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MBA & ISB
BITS, PilaniAug 2006
Agenda
Why an MBA When MBA Why ISB What ISB looks for Application Requirements/Procedure Application Deadlines Tips for ISB/MBA with work-ex Answers to some FAQs
Why do an MBA
To “understand a way of thinking" and not to “learn a set of financial/management tools/skills"
Case studies bring up business dilemmas for which a best plan has to be formulated
Trains the mind to think in a particular way Tools are important but are the means to an end
To build a strong network To understand business/world better Accelerate your career To have fun! Some reasons why NOT to do an MBA
Get more salary (at least, let it not be the ONLY reason! ) Do “strategy work”
When MBA?
There is no one answer Post BITS with work experience: Let the environment
you are in help you decide Question yourself at regular intervals What will I be doing at my workplace in the next one year? Am I learning interesting things at my work? Am I working to my potential? Am I being challenged? Am I happy and enjoying myself at work? Is my career progressing or has it stagnated? Do I see my career moving towards a stage where an MBA
will give me an edge? If you contemplate a job change, decide whether you want
a new job or an MBA
Why ISB? One Year Program
Allows faster return to workplace Does not compromise on intensity, contact points etc.
World Class Faculty Drawn from top B-schools across the world Often are renowned gurus in their respective fields
Global & Constantly Updated Curriculum Study incorporates latest, cutting-edge research of faculty
Experienced, diverse and high quality peer group Learnings from interacting/debating with entrepreneurs,
doctors, lawyers, army majors, engineers, CAs Campus Facilities
Comparable to top B-schools in the world Lateral Placements/Career Shifts
What ISB Admissions looks for?
Leadership Potential Demonstrated leadership qualities in life/academics/career Primarily determined through recommendations/essays
Diversity “What distinguishes you from your applicant pool?”
Work Experience Minimum 2 years expected Again, can be because of life/academics/career etc. Quality/”Richness” matters Visible career progression demonstrates
focus/maturity/drive Academic/Extra curricular Achievements
Rigorous program requires good academic orientation Under/Post grad school, CGPA, rank etc. matter
GMAT Score/CAT Score (Provisional)
Application Requirements/Procedure
Eligibility: Undergrad + 2 yrs work ex. preferred Apply to ISB with
Personal Essays Critical Assessment of Self Career Goals – Why ISB Teamwork example & learnings Instance of failure & learnings from experience Role Model Leader (Some essays change but first two are usually constant)
Resume GMAT Score Two Recommendations Transcripts, certificates etc.
Selected candidates go through an interview
Application Deadlines
Typically two cycles
Cycle 1 Cycle 2
Application Deadline
1-Nov 07-Jan
Offer Decision 31-Dec 28-Feb
Acceptance Decision
15-Jan 15-Mar Apply early – preferably in the first cycle
Tips for ISB ISB & BITS have a very good relationship
ISB encourages BITSian applications Separate info-session held for BITSians
Application Think through your application - do serious self-introspection Be sincere and honest Evaluators look for a tight & convincing story
Recommendations Go for managers/direct supervisors if possible Other choices: Customer contacts, previous managers etc.
Interview First impressions matter! Normally, interviews are used to test weaker areas of
application Have a “Plan B”
Tips for MBA with work-ex
As “potential applicants” you have unique advantage Yet to enter the corporate world - so can choose a career
that Brings diversity Brings richness of work experience
Allows you to shape your career from a MBA perspective Understand areas in application where you need to improve
Use industry exposure platforms like PS-2 effectively Corollary: Understand strengths and bring them out better
“Reflect” on workplace happenings to gather insights Again, use PS-2 effectively
Network at BITS and in your workplace Your network will be your strength – always!
