Verbatim

 

Experts’ Global: Hi Shubhankar, thank you for interviewing with us! Could you kindly share your story in your own words?

Shubhankar: After a five-year career in Analytics, I realized I needed a business degree to take the next career leap. With a little luck, I got a GMAT 710, and applied to ISB, alongside a couple of US-based schools to hedge my bets. Working with ISB admissions consultants Experts’ Global helped me immensely through the admissions process, and with my ISB PGP almost completed, I am set to enter a product management role!

 

Experts’ Global: In your opinion, what factors most affected your success?

Shubhankar: Doing around 30 different kinds of problem sets for the GMAT each day and taking GMAT mocks rigorously helped me build a consistent work ethic in my downtime, and this helped me even after I got my GMAT score as I redirected my energies toward other activities and hobbies. Being curious and reaching out to alumni and current students during my applications, as well as talking to different professors during my PGP has been a difference maker as well.

 

Experts’ Global: In hindsight, what mistakes did you make in the process?

Shubhankar: Initially, I was not fully convinced that a full-fledged MBA was the best program for a tech analytics professional such as myself, in what is still a nascent field in India. Had I been serious from the get go, I could have used a GMAT online course to complete my test prep and have my business school experience in hand a year earlier. Making major efforts and being fully committed to the MBA dream early on is vital.

 

Experts’ Global: For GMAT studies, what resources did you use and what advice do you have for future applicants?

Shubhankar: My major study resource was the official material from the GMAT website. I also took some free GMAT practice tests, including one from Kaplan. I would suggest that applicants when they attempt a question early in their prep, should use forums such as GMAT Club to see how other people have answered the same question. This can open up unknown problem-solving approaches for you.

 

Experts’ Global: With what area on the GMAT did you struggle the most, and how did you overcome its challenge?

Shubhankar: I think I was most challenged by the quantitative concepts. I have been good at English since my school days, but plagued by silly mistakes in the quantitative aspects. Overcoming a lifetime of bad habits in maths was a difficult but worthwhile journey.

 

Experts’ Global: What aspect of the application process most challenged you, and how did you overcome the same?

Shubhankar: The essay writing process was the most challenging bit of it all. Thereafter, selecting the right schools was a big obstacle too. In both these regards, I came to see the overwhelming value of having good MBA admissions consultants to rely upon. Securing a scholarship to a school such as Questrom would never have happened for me otherwise.

 

Experts’ Global: What were your lessons from managing the applications process?

Shubhankar: Above all else, I learned to start planning one’s applications as early as possible. If you do not start too late, it allows you greater time to tailor your approach as per the particularities of each school you select.

 

Experts’ Global: How did your business school interviews go?

Shubhankar: Honestly, all good MBA interview prep focuses on authenticity and succinctness. Having examined my motivations for business education at length during the pre-application process, I found myself well-equipped to answer questions. As a more outgoing person, I was able to keep my interviews quite conversational and even asked my interviewers about their perspectives on certain issues. Looking back, this was a plus as it showed I could naturally fit into the collective-driven pedagogy at ISB.

 

Experts’ Global: What can you tell us about your PGP experience?

Shubhankar: As a condensed year-long program, the PGP has been quite hectic. Every term at school is about a month long, and we have exams every fortnight. The cultural life at school is vibrant, and there is always something going on because of all the interest and professional clubs on campus. However, you get to have fun and learn with individuals all as driven as you are, but each of them carrying a unique cultural and functional perspective.

 

Experts’ Global: Can you tell us about your job search experience during the PGP? What tips do you have for future candidates regarding the same?

Shubhankar: Placement time at ISB is amongst the most stressful periods of the academic year. Fortunately for me, I had a clear idea of the domain I wished to enter, and so I targeted my desired product management role at a smaller firm for more decision-making autonomy therein. I would advise applicants to spend the first few months of the MBA trying to drill down on what exactly they want to do post-program.

Try and use your community to your advantage. All your peers will also be preparing for their own interviews and brushing up on their resumes, and you should engage with them for mutual benefit.

 

Experts’ Global: What is your final message to MBA aspirants out there?

Shubhankar: Try not to get bogged down by small missteps during the application process. Focus on the MBA goal, and how it will enable you to access a network and field of opportunities you would otherwise miss out on. In the MBA, completing assignments and acing coursework is important, but it is truly vital to engage with your community and have a little fun!

 

Experts’ Global: Thank you for sharing your advice and insights with us, Shubhankar!

Shubhankar: Thank you! I hope they prove of some use!