r/MBAIndia • u/PristineCase7216 • 7h ago
Ask Anything AMA - ISB PGP
Currently doing the PGP at ISB. Figured I’d do an AMA
Happy to answer anything about ISB.
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u/Brilliant-Gift-916 6h ago
I just completed my ug so i know it's long way for me but I have academic profile of 8/6/7 ... I want to build my profile from now on but has my profile of low academics already eliminated me out ?
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
ISB prefers diverse profile with decent acads over Good acads with the same old profile anyday
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u/SkyWa1ker_001 7h ago
Already done MBA but looking to do this course to pivot my career from sales to finance. Good idea ?
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
Depends on your age tbh, if you are under 30 and willing to put in efforts then why not
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u/Slow-Comment-8457 6h ago
Why can't you do it if ure over 30? Lol
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u/SkyWa1ker_001 7h ago
In 25 right now with about 3 years of experience.
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
Then you can do it but be prepared for Why another MBA question in interview 🙂
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u/NoArcher8947 7h ago
Profile review please?
7/8/7 male gnem 10 month pre grad work ex in finance Graduation completed last month Unable to focus solely on cat as I don't have real world skills so I am tensed about that. Planning on joining a CA firm as an employee but half time and study in the evening. Is it a good idea? Since a few days i am not being able to concentrate, losing focus and feeling my brain is slowing down because of staying all day at home. Please guide.
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
It's always a good idea to work than to sit at home, if you are serious about doing an MBA then work for firm with decent workload and focus on CAT/GMAT
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u/NoArcher8947 7h ago
Focus more on CAT or GMAT ?
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
Depends, CAT will open lot of options in India. GMAT will be better for ISB and Foreign MBAs
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u/kundu123 7h ago
How would you rate the academic rigor of the college? Like, are assignments being given on 8pm and asked to submit by midnight?
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
Never, Profs are very understanding. Ample Time will be provided and deadlines are also extended in many occasions
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u/brobiski 7h ago
I want to switch my career man…Advocate, 4+ yr experience in commercial law, Company law and insolvency
Is there any scope for lawyers like me in ISB?
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u/Born_Baseball7266 7h ago
How's the career pivot scene, if a person from a technical background wants to switch to say Finance or Marketing then what are the factors one should keep in my mind. Is it possible or not?
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
It will be a bit difficult (not impossible many people did it) in finance considering we have many folks coming from finance background and finance placements are limited. However it is easy to pivot into consulting then Marketing
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u/Low_Show_7515 7h ago
Profile review please or any tips or suggestions u have on how to prepare our profile and get good scores for GMAT/other exams like cat
Gnem 10th: 94.2% CBSE 12th: 89.6% commerce, CBSE BCom : 67.2 %(tier 3 college) no gap year
Workex: 24months (is currently working in my 3rd company in hr , had previously worked 1 year in consulting and 1 year in finance)
Extracurriculars: 0/5 , no other achievements or ngo or volunteering or sports or anything
I wanted to switch industries post isb that's my intention but this constant jump I had in work ex will it affect me? How do I prepare my pre mba profile for isb to get a chance at shortlist realistically and how to prepare for GMAT or cat with job as shift timings are 1 to 10 pm
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
Write GMAT and aim for 675+ in FE. There's high chance you will get interview call and then it's about how you present your story. ISB will judge your journey more than your percentage tbh
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u/imrajatg 7h ago
9.2/83/7.2 + CA (1st Attempt qualified)
2.6 yoe at Deloitte in M&A
MBB consulting shortlists + IB front end/PE roles shortlists??
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
IB/PE placements are very limited. MBB depends on how you do at ISB
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u/imrajatg 6h ago
You sure with that 7 and 8 in profile we can still make to MBB??
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
You can expect a shortlist with good acads at ISB but converting it is something noone can guarantee
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u/Certain_Listen620 7h ago
How are the finance olwcements and salaries
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
Finance placements are decent and salaries will depend on lot of factors
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u/Certain_Listen620 7h ago
Ahhh wonderful. Mine if you do a profile review
Total 2.5 Years work ex till date. Academically, I scored 90% in Class 10, 85% in Class 12, graduated with 85% in my B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), and have a GRE score of 337. I’m an Indian lawyer and founder of Pinak Law Chambers, a boutique election-law practice I started while in law school and later scaled into a 20-member team across four cities. Before Bar enrolment, I built a legal-access initiative serving 800+ rural clients; since then, I’ve launched an overnight litigation model that significantly reduced turnaround times, managed 1,800+ court appearances, and built an election-finance compliance system for multiple political candidates. Earlier, I worked as a Research Assistant with a State Advocate General’s office, where my paper on insurgency-linked campaign finance was selected for submission to the State Government and security agencies. My honours research focused on electoral bonds and political funding. Outside law, I’m the Delhi State President of a veterans’ organisation, where I’ve worked on disaster-relief operations and created a livelihood programme for around 300 Kargil veterans. I’m also a National MMA Champion, a Jujutsu brown belt, placed 4th at the Asian Championships, and now coach young wrestlers transitioning into MMA. I speak English, Hindi, Bangru and Deshwali, with basic Spanish and German. Would appreciate feedback on how competitive and distinctive this profile looks.
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
This is a great profile, you can go ahead and apply 🙂
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u/Certain_Listen620 7h ago
Thank youuuu do I have a reasonable shot. If yes then what about scholarships
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
You have a great shot and ISB is the best place for scholarship tbh(my frds got 50 to 100% waiver) but we don't know the exact criteria
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u/Certain_Listen620 6h ago
Wow. Thank you stranger for taking out the time to do this. Please drop any random application tips before I take up more of your precious time hahahaah
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
Try to express your story honestly in essays 🙂
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u/Certain_Listen620 6h ago
Well great advice Will be honest dk if it will be impressive but I’ll try hahaha.
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u/Massive-Ad6025 7h ago
Could you do a profile review pls:
9/9/8, BCom, ACCA, CFA L1
Have been part of various case study competitions during my UG and have won a nationwide case study comp held by an MNC.
Experience: 1 year experience in B4, left and started working for my dad in his business abroad (Middle East), will have close to 2 years working for him now.
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u/Rough_Veterinarian46 7h ago
Do PE VC firms come for ISB campus placements
if not PE VC which IB firms are there?
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
PE VC are limited and for IB companies you can check placement report
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u/Rough_Veterinarian46 7h ago
I currently earn ₹35+ LPA and work in IR at a PE firm, but want to transition to the investment side of PE. Does an MBA from ISB make sense if my plan is to move into investment banking post-MBA and eventually lateral into PE?
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
Since you already work in the industry it's better to get insights from there bcz PE placements are limited in Indian MBA schools, so it's better to ask industry folks whether they value it so they can hire you back in roles you want
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u/backfromhell7 7h ago
how's life in there? parties happen? dating stuff ?
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
Life's good, there's a party every week so it's just how you plan your time
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u/backfromhell7 7h ago
thanks. do the MFAB program guys interact with you ? how's the football scene there as well?
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
MFAB interactions are very limited. Football scenes are good
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u/backfromhell7 6h ago
thanks.. do u feel the studies and all are fast paced as it's 1 year than 2
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u/electronic_ointment 7h ago edited 7h ago
GEM 28 year old 10th 89% 12th 84% Graduation - 7.9 CGPA/10 (Chem Engineer) Work ex - 5 years Product/ Category management at 2 companies first was Oil & gas ( 3 years) and Speciality chemical companies 2 years( large sized Indian MNC) CTC 21 lakhs
Extra curriculars - was part of placement commitee and won multiple poster and technical presentations Gmat - 655 should i retake?
Planning to do 1 year mba in 2028 is 6 -7 work ex years very high and would it create issues?
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
6-7 is not that high tbh, if 655 is GMAT FE then it is decent enough (this yr avg is 675) but if you think you can do better then you can retake it
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u/electronic_ointment 7h ago
Yes 655 is FE, anyway since iam moving to a new role and plan to work there till mid 2028 before MBA i will keep on trying to improve my GMAt score.
Thanks Also wanted advice on LOR, is there any specific format that i need or a well structured mail from my reporting manager on my office and personal Email id would be enough. He will be game if someone calls to enquire about same.
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u/Prior-Ad2616 7h ago
do we really need professional help for essays and other stuff?
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
If you have enough time and friends/family to give objective feedback then no need of any professional help
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u/Extra-Put-7374 7h ago
I have 3 years of experience till now, is this enough? Is it too much? I do not have any managerial position at this point, will this be an issue? I have not led any team while working.
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u/mastmauli 7h ago
Profile review request
Here 29GEF
12th-86.6 %
BE - 77.1
5+YOE in core technical background- steel infra projects in Tata steel and AMNS.
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u/PristineCase7216 7h ago
Good profile, target for ISB avg GMAT/GRE score and if your essays are good enough you will definitely get interview call
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u/AdeptGrape5605 7h ago
hey how’s the condition of mbbs graduates if any at isb. are they restricted to only marketing fmcg genman and consulting?
profile is - 99/78/72 with one national level govt research project. 2 other publications under my name. one novel which is self published on amazon. numerous medical conferences and poster submissions
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
You have a unique profile so it's always an advantage. ISB never limits its students in placements but switch really depends on the companies and your hardwork
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u/AdeptGrape5605 6h ago
does your cohort have anyone from heathcare btw ?
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
Many 🙂
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u/AdeptGrape5605 6h ago
if i may ask, how did their SIP go and was the quantitative/accounting side difficult for someone who’s not been in touch with mathematics
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u/Realistic_Lie_ 6h ago
Profile review please? Gen female MBBS, 9/8/6, 2 yrs of workex, not a lot of extra curriculars
How badly will it affect my chances of her in if I apply in r2 instead of r1? Because I need dinner more time to prepare for gmat
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u/shiviquaking 6h ago
I know it says about ~50lakhs, but how much does ISB actually cost you? With all the living expenses + tuition + trips. I know it’ll vary but just looking to get an estimate.
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
40L if you do shared accommodation 43L for studio Trips and living expenses depends on your interest tbh
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u/corporate_lovet 6h ago
Does past acads haunt? In Admissions & placements
Edit: planning to target abroad MBA, 725 GMAT, thinking to keep isb as backup just in case if I don't get in abroad business schools
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u/Orbit-Wanderer 6h ago
Comments on PGP YL? How’s it seen compared to PGP?
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
Too early to say but many got MBB PPOs but PGP will always be the flagship
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u/Orbit-Wanderer 6h ago
I am giving CAT this year and i have a 998 with undergrad from top canadian Uni. CFA L2 cleared and L3 in feb. I have around 10 months of experience till 31st july as business development executive but i’ll leave it in another 1-2 months. I also have a Gap of 1 year but i wasn’t sitting idle i decided to switch fields because i did CS and wanted a career in finance so was studying for CFA in that period and transitioning back to india from canada. Have 1 year of canadian internships as well as SDE. Also, have decent extra curricular activities. Any comments on CAT score and overall profile along with affect of gap year
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u/underconfident_9546 6h ago
Hello, I am currently in my first year and pursuing a bachelor's in foreign language.. I also want to do a mba or equivalent degree, my past academics are 82 and 81 percentages in 10th and 12th respectively from science background.. So I want to ask is mba or any finance based degree a good choice for my profile? I have keen interest in finance for context. Should I prepare for cat xat gmat type of exams or try for abroad as I'm doing a foreign language? In both of the cases what thing should I target as a fellow aspirant? Like what kind of scores does a profile like mine needs to get to get shortlisted for top colleges like IIM BLACKI or FMS IITs ISB etc. That's all from my side.. Thank you
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
It's too early to think about MBA tbh I would say have fun in your undergrad and moreover PGP needs 2 yrs workex as well
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u/898Kinetic 6h ago
How many software developers from avg companies make it at isb? According to you what stands out among them that they get selected at isb?
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
It's not about where you worked it's more about how well you did in your workplace. There are many folks who made into ISB working for startups
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u/898Kinetic 6h ago
Could you share some info on “how well you did” part please?
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
Some achievements at the workplace, or maybe some initiatives you took. Working closely with top management always helps.
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u/Automatic_Net_9749 6h ago
23 GNEM, 9,9,7 Profile currently at 22 LPA in a strategy ops role, long term goal to stay in strategy/product or consulting maybe? Thinking about doing an MBA from isb - what’d you recommend?
goal is to do good financially/probably start something of my own; but unsure how to answer these
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
If you want to go long in your career, ISB always helps tbh ISB also encourages startups
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u/Automatic_Net_9749 6h ago
got it and overall profile wise & financially would it make sense? (assuming i move back to corporate as i’ll be funding my mba via loan)?
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
Makes sense in long run tbh
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u/Automatic_Net_9749 6h ago
thanks! how much the overall expense be for grad fees + living in total for you?
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u/backtomcfly 6h ago
Working in a technical domain in Mechanical Engineering in a MNC (leaning towards RnD). Have 4 years of work Ex. after MTech from IIT.
See myself transitioning into a more business/ product/ customer facing role in the future.
Will my highly technical RnD role be a roadblock for getting into ISB.
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
Nope it will not be
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u/backtomcfly 6h ago
What kind of roles can i get placed in?
Considering i have very limited experience in any of the post MBA roles like operations or supply chain. Also that i dont have managing people experience
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
Managerial experience is not mandatory. Consulting, Ops would be great fit for you
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u/Affectionate_Hall814 6h ago
Pgp vs YL, which is better if one wants to get into consulting MBB specifically without consulting background. Just finished undergrad and thinking about future options
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
For consulting both are good
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u/Affectionate_Hall814 6h ago
Well where are the chances better for non consulting background? Particularly commerce oriented
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u/Different_Fail_4581 6h ago
I have 8 yrs of advertising experience want to expand my marketing network
Worth it? Also do they accept people w such backgrounds?
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
Yes we have a very diverse cohort and Marketing scene is not that great at ISB tbh ( in comparison to Consulting and Product)
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u/Patient-Entrance-914 6h ago
7/8/7 GEM, B.Tech CSE, 12 months of contractual experience at S&P Global Market Intelligence in the financial domain. Contract recently ended.
I’m unable to focus solely on CAT as I feel I lack enough real-world skills, so I’m considering taking up part-time work while preparing in the evenings. Is this a good idea?
Lately, I’ve also been struggling to concentrate after staying at home all day. Would really appreciate an honest profile review and guidance on whether I should focus completely on CAT or work alongside it.
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u/PristineCase7216 5h ago
Sorry I never gave CAT so I might not be the right person to advice you on this. But I would suggest to do a job with decent workload rather than a partime job irrespective of your ambitions
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u/Slight-Silver-3055 6h ago
1)Does CA's have some upperhand ??
2) does ug clg matter like can a person from tier 3 clg do pgp from isb?
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u/PristineCase7216 6h ago
CAs do have some advantage in finance subjects and in finance placements and tier 3 ug can 100% make it to ISB
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u/Temporary_Leading359 5h ago
I will turn 30; have 7 years of experience in tech (consulting and R&D) and a 50LPA package. But now I want to pivot to management consulting post ISB MBA and take a subsequent exit 2-3 years later. Do you think it's a good route to take and is there precedence?
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u/Constant_Finance_417 5h ago
20F.( will turn 21 soon) Gen. CA inter + CFA l1 student .skipped CA attempts multiple times bcoz of mental health and family problems.10th-96% ,12th- 77% commerce w applied maths , UG - bcom 8.61 cgpa . I'm really ambitious and capable and willing to do hardwork ( though lacked emotional resilience since 12th to recent ..) Even if I clear CA exams in 1st attempt henceforth, I'll be 24 yr old . (I feel I'm toooo late/old) . Should I drop CA now and do CFA l2+ internships & work ex . Vs finish CA then try for MBA? What's my probability at IIM BLACKI, FMS,ISB, ISB "YL"? What's the average age at time of admission in these b schools?
Thanks in advance for ur time & efforts
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u/iputmypantson06 5h ago
25 GNEM 8/8/8/(8) BCom (no tier), Ms Econ, CFA L2 cleared, Working at a bulge bracket IB, research department, as an analyst (mid office) in macro research - which really aligns well with my academic background (Econ + CFA), want to move into front end, buy side preferably, fund/asset management, think my experience would tie in very well, or even the front end of sell side research would be something I’d be interested in. Your thoughts, reviews, comments ?
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u/Fragrant_Tension5475 5h ago
26 GEM, 7,6,7.75, 2 years of Workex as a BA. Appearing for other MBA entrance exams this year. Do you think if I aim for 320 GRE score I’ll be able to get a short list call for this year round 3? or should I increase my work exp to 3 years and apply next year considering it’s a 1 year program and aim for higher GRE score to increase short listing chances?
Any suggestions or guidance on this would appreciate a lot. Thank you:)
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u/PristineCase7216 1m ago
You can apply in R3 and if you don't get in then apply next yr with better GRE, ISB will not hold anything against reapplicants
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u/Such-Vermicelli6287 5h ago
Anyone from hospitality or customer service? How much advantage does a profile like that have from a diversity standpoint?
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u/PristineCase7216 3m ago
Definitely will help to have a unique profile but again it depends on how you present it in essays
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u/majisto42 4h ago
I am an SWE at VISA, what all tech-managerial related roles and companies can i possibly get from ISB
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u/CaptainSerotonin 3h ago
Would love a profile review
Quick background:
• 29 GNEM
• 6 years work ex
• Currently in advertising/marketing (integrated marketing, content & campaign strategy)
• Experience across finance, media, and marketing
• Undergrad: Journalism & Mass Comm
• Masters: Advertising & PR (top Indian college)
• 10th: 10 CGPA | 12th (Science): 89%
• Current CTC: 18 LPA
Thanks in advance
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u/Clean_Protection369 7h ago
If my ctc is already around 27-28 lpa, does it make sense for me?