ISB MBA Essays

Question

Are you dreaming of pursuing an MBA from the prestigious Indian School of Business (ISB)? If so, crafting compelling essays is a crucial step in your application process. ISB's essays are designed to provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of your personality, goals, and fit with their program. In this blog post, we'll delve into the key elements of ISB MBA essays and offer valuable tips to help you stand out.

Understanding ISB's Focus

ISB is renowned for its emphasis on "Global Leadership." This philosophy highlights their commitment to fostering leaders who can navigate the complexities of the global business landscape. When writing your essays, keep this in mind and showcase how your experiences and aspirations align with ISB's values.

Tips for Writing Effective Essays

Be authentic.  Let your true personality shine through in your writing. 
  Show, Don't Tell:  Use vivid examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. 
  Proofread Carefully:  Ensure your essays are free of grammatical errors and typos. 
  Seek Feedback:  Ask friends, family, or mentors to review your essays and provide constructive criticism.

Example Essays

Variation 1

Essay 1: Contemplate situations that have shaped your personal journey. Present what these situations have taught you about your strengths and weaknesses, and how they have shaped your personal and professional journey. (400 words)

Throughout my life, a few key situations have profoundly shaped my personal and professional journey, teaching me valuable lessons about my strengths and weaknesses.

One such situation occurred during my final year of college when I was elected as the president of a student organization. This role was my first real taste of leadership, and it came with significant challenges. I quickly realized that leading a group of diverse individuals with different opinions and approaches was far more difficult than I had anticipated. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility, especially when conflicts arose within the group. However, this experience taught me that one of my strengths is my ability to stay calm under pressure. I found that by listening to each person’s concerns and working to find common ground, I could help the group navigate disagreements and move forward. At the same time, I became aware of a key weakness: my tendency to take on too much responsibility myself, often struggling to delegate tasks effectively. This experience highlighted the importance of trusting others and empowering them to contribute, a lesson I’ve carried into my professional life.

Another defining moment came during my first job after graduation, where I worked as a marketing coordinator for a small company. I was excited about the opportunity, but I quickly discovered that the role required me to be much more proactive and self-directed than I had expected. There was little guidance from my supervisors, and I often had to figure things out on my own. Initially, I found this daunting and felt uncertain about my ability to succeed. However, I learned that I am resourceful and can thrive in situations where I need to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges. This experience strengthened my confidence and taught me the value of being independent and taking initiative. On the flip side, I also realized that I sometimes hesitate to ask for help when I need it, out of fear of appearing incompetent. Over time, I’ve learned that seeking advice and collaboration is not a sign of weakness but a path to growth.

These experiences have shaped me into someone who values both independence and collaboration. They’ve taught me to recognize and build on my strengths, while also addressing my weaknesses. As I move forward in my career, I continue to strive for a balance between taking initiative and seeking support, knowing that both are essential for personal and professional growth.

Essay 2: What intellectual experiences have influenced your approach to learning and have led you to pursue an MBA? Please describe using anecdotes from your own experiences. (400 words)

One of the most significant moments in my journey happened during my undergraduate studies. I was part of a team working on a project to create a sustainable business model for a local non-profit. This was completely new to me—I had never worked on anything that combined business with social good. Initially, I felt out of my depth, especially when it came to understanding market trends and consumer behavior. But as I collaborated with my teammates, who came from different fields of study, I realized how powerful it was to bring together different perspectives. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of teamwork and learning from others. It also sparked my interest in business and strategy, which has stayed with me ever since.

After finishing my degree, I worked as a project manager at a tech startup. The job was fast-paced and often stressful, requiring me to make quick decisions that balanced technical details with business needs. I quickly learned how crucial it was to communicate complex ideas in a way that made sense to everyone, from engineers to clients. This role taught me the value of clear communication and strategic thinking. It also made me realize how much I enjoyed being at the intersection of technology and business, which is one of the main reasons I decided to pursue an MBA.

Another important experience was a leadership development program I participated in. Through this program, I gained a deeper understanding of the human side of business—how emotions, communication, and team dynamics can impact success. One workshop, in particular, focused on emotional intelligence and its role in leadership. It struck me how vital it is for leaders to be aware of and manage not just their own emotions but also those of their team members. This experience solidified my belief that good leadership is about more than just making smart business decisions; it’s also about being empathetic and understanding the people you work with.

These experiences have taught me that learning is a lifelong process that involves both gaining knowledge and understanding people. They have led me to pursue an MBA, where I hope to continue growing, both professionally and personally, by learning from others and applying what I learn to make a positive impact in the business world.

Essay 3 :  Given your previous experience and future aspirations, 50 words

how do you plan to use the PGP at ISB to fulfil your professional goals? 200 words

Note: It is   not   necessary for you to write this essay. Please use this space only if there is something really significant that you would like us to know. 250

Leveraging my four-year experience in the TMT domain (telecom, media, and technology) with an MBA, I aspire to be a Consultant and eventually, a Partner with MBB specializing in SaaS, Hardware, and AI in the long term. I plan to focus on consulting in Technological Assessments, Strategic planning, and due diligence. With this in focus, ISB will upskill me in technology-led transformations and their impacts on the economy.

The ABC Center research environment would foster my goals and aspirations in building and leading a TMT practice. Connecting with industry leaders participating in speaker series and the advisory board from leading tech companies would help me build my knowledge and network with industry and academia. Affiliated faculty with this research center, like Shilpa Agarwal and Anusha Sirigiri, across the Economics and Strategy disciplines, would allow me to interact and research emerging digital and tech topics.

ISB’s collaboration with Kellogg, LBS, and MIT would give me deep insights into all aspects of the networked economy, like Economics & public policy, Strategy, and entrepreneurship, supported by Vikrant Vij and Harbir Singh.

Besides, the ISB ELP initiative would provide me with an opportunity to work on business problems, from writing proposals to researching and generating insights.

ISB’s strong alumni network will help me connect with like-minded people to achieve my aspirations. I look forward to the holistic PGP at ISB with its 360-degree growth encompassing the Experiential Learning Program, global collaborations, and collaborative initiatives.

Reapplicant Essay (if applicable)

Prompt:  Please use this space to explain significant improvements in your profile since your last application to the ISB PGP. (200 words)

Since my last application to the ISB PGP, I have focused on making significant improvements in both my professional skills and personal growth.

Professionally, I took on a more challenging role at my company, where I led a team on a critical project aimed at expanding our market presence. This project not only required me to develop a deeper understanding of market dynamics but also pushed me to enhance my leadership and decision-making skills. I successfully led the team to achieve our targets ahead of schedule, which resulted in a 15% increase in our market share. This experience has given me greater confidence in my ability to lead and deliver results under pressure.

On the personal front, I have worked on improving my communication skills, particularly in public speaking and presentation. I joined a local Toastmasters club, where I regularly practice and receive feedback. This has helped me become more confident and effective in conveying my ideas, a skill that I know will be crucial in an MBA program and beyond.

These improvements have strengthened my profile, and I am now even more motivated and prepared to contribute to and benefit from the ISB PGP program.

Conclusion

Crafting compelling ISB MBA essays requires careful thought, planning, and self-reflection. By understanding ISB's focus, addressing the key essay components, and following the tips provided, you can increase your chances of gaining admission to this prestigious program. Remember, the goal is to present a well-rounded picture of yourself that showcases your potential as a future global leader.

Feeling stuck in your ISB journey?  Need guidance to progress?   Book a free profile evaluation with us today   and get the clarity you need to move forward with confidence!

Bhargu999 · Answer

This essay 2 is last year's right?
This year essay 2 is different... can you give essay sample for this year's essay 2??

ISHAAN96 · Answer

All these are last year's essay topics.

Posted from my mobile device

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Updated . Thanks for the feedback

Ungratefulsaint · Answer

Insightful <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/1f44d-1f3fb.png" class="forumSmileyItem" width="20" height="20" alt=":thumbsup:" title="Thumbup" />

Sanchit1256 · Answer

Maybe a noob question .  MBAandBeyond

How can I apply my past experiences to make the most of my time at ISB?

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Drawing on your past experiences at ISB can set you apart and help you achieve your goals. Apply your skills and industry knowledge in class, projects, and networking. Use your professional connections and engage in peer learning. Set clear goals, focus on skill development through electives, and take on leadership roles. Mentor others, connect with the ISB community and alumni, customize your learning path, reflect on your progress, and seek feedback to maximize your success.

Zola145 · Answer

Thanks for much needed help

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Glad it was helpful

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