Calling all ISB PGP Applicants - (2023 Intake) Class of 2024 : ISB

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ISB PGP Deadlines

Round	Application Due	Decisions Released
Round 1	Sep 4, 2022	TBA
Round 2	Nov 27, 2022	TBA

Hi
I'm a Product Manager working for an edtech company in Gurgaon.
I have 3 years of experience as a PM, having worked for early and mid-stage startups in fintech and edtech spaces.

I did BSc Physics Hons from Durham University in the UK, I didn't do too well, getting a 2:2, equivalent to a 3.1 GPA.
I took the GMAT last year and got a 710, Q: 46 V: 41. I'm planning on taking the exam again next month, I know I can improve on the Quant a lot more.

I'm planning on applying for 2023 intake, how do I fare with my experience and background and what could I add to my profile to make it stand out?

Thanks

Hi,

It's a decent profile, with a good GMAT score. Given that we do not have much visibility into your profile yet, it's hard to help. Happy to hop on a call for a free profile evaluation. Just fill out the form here and we will get in touch within 24 hours: forms.gle/jJArbt4dPQNUDdzR8

All the best!

rahrahrasputin wrote:Hi
I'm a Product Manager working for an edtech company in Gurgaon.
I have 3 years of experience as a PM, having worked for early and mid-stage startups in fintech and edtech spaces.

I did BSc Physics Hons from Durham University in the UK, I didn't do too well, getting a 2:2, equivalent to a 3.1 GPA.
I took the GMAT last year and got a 710, Q: 46 V: 41. I'm planning on taking the exam again next month, I know I can improve on the Quant a lot more.

I'm planning on applying for 2023 intake, how do I fare with my experience and background and what could I add to my profile to make it stand out?

Thanks

rahrahrasputin wrote:Hi
I'm a Product Manager working for an edtech company in Gurgaon.
I have 3 years of experience as a PM, having worked for early and mid-stage startups in fintech and edtech spaces.

I did BSc Physics Hons from Durham University in the UK, I didn't do too well, getting a 2:2, equivalent to a 3.1 GPA.
I took the GMAT last year and got a 710, Q: 46 V: 41. I'm planning on taking the exam again next month, I know I can improve on the Quant a lot more.

I'm planning on applying for 2023 intake, how do I fare with my experience and background and what could I add to my profile to make it stand out?

Thanks

Greetings,

I am an ISB Alum, CO15, and have been assisting applicants to get into global business schools since then.

A GMAT score of 710 is competitive enough but if you feel you can improve the score then go for it. Many aspects contribute to a strong application. I suggest you methodically build your profile and work towards making a well-rounded application. In your application essay, incorporate how this program will help you progress and achieve your goals and how this career path is best suited for you and your future endeavours. Also, mention your leadership roles and responsibilities you undertook, and the impact you have caused. Try including extracurricular
activities and hobbies you are passionate about apart from work.

rahrahrasputin wrote:Hi
I'm a Product Manager working for an edtech company in Gurgaon.
I have 3 years of experience as a PM, having worked for early and mid-stage startups in fintech and edtech spaces.

I did BSc Physics Hons from Durham University in the UK, I didn't do too well, getting a 2:2, equivalent to a 3.1 GPA.
I took the GMAT last year and got a 710, Q: 46 V: 41. I'm planning on taking the exam again next month, I know I can improve on the Quant a lot more.

I'm planning on applying for 2023 intake, how do I fare with my experience and background and what could I add to my profile to make it stand out?

Thanks

Hi rahrahrasputin (nice username!)

- Your background seems ok. What are your post-ISB goals?
- The GPA isn't a big concern here. While your GMAT is decent (710), go for the retake. If you get Q50 V41, that will translate to a 760. Given your educational background, you can aspire for a Q50.
- Your experience (quantity) is fine - you can apply this year as well if you so choose.

Any reapplicants here? Had a few questions -

1. is it okay to completely change your goals in the new essay? 2. If you have the same recommendor, do they need to rewrite the diff Lor or can they use the same content? 3. Any other pointers for reapplicants?

1. Yes, not an issue. Add about thus in the reapp essay. 2. You can have the same recomendor. Would be better to slightly change the answer to the 2nd questions. 3. You can share your previous app on manan.puri@strategy4gmat.com happy to review

Hi
Can anyone please evaluate my profile. I am planning to apply for isb in August. My Gmat is scheduled in July end. Hopefully I’ll be able to score 710+.

Hi
Can anyone please evaluate my profile. I am planning to apply for isb in August. My Gmat is scheduled in July end. Hopefully I’ll be able to score 710+.

Education -

05/2016 - 06/2020 - Bachelor’s of Technology (B.Tech) - Information Technology

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

CGPA: 8.4 ( Around 87% )



Work Experience -

09/2020 - 02/2022 : Senior Analyst in CAPGEMINI
- Worked as a Salesforce Developer

Worked with client in Italy. Co-ordinated Use Case scenarios with development in Salesforce.

1.5 years of work-ex.(Until Feb 2022 - have resigned thereafter to prepare for my GMAT)



Certifications -

Salesforce Certified Administrator
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1
Copado Administrator

Working on taking some certifications related to leadership or consulting from Coursera.

Will be able to complete 2 certifications with ICPM Supervisor Professional certificate.





Extracurricular -

Committee Head of Aaruush - TECHNO Management Fest in College
- Participated Actively in organizing various events.
- Coordinated work in a project dedicated to raise awareness of need, applying strong leadership to enhance success.
- Developed a strong cooperative relationship with coworkers and managers.

( Could not provide any certificate regarding this )

Contributing with NGO - Working with Aashray NGO since past 1.5 years teaching rural students and conducting various workshops for different cause.

( Can get a strong LOR from here as well ).

Working as a Public Speaker motivating students in different govt schools

Writing valuable content on different niche on blog sites.

Participated in Plogging events with AIESEC.


Accomplishments -

Certificate of Appreciation ( Head Speaker ) - Placement talk on “Shape your Future” in my college last year.

Mini Olympics
- Silver Medalist in Foosball ( Table Soccer ).






Interests/Hobbies -

Problem Solving
Content Writing
Motivational Speaking
Traveling
Fitness and Nutrition
Art and Painting

Add on- Currently I am leading CRM team in a startup - Nano Cloud Solutions Pvt Ltd. Also learning about how businesses work tackling various challenges ( Will be having workex of 28 months as of march 2023 )

Do you think getting a 710+ and good essay will help me secure ISB?🤔

soaringinthesky03 wrote:Any reapplicants here? Had a few questions -

1. is it okay to completely change your goals in the new essay? 2. If you have the same recommendor, do they need to rewrite the diff Lor or can they use the same content? 3. Any other pointers for reapplicants?

Hi soaringinthesky03

Go through this article to get answers to these queries.

Pranavg0113 wrote:Hi
Can anyone please evaluate my profile. I am planning to apply for isb in August. My Gmat is scheduled in July end. Hopefully I’ll be able to score 710+.

Hi
Can anyone please evaluate my profile. I am planning to apply for isb in August. My Gmat is scheduled in July end. Hopefully I’ll be able to score 710+.

Education -

05/2016 - 06/2020 - Bachelor’s of Technology (B.Tech) - Information Technology

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

CGPA: 8.4 ( Around 87% )



Work Experience -

09/2020 - 02/2022 : Senior Analyst in CAPGEMINI
- Worked as a Salesforce Developer

Worked with client in Italy. Co-ordinated Use Case scenarios with development in Salesforce.

1.5 years of work-ex.(Until Feb 2022 - have resigned thereafter to prepare for my GMAT)



Certifications -

Salesforce Certified Administrator
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1
Copado Administrator

Working on taking some certifications related to leadership or consulting from Coursera.

Will be able to complete 2 certifications with ICPM Supervisor Professional certificate.





Extracurricular -

Committee Head of Aaruush - TECHNO Management Fest in College
- Participated Actively in organizing various events.
- Coordinated work in a project dedicated to raise awareness of need, applying strong leadership to enhance success.
- Developed a strong cooperative relationship with coworkers and managers.

( Could not provide any certificate regarding this )

Contributing with NGO - Working with Aashray NGO since past 1.5 years teaching rural students and conducting various workshops for different cause.

( Can get a strong LOR from here as well ).

Working as a Public Speaker motivating students in different govt schools

Writing valuable content on different niche on blog sites.

Participated in Plogging events with AIESEC.


Accomplishments -

Certificate of Appreciation ( Head Speaker ) - Placement talk on “Shape your Future” in my college last year.

Mini Olympics
- Silver Medalist in Foosball ( Table Soccer ).






Interests/Hobbies -

Problem Solving
Content Writing
Motivational Speaking
Traveling
Fitness and Nutrition
Art and Painting

Add on- Currently I am leading CRM team in a startup - Nano Cloud Solutions Pvt Ltd. Also learning about how businesses work tackling various challenges ( Will be having workex of 28 months as of march 2023 )

Do you think getting a 710+ and good essay will help me secure ISB?🤔

Hi Pranavg0113

You should try and get back into a job. Not being in a full-time role can be a negative at the time of application, especially given that you have ~1.5 years of experience so far. This is a factor even if you are an EEO applicant.

Other than that, your GPA is good, and your work at Capgemini seems ok. If you can get 720+ on the GMAT that will help your chances further, and that is what you should aim for.

GyanOne wrote:

Pranavg0113 wrote:Hi
Can anyone please evaluate my profile. I am planning to apply for isb in August. My Gmat is scheduled in July end. Hopefully I’ll be able to score 710+.

Hi
Can anyone please evaluate my profile. I am planning to apply for isb in August. My Gmat is scheduled in July end. Hopefully I’ll be able to score 710+.

Education -

05/2016 - 06/2020 - Bachelor’s of Technology (B.Tech) - Information Technology

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

CGPA: 8.4 ( Around 87% )



Work Experience -

09/2020 - 02/2022 : Senior Analyst in CAPGEMINI
- Worked as a Salesforce Developer

Worked with client in Italy. Co-ordinated Use Case scenarios with development in Salesforce.

1.5 years of work-ex.(Until Feb 2022 - have resigned thereafter to prepare for my GMAT)



Certifications -

Salesforce Certified Administrator
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1
Copado Administrator

Working on taking some certifications related to leadership or consulting from Coursera.

Will be able to complete 2 certifications with ICPM Supervisor Professional certificate.





Extracurricular -

Committee Head of Aaruush - TECHNO Management Fest in College
- Participated Actively in organizing various events.
- Coordinated work in a project dedicated to raise awareness of need, applying strong leadership to enhance success.
- Developed a strong cooperative relationship with coworkers and managers.

( Could not provide any certificate regarding this )

Contributing with NGO - Working with Aashray NGO since past 1.5 years teaching rural students and conducting various workshops for different cause.

( Can get a strong LOR from here as well ).

Working as a Public Speaker motivating students in different govt schools

Writing valuable content on different niche on blog sites.

Participated in Plogging events with AIESEC.


Accomplishments -

Certificate of Appreciation ( Head Speaker ) - Placement talk on “Shape your Future” in my college last year.

Mini Olympics
- Silver Medalist in Foosball ( Table Soccer ).






Interests/Hobbies -

Problem Solving
Content Writing
Motivational Speaking
Traveling
Fitness and Nutrition
Art and Painting

Add on- Currently I am leading CRM team in a startup - Nano Cloud Solutions Pvt Ltd. Also learning about how businesses work tackling various challenges ( Will be having workex of 28 months as of march 2023 )

Do you think getting a 710+ and good essay will help me secure ISB?🤔

Hi Pranavg0113

You should try and get back into a job. Not being in a full-time role can be a negative at the time of application, especially given that you have ~1.5 years of experience so far. This is a factor even if you are an EEO applicant.

Other than that, your GPA is good, and your work at Capgemini seems ok. If you can get 720+ on the GMAT that will help your chances further, and that is what you should aim for.

Posted from my mobile device

Hi,

Sorry I didn't mention it with my Capgemini workex.
But as I mentioned in the last para I am currently working full time in a startup. So will it still be a negative?
If we can justify my switch to a startup, am I good to go?

Posted from my mobile device

Hi everyone,

Hi all, please evaluate my profile for ISB. I am planning to apply in the first round. I have a GMAT score of Educational Background: B.Tech (CSE) 7.68 GPA; 12th Standard 88%; 10th Standard 10.00 GPA Work experience: 3 years in Product Management- 1.5 years of B2B, 1 year in a startup and currently working as a APM in PhonePe. Extracurricular: organized a volunteering organization in college for mental health; organized TEDx for my institute; have been a winner of various storytelling and debate competitions

umab1602 wrote:Hi all, please evaluate my profile for ISB. I am planning to apply in the first round. I have a GMAT score of Educational Background: B.Tech (CSE) 7.68 GPA; 12th Standard 88%; 10th Standard 10.00 GPA Work experience: 3 years in Product Management- 1.5 years of B2B, 1 year in a startup and currently working as a APM in PhonePe. Extracurricular: organized a volunteering organization in college for mental health; organized TEDx for my institute; have been a winner of various storytelling and debate competitions

I wanted to add my post MBA goals: Immediate Goal is Strategy Consulting Long Term Goal is Entrepreneurship in a technical domain Please evaluate my profile and also suggest if I should retake my GMAT as I think that I can improve my score by 20-30 points.

umab1602 wrote:Hi everyone,

Hi all, please evaluate my profile for ISB. I am planning to apply in the first round. I have a GMAT score of Educational Background: B.Tech (CSE) 7.68 GPA; 12th Standard 88%; 10th Standard 10.00 GPA Work experience: 3 years in Product Management- 1.5 years of B2B, 1 year in a startup and currently working as a APM in PhonePe. Extracurricular: organized a volunteering organization in college for mental health; organized TEDx for my institute; have been a winner of various storytelling and debate competitions

umab1602 wrote:Hi all, please evaluate my profile for ISB. I am planning to apply in the first round. I have a GMAT score of Educational Background: B.Tech (CSE) 7.68 GPA; 12th Standard 88%; 10th Standard 10.00 GPA Work experience: 3 years in Product Management- 1.5 years of B2B, 1 year in a startup and currently working as a APM in PhonePe. Extracurricular: organized a volunteering organization in college for mental health; organized TEDx for my institute; have been a winner of various storytelling and debate competitions

I wanted to add my post MBA goals: Immediate Goal is Strategy Consulting Long Term Goal is Entrepreneurship in a technical domain Please evaluate my profile and also suggest if I should retake my GMAT as I think that I can improve my score by 20-30 points.

Greetings,

I am an ISB Alum, CO15, and have been assisting applicants to get into global business schools since then.

You should target a GMAT score of at least 710+ to make your application strong for ISB (you missed mentioning your GMAT Score). In your application essay, incorporate how this program will help you progress and achieve your goals and how this career path is best suited for you and your future endeavours. Also, mention your leadership roles and responsibilities, and the impact you have caused. Try including extracurricular activities and hobbies you are passionate about apart from work.

Pranavg0113 wrote:Hi
Can anyone please evaluate my profile. I am planning to apply for isb in August. My Gmat is scheduled in July end. Hopefully I’ll be able to score 710+.

Hi
Can anyone please evaluate my profile. I am planning to apply for isb in August. My Gmat is scheduled in July end. Hopefully I’ll be able to score 710+.

Education -

05/2016 - 06/2020 - Bachelor’s of Technology (B.Tech) - Information Technology

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

CGPA: 8.4 ( Around 87% )



Work Experience -

09/2020 - 02/2022 : Senior Analyst in CAPGEMINI
- Worked as a Salesforce Developer

Worked with client in Italy. Co-ordinated Use Case scenarios with development in Salesforce.

1.5 years of work-ex.(Until Feb 2022 - have resigned thereafter to prepare for my GMAT)



Certifications -

Salesforce Certified Administrator
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1
Copado Administrator

Working on taking some certifications related to leadership or consulting from Coursera.

Will be able to complete 2 certifications with ICPM Supervisor Professional certificate.





Extracurricular -

Committee Head of Aaruush - TECHNO Management Fest in College
- Participated Actively in organizing various events.
- Coordinated work in a project dedicated to raise awareness of need, applying strong leadership to enhance success.
- Developed a strong cooperative relationship with coworkers and managers.

( Could not provide any certificate regarding this )

Contributing with NGO - Working with Aashray NGO since past 1.5 years teaching rural students and conducting various workshops for different cause.

( Can get a strong LOR from here as well ).

Working as a Public Speaker motivating students in different govt schools

Writing valuable content on different niche on blog sites.

Participated in Plogging events with AIESEC.


Accomplishments -

Certificate of Appreciation ( Head Speaker ) - Placement talk on “Shape your Future” in my college last year.

Mini Olympics
- Silver Medalist in Foosball ( Table Soccer ).






Interests/Hobbies -

Problem Solving
Content Writing
Motivational Speaking
Traveling
Fitness and Nutrition
Art and Painting

Add on- Currently I am leading CRM team in a startup - Nano Cloud Solutions Pvt Ltd. Also learning about how businesses work tackling various challenges ( Will be having workex of 28 months as of march 2023 )

Do you think getting a 710+ and good essay will help me secure ISB?🤔

Greetings,

I am an ISB Alum, CO15, and have been assisting applicants to get into global business schools since then.

A GMAT score of 710 or above is good enough to make your application strong for ISB. Don't worry about working in a startup, it is not a drawback. Try to focus more on the impacts and outcomes of your projects and activities.
In your application essay, incorporate how this program will help you progress and achieve your goals and how this career path is best suited for you and your future endeavours. Also, mention your leadership roles and responsibilities, and the impact you have caused. Include all the extracurricular activities and hobbies that you mentioned here.

umab1602 wrote:Hi all, please evaluate my profile for ISB. I am planning to apply in the first round. I have a GMAT score of 710 Educational Background: B.Tech (CSE) 7.68 GPA; 12th Standard 88%; 10th Standard 10.00 GPA Work experience: 3 years in Product Management- 1.5 years of B2B, 1 year in a startup and currently working as a APM in PhonePe. Extracurricular: organized a volunteering organization in college for mental health; organized TEDx for my institute; have been a winner of various storytelling and debate competitions

Hey, I’m yet to take my GMAT. Aiming for a 720+(seems possible). My GPA is 8.4/10 in engineering. Worked in a creative startup for 8 years and lead the product and strategy team right now. Started a side business to help a few people who lost their jobs during the pandemic. Played nationals in chess during my school days. Admin and organiser of the hyderabad boardgaming club since the last 4 years. Volunteered with multiple ngos since my college days. Long term goal is to start a creative for-profit socially responsible retail brand.

Short term goal is to work with an e-commerce company and understand the supplychain logistics part of it. What are my chances at isb?

layakeerthi wrote:Hey, I’m yet to take my GMAT. Aiming for a 720+(seems possible). My GPA is 8.4/10 in engineering. Worked in a creative startup for 8 years and lead the product and strategy team right now. Started a side business to help a few people who lost their jobs during the pandemic. Played nationals in chess during my school days. Admin and organiser of the hyderabad boardgaming club since the last 4 years. Volunteered with multiple ngos since my college days. Long term goal is to start a creative for-profit socially responsible retail brand.

Short term goal is to work with an e-commerce company and understand the supplychain logistics part of it. What are my chances at isb?

Greetings,

I am an ISB Alum, CO15, and have been assisting applicants to get into global business schools since then.

A GMAT score of 710 or above is considered good enough to make your application strong for ISB. Since you have been in your field for a long time, you should work on why you decided to change your career path to MBA. Write about why you felt passionate about starting the side business that you mentioned and how you helped some cause. Try to focus more on the impacts and outcomes of your projects and activities in your job. In your application essay, incorporate how this program will help you progress and achieve your goals and how this career path is best suited for you and your future endeavours. Also, mention your leadership roles and responsibilities, and the impact you have caused. Try including extracurricular activities and hobbies you are passionate about apart from work. A well-rounded application is the recipe for good chances!

umab1602 wrote:

umab1602 wrote:Hi all, please evaluate my profile for ISB. I am planning to apply in the first round. I have a GMAT score of 710 Educational Background: B.Tech (CSE) 7.68 GPA; 12th Standard 88%; 10th Standard 10.00 GPA Work experience: 3 years in Product Management- 1.5 years of B2B, 1 year in a startup and currently working as a APM in PhonePe. Extracurricular: organized a volunteering organization in college for mental health; organized TEDx for my institute; have been a winner of various storytelling and debate competitions

Greetings,

I am an ISB Alum, CO15, and have been assisting applicants to get into global business schools since then.

A GMAT score of 710 or above is considered good enough to make your application strong for ISB. In your application essay, mention the impacts and outcomes of your projects and activities in your job. Also, mention your leadership roles and responsibilities, and the impact you have caused. Try including extracurricular activities and hobbies you are passionate about apart from work. I would like to know more about your profile. Please follow the link below!

Pranavg0113 wrote:Hi
Can anyone please evaluate my profile. I am planning to apply for isb in August. My Gmat is scheduled in July end. Hopefully I’ll be able to score 710+.

Hi
Can anyone please evaluate my profile. I am planning to apply for isb in August. My Gmat is scheduled in July end. Hopefully I’ll be able to score 710+.

Education -

05/2016 - 06/2020 - Bachelor’s of Technology (B.Tech) - Information Technology

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

CGPA: 8.4 ( Around 87% )



Work Experience -

09/2020 - 02/2022 : Senior Analyst in CAPGEMINI
- Worked as a Salesforce Developer

Worked with client in Italy. Co-ordinated Use Case scenarios with development in Salesforce.

1.5 years of work-ex.(Until Feb 2022 - have resigned thereafter to prepare for my GMAT)



Certifications -

Salesforce Certified Administrator
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer 1
Copado Administrator

Working on taking some certifications related to leadership or consulting from Coursera.

Will be able to complete 2 certifications with ICPM Supervisor Professional certificate.





Extracurricular -

Committee Head of Aaruush - TECHNO Management Fest in College
- Participated Actively in organizing various events.
- Coordinated work in a project dedicated to raise awareness of need, applying strong leadership to enhance success.
- Developed a strong cooperative relationship with coworkers and managers.

( Could not provide any certificate regarding this )

Contributing with NGO - Working with Aashray NGO since past 1.5 years teaching rural students and conducting various workshops for different cause.

( Can get a strong LOR from here as well ).

Working as a Public Speaker motivating students in different govt schools

Writing valuable content on different niche on blog sites.

Participated in Plogging events with AIESEC.


Accomplishments -

Certificate of Appreciation ( Head Speaker ) - Placement talk on “Shape your Future” in my college last year.

Mini Olympics
- Silver Medalist in Foosball ( Table Soccer ).






Interests/Hobbies -

Problem Solving
Content Writing
Motivational Speaking
Traveling
Fitness and Nutrition
Art and Painting

Add on- Currently I am leading CRM team in a startup - Nano Cloud Solutions Pvt Ltd. Also learning about how businesses work tackling various challenges ( Will be having workex of 28 months as of march 2023 )

Do you think getting a 710+ and good essay will help me secure ISB?🤔

Pranavg0113 hope this finds you well

Schools would want to know what you have to say about your experiences and achievements. So make sure you utilize the time before application deadline conscientiously to work on having a strong professional and personal narrative. Do not worry about gathering Coursera or other certifications since that would not really add any value to your candidacy. Focus on getting a high GMAT score and doing your application well in the time being.

Hope these tips would help you with ISB essays-

The new ISB Essay 1 on P2P learning

Know more about writing the personal narrative for ISB


Regards
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alumna and ex-admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
+919971200927