Hey there
dv23While ISB admissions do tend to favor applicants with 3-5 years of experience, your profile has some strong elements that could make you a competitive candidate in Round 1 this year.
Here's why:
1.
Strong academic background: Your grades throughout school are impressive, and the research publication adds a unique accomplishment.
2.
Founding member and leadership experience: Leading operations and growing a startup demonstrates initiative and leadership qualities.
3.
Transitioning to Product Management: This trajectory showcases both technical and business acumen, highly valued by business schools.
4.
Relevant certifications: The Blockchain and product management certifications show you're keeping pace with industry trends.
Yes, another year as a Product Manager will surely strengthen your application further. However, your current experience, coupled with your well-rounded profile, shouldn't be underestimated.
Here's the trade-off:
This year (Round 1): You demonstrate ambition and a clear career path. Aim for a strong GMAT score to bolster your application.Next year (Round 1): An extra year allows leadership growth in your PM role and potentially even a promotion.Ultimately, the decision depends on your confidence in achieving a high GMAT score and how quickly you feel you can make an impact in your current role.
Either way, focus on excelling in your current position and consider reaching out to ISB alums and current students for guidance specific to your situation. They can provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Want some personalized insights? Our admissions experts would love to chat with you in a free profile evaluation call. They can offer a more detailed analysis of your fit for ISB and suggest specific strategies to strengthen your application. This free consultation can help you refine your application approach and increase your chances of admission. Click here to schedule your free profile evaluation call.Email:
hasan@mbaandbeyond.comdv23
School:Class X: 9.2 CGPA (CBSE) - 2016
Class XII: 94% (CBSE) - 2018
College (Top 20 NIRF Ranking India):CGPA: 8.9/10 or 3.6/4 - 2022
Research Publication:Research Chapter in European Journal on CBDC (Cryptocurrency) - 2023
Professional Experience:1. Summer Intern at Fintech
2. Head of Operations at Ed-Tech startup [Founding Member] while still being in college - Enrolled more than 100K students for free training, 3000 students for paid courses, handled management for development of 20+ tech and aptitude courses, gained more than 100K subscribers on YT in a year and total 250K subscribers during my tenure, similar number on other social media platforms like LinkedIn and
https://gmatclub.com/chat.
3. Software Developer for a Product at Big 4 for tenure of 1.5 years and subsequently transitioned into Product Owner/Product Manager role currently with 6 months of experience. Will have 1 year of experience as PO/PM before applications.
Certifications:Blockchain Developer Nanodegree
ScaledAgile SAFe Agile Product Manager 6.0
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
Work Achievements:Work related awards
Winner in Blockchain related competition at work
Extracurricular:State Level Table Tennis Player
State Level award for Non Profit Contribution
GMAT: Not yet taken, target 695/705 GMAT FE, equivalent to 750 GMAT Classic.
Quick Question:As I will complete just 2 years of Work Experience by Round 1 applications in 2024 intake, should I apply this year or next year as majority of admissions at ISB involve 3-5 yr work experience. Will 1 more year of work experience as a Product Manager help me make my profile stronger?