RaghavRohith
Hello All.
I am planning to apply to ISB this year.
A short overview of my background.
10th - 9.7 CGPA
12th - 96.5%
UG from a tier 2 Deemed university - 7.95 CGPA
Currently Working as a cybersecurity consultant for IBM and will be completing 2 years of work experience next month.
I wanted to know if there would be any kind of weightage /advantage in the ISB application process if I have relevant certifications from Udemy, OReilly etc.
Also, what would be the impact of the ISB’ Product Management online course on the application?
Gmat 710
RaghavRohithCertifications can add value to your application if they are relevant to your field of work and/ or your post-MBA goals. Let's look at these separately:
Certifications relevant to your current/ past field of work: Particularly the ones that align with the skills and knowledge required in your work domains. For example, a reputed certification in the specific area you specialize in within IBM can demonstrate your thought-leadership within that domain. However, to make it more compelling for a B-school application, highlight the practical application of these certifications, such as projects or initiatives where you applied the skills gained from the certifications.
Certifications relevant to your post-MBA goals: Please clarify what your post-MBA goals are i.e. target sector, function, and ideally also target companies/ roles. If Product Management is your post-MBA goal, ISB's Product Management online course can add value to your application. It can demonstrate both your interest in Product Management and your determination to develop the right skills. Furthermore, I suggest gaining more practical exposure if possible. For example, try to pick up cross-functional projects at your work where you can get exposure to Product Management, or even interact more with Product Managers to learn about the function. Also try to participate in Product Management seminars/ workshops, network with PMs (ideally ISB alumni, as this point can further strengthen your essays) etc. This, in my view, can add more weight to your application than just certifications.
I am hosting a webinar on 14th July with Deepti Gupta, a Google Product Manager/ Leader and an ISB alumna - please join if it interests you. We will cover topics including B-school applications, careers in Product Management & Consulting, etc. Register (free) at
https://bit.ly/admitstreet_webinarRegards,
Arvind
HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer
W:
https://admitstreet.com | E:
[email protected] | M: +(91)-974-126-3950