best to give the students the best way to learn and provided profound knowledge.  

Some professors touched my heart and taught me a lot about life as well along with the subject. I got to experience a variety of ways of learning and it broadened my horizon of thinking. 

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?  

One of the biggest challenges for me was homesickness as I had never lived this far away from my family and friends. I knew no one here. I was never an extrovert or good at making friends, but then the situation pushed me to go out of my comfort zone and I made good friends. As I spent more time with them I soon started feeling better and homesickness did not bother me a lot.  

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?  

During these two years while I was pursuing my degree, there were many instances when I wanted to give up or I just wanted to be mediocre. Time after time, life kept knocking me down, and I was reminded of my limitations.  

I still found hope during the darkest of times and during times when hope was as scarce in my life as air in space. I am really proud of myself for going even harder. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?  

I do want to share one thing – that life will throw anything and everything at you. Some days you will do good and some, not so good. Do not let the good or bad define your life. Keep smiling and keep laughing. Do not take life so seriously – you won’t get out of it alive anyways.