ISB Class of 2014 aspirants.

Jobs & Careers
1464
@adichandak said: @singhsid Thanks bud. But what if the question is same eg. question 2?
Still you should try to add what has changed in last 1 year... Because if ISB has turned down your app just because of ur acads (acads wont change)... And if u send same essays ... then i dont think there are any chances of success..

So you should think about essay questions with a fresh point of view and rewrite the answers
1465
@ps25 said: Is anybody done with first ISB essay?Basu, your suggestion? Quoting both professional and personal achievemet in 300 words is quiet daunting. 300 words is too small to express yourself. Not sure what Adcom is trying to judge out of first essay. Secondly, do you recommend one achievement or at least two in first essay?
Word limit applies for all ,so ISB wants to check how well you can fit your thoughts in that limited space...

Its always better to quote both prof as well as personal achievement .... because it will better potray ur overall personality
1466

Hi Puys,


For recommendations, would you suggest to take it, one from my ex-client, who is in a senior management role now and another from an ex-colleague in a managerial role . Though, i can get the recommendations from current supervisor's but am a bit apprehensive that they would do justice to the recommendations and also i don't want to reveal about my plans...for obvious reasons.(My appraisals are due for coming Nov.)
1467
@Sandbrick said: Hi Puys,For recommendations, would you suggest to take it, one from my ex-client, who is in a senior management role now and another from an ex-colleague in a managerial role . Though, i can get the recommendations from current supervisor's but am a bit apprehensive that they would do justice to the recommendations and also i don't want to reveal about my plans...for obvious reasons.(My appraisals are due for coming Nov.)
Taking recco from a client is always good....

For 2nd recco i think an ex-boss can be a good choice... Even a prof under whom u have done some project can write recco for u ... But i am not so sure about a colleague writing recco ( I got my recco from my prof)
1468

Can anyone tell me what will be the impact of low IR score (4) in ISB admission process... My GMAT score is OK (720) and AWA is also OK (5.0).

1469
@singhsid said: If you're asking about the mechanism by which electives will be allocated: there is a fairly elaborate bidding system in place where students bid for specific courses. The arrangement is fairly complex so I won't bother going into the details here but like any bidding system, the popular courses see a lot of action whereas the not quiet so popular ones see people walking in at minimum price (points).If you want to figure out which exact elective to take - that will depend on a lot of things: what specialization do you want to go for, which courses really appeal to you, which prof will be teaching the subject etc. At least initially.... by term 7 your decisions will be made by factors like - which course will have classes starting after 10, what courses are most of my friends taking, which will involved the least amount of effort etc
will be great if you elaborate a bit on elective course process. it will be kind of information that has never been shared before here. request you to spend some time to help us understand the process.
1470

Guys... Just wanted to know that is it a problem if your current salary is higher than the average salary of ISB? I'm working in India and my current salary is 1.5 times the avg indian salary of ISB. the seniors at IIM-A thread feel that it can be a problem. Plan to apply to IIM A as well.

1471
Hi Guys...

Need some help here...

I attended an info session on ISB few days back in Delhi... A friend of mine dragged me along... Post that, I am giving it a serious thought... My profile is briefed hereunder:

1997 : X: 77%
1999 : XII: 80% Commerce
2002 : B.Com : 51%
1 Year Break
2005 : MBA: 6.99 CGPA (ICFAI Hyderabad - Full Time On Campus)

Current work ex of 7+ years, and by the time I join, it will be 8+ years... Almost all of it in Banking, including 2 years abroad... Details are hereunder
Citibank: 9 Months - Wealth Management
HSBC: 2 Years - Commercial Banking
A Middle East based Bank (Dubai): 2 Years - Corporate Banking
ICICI: 2 Years and counting - Commercial Banking

Average ISB Placement Salary is just one switch away... Almost there... Combined Salary (wife's included) exceeds that figure...

Have started preparing for GMAT... took a mock test few days back... approx range around 540... lets not forget we are way too much used to word and excel... these softwares corrupt you... however, with little preparation, i should score around 700... cant say will cross that magical figure... have seen the syllabus, not too tricky... but honestly, completely out of touch...

Extra currics... excellent till school... sports, martial arts... even participated in few international software development competitions and bagged a couple of prizes... but then post that, nothing... however, did try my hand at entrepreneurship during B.Com... just for fun... got bored in few months... Can't think of picking up something right now... got a 6 day week, and 9 am to 9 pm kinda job...

Reason for Second MBA... career shift...

Reason for ISB... 1 year programme... with the family responsibilities around, cant think of a 2 year programme...

Request guidance from all of you... Thank you
1472

@ Time_strapped : your profile looks ok to me .. What career shift are u planning? You need to be realistic in your career shift with 8 yrs of exp and must have a very convincing story around it .. More importantly a need for second MBA must come out of your essays ...I would advice speak to alumnis/CAS at ISB as well ..


PS: iam also an applicant
1473
@ps25 said: will be great if you elaborate a bit on elective course process. it will be kind of information that has never been shared before here. request you to spend some time to help us understand the process.
Hi @[402778:ps25],
All students get 4000 virtual points to bid for electives and international exchange. Bidding done through a portal(called Atrium). After you join - there will be multiple info sessions
by a dept called SEAL to take you thru it.

Warm Regards,
Basu.
Co2013.
1474
@TIme_Strapped said: Hi Guys...Need some help here...I attended an info session on ISB few days back in Delhi... A friend of mine dragged me along... Post that, I am giving it a serious thought... My profile is briefed hereunder:1997 : X: 77%1999 : XII: 80% Commerce2002 : B.Com : 51%1 Year Break2005 : MBA: 6.99 CGPA (ICFAI Hyderabad - Full Time On Campus)Current work ex of 7+ years, and by the time I join, it will be 8+ years... Almost all of it in Banking, including 2 years abroad... Details are hereunderCitibank: 9 Months - Wealth ManagementHSBC: 2 Years - Commercial BankingA Middle East based Bank (Dubai): 2 Years - Corporate BankingICICI: 2 Years and counting - Commercial BankingAverage ISB Placement Salary is just one switch away... Almost there... Combined Salary (wife's included) exceeds that figure...Have started preparing for GMAT... took a mock test few days back... approx range around 540... lets not forget we are way too much used to word and excel... these softwares corrupt you... however, with little preparation, i should score around 700... cant say will cross that magical figure... have seen the syllabus, not too tricky... but honestly, completely out of touch...Extra currics... excellent till school... sports, martial arts... even participated in few international software development competitions and bagged a couple of prizes... but then post that, nothing... however, did try my hand at entrepreneurship during B.Com... just for fun... got bored in few months... Can't think of picking up something right now... got a 6 day week, and 9 am to 9 pm kinda job...Reason for Second MBA... career shift... Reason for ISB... 1 year programme... with the family responsibilities around, cant think of a 2 year programme...Request guidance from all of you... Thank you
Hi @[594994:TIme_Strapped],
Yes there are people with MBA in our class - as long as you justify it is fine.
But what sort of career shift are you looking at ? In a total non-finance role - that would be challenging and hence raise eye-brows with the Adcom - specially after 8+ years. So please let me know what shift are you planning.

Warm Regards,
Basu.
Co2013.
1475

Warm Regards,
Basu.@sudhir3127 said: Guys... Just wanted to know that is it a problem if your current salary is higher than the average salary of ISB? I'm working in India and my current salary is 1.5 times the avg indian salary of ISB. the seniors at IIM-A thread feel that it can be a problem. Plan to apply to IIM A as well.
Hi @[565359:sudhir3127],
No it should not be a problem at ISB while applying. While recruitment - you can seek an advancement in your field and definitely try for a higher-than-average package.

1476
@ps25 said: will be great if you elaborate a bit on elective course process. it will be kind of information that has never been shared before here. request you to spend some time to help us understand the process.
If you're asking about the bidding process - trust me, discussing it here is a waste of time. It's fairly elaborate enough and before the elective terms come around, a detailed explanation is provided to all students.

As far as the broad outlines go, it's fairly simple - you need to have at least 6 courses from a stream (fin, ops, systems, marketing & strategy) in order to qualify for a major - spread across the four elective terms. At most you can have two majors. Some courses are listed under two specializations, in this case while bidding for the course you will have to specify which major should it be counted towards.
Disclaimer: This is the process in Hyd campus, not sure if things are exactly the same in Mohali.

Now as far as deciding which courses to pick goes - that is more of a personal call and I have already talked about it in an earlier post.
1477

@[353763:singhsid]

yep same process - there is no single difference in anything related to courses, administration, process and recruitment.

Thanks,
Basu.

1478

I have 10 yrs of IT experience with a management profile and have a GMAT score of 740/5.5(AWA). I have witnessed good growth story in my current organization but am now looking to move into management consulting profile and hence the need for an MBA. Planning to apply to ISB for R1 now.

Experts - I am looking forward to you inputs to know and validate if ISB is a right step in the direction for a change of profile. And if so, is it fine to talk about this change of profile as a reason for "Why MBA" ? I have also been attempted my entrepreneurial ambitions by submitting business plans to various incubation forums - but have not been a full-hearted attempt. Need your advice on the "Why MBA" story that i should really be pursuing. I would rather want to be honest about my needs and stand by it. pls advise.

Thanks.

1479
@asterisk said: I have 10 yrs of IT experience with a management profile and have a GMAT score of 740/5.5(AWA). I have witnessed good growth story in my current organization but am now looking to move into management consulting profile and hence the need for an MBA. Planning to apply to ISB for R1 now. Experts - I am looking forward to you inputs to know and validate if ISB is a right step in the direction for a change of profile. And if so, is it fine to talk about this change of profile as a reason for "Why MBA" ? I have also been attempted my entrepreneurial ambitions by submitting business plans to various incubation forums - but have not been a full-hearted attempt. Need your advice on the "Why MBA" story that i should really be pursuing. I would rather want to be honest about my needs and stand by it. pls advise. Thanks.
Hi @[578944:asterisk],
Yes, Career Switch is a good option for MBA and it is a widely accepted "Why MBA?" theme. Being very honest - after 10 years switch of career will definitely be challenging - not just in application but in real time recruitment also. However, there are 4 options for you
- growth in your role/function/industry albeit in an accelerated fashion
- IT Consulting - this is a definite trend in most large consulting firms like Deloitte, KPMG
- career switch but with a pay/role cut
- General Management role taking help of Senior Executive Club @ ISB

Pick is yours.

Warm Regards,
Basu.
Co2013.
1480

Thanks Basu. Just to add, i have some credentials in my current role that would support my move into consulting. Need your help to get more clarity on this subject. Have couple of questions -

1. I have been reading that typically consulting firms recruit from ISB at entry level (people with 4- 6 years of experience). How difficult would it be for a candidate with 10 years of experience to get consulting roles e.g. Associate, Engagement manager etc in top consulting firms.

2. Are there sufficient options available for accelerated growth in current function e.g. I am into IT delivery with a managerial function. Are there ample career options available in this stream with a broader responsibility.

Apologies for being too specific but need some clarity. Thanks.

1481

Can anyone please guide me on the following queries:

I did not do much of a research on colleges before taking my GMAT.

I am interested for ISB 2014.

Can someone please explain me the entire process and suggest the new dimenssions that I need to add to my profile.

Below are my profile details:

Xth : 72.2

12th: 62.6

Btech (CSE) - 85.5

GMAT - 740

Extra Circs: Martials Arts , swimming , Guitar & Travelling.

Age 25 with 4.2 years of IT experience (11 months in UK)

Currently a business Analyst with experience on several Retail POS systems.

Cheers!

1482

@[89778:SandeepPM]: wud a 710 score for 2year work ex be not gud enough for admission to isb...

1483
@niks47 said:@SandeepPM: wud a 710 score for 2year work ex be not gud enough for admission to isb...
ISB does not follow any GMAT score cut offs for any demographic groups. So having a 710 score on GMAT and 2 years of experience are just two data points about you.
Your application is viewed collectively, which includes the online data sheets, essays, recommendations, interview and now the video essay. Specifically, ISB looks for career progression, good leadership achievements and well defined career goals. So remember to make these aspects shine
Namita, MBA Decoder