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Nishant_2
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admitStreet
@Nishant_2 - some thoughts on your profile:

1. The GPA seems alright, what was your undergrad pedigree (Tier-1, Tier-2, etc.)? Aiming for a strong (ideally 695+) GFE score would be ideal, given the competitive pool at ISB.

2. Work-ex seems interesting, given the BNP brand. Any promotions? Would like to understand your achievements/ strengths etc. better to assess the professional arc. The move to PM (tech) seems rational, but it would be crucial to have a strong narrative indicating your skillset gaps and how/ why an MBA now makes sense.

3. Regarding ECs, quality matter more than quantity. Recent and consistent involvement across select activities, aligned to your profile and goals, would be valued.

Hope this helps a bit.
­
Regards,
Arvind­


 
­Thanks Arvind.

My undergrad was from a Tier 3 college.

I've had 2 promotions at BNP, technically one though. Recieved PPO during internship and then received another promotion this year. Regardging achievements at work, despite being an Individual Contributor, I've almost lead the technical aspects of the project I work on. I've also provided guidance to other teams in the department on numerous occassions which has been highlighted in my performance reviews as well. I'm sure my letter of recommendations would reflect that part. 

The move to PM is based on my recent experiences only. Despite being an IC, I've been working more as a lead and I see potential in myself to thrive in that role and would like to capitalize on it. I have a little bit functional knowledge of finance as well given my industry but it doesn't appeal to me that much, so I don't want to get into finance which I figure I wouldn't enjoy doing later on. Consulting might be a good fit but I don't know at this point in time. I want to enjoy what I do and I really like my current work so I think I'd be better off targeting PM in tech rather than some other industry.

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Nishant_2

admitStreet
@Nishant_2 - some thoughts on your profile:

1. The GPA seems alright, what was your undergrad pedigree (Tier-1, Tier-2, etc.)? Aiming for a strong (ideally 695+) GFE score would be ideal, given the competitive pool at ISB.

2. Work-ex seems interesting, given the BNP brand. Any promotions? Would like to understand your achievements/ strengths etc. better to assess the professional arc. The move to PM (tech) seems rational, but it would be crucial to have a strong narrative indicating your skillset gaps and how/ why an MBA now makes sense.

3. Regarding ECs, quality matter more than quantity. Recent and consistent involvement across select activities, aligned to your profile and goals, would be valued.

Hope this helps a bit.
­
Regards,
Arvind­



 
­Thanks Arvind.

My undergrad was from a Tier 3 college.

I've had 2 promotions at BNP, technically one though. Recieved PPO during internship and then received another promotion this year. Regardging achievements at work, despite being an Individual Contributor, I've almost lead the technical aspects of the project I work on. I've also provided guidance to other teams in the department on numerous occassions which has been highlighted in my performance reviews as well. I'm sure my letter of recommendations would reflect that part. 

The move to PM is based on my recent experiences only. Despite being an IC, I've been working more as a lead and I see potential in myself to thrive in that role and would like to capitalize on it. I have a little bit functional knowledge of finance as well given my industry but it doesn't appeal to me that much, so I don't want to get into finance which I figure I wouldn't enjoy doing later on. Consulting might be a good fit but I don't know at this point in time. I want to enjoy what I do and I really like my current work so I think I'd be better off targeting PM in tech rather than some other industry.
 
­Thanks for the update Nishant, makes sense. It's perfectly fine to have a plan-A and plan-B (post MBA, or even pre, if you decide to switch). As long as your moves/ plans are proactive, logical and demonstrate growth, B-schools would value it.

All the best!
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Nishant_2
­Hi everyone,

I'm seeking feedback on my profile for applying to ISB for 2025 Intake. Here's a brief overview:

Indian Male Engineer, I guess that puts me in an over represented bracket.

Undergraduate: B.Tech in CS, GPA: 7.3

Work Experience: 2 yrs and 3 months. Software Engineer at BNP Paribas. Recently led one of the group's initiative in my project which was then followed/ is being followed by rest of the teams in the department.

GMAT: Haven't taken yet. Its due in first week of July though. I've been getting constant scores around 695-725 in the official mocks so I'm hoping that I'll get 685 at least in the official test if all goes well.

Extracurricular: Wasn't involved heavily during undergraduate which I now understand is a disadvantage on my end but I've been working with a child rights NGO for about 6 months and since last month I've been leading and runing one of the teams there.

Short term Goal: Move to PM in tech.
Long term Goal: I'm no longer sure tbh. My instinct says to start an NGO or work for one as long as I'm financially secure.

Thanks
 ­
­Hello Nishant_2,

Thanks for writing in.

Good to see your consistent career trajectory with the company complete with promotions and opportunities for leadership. Your recent involvement on the extra-curricular front and not in a volunteering capacity alone is a good point, as well.

We see you have a good chance at garnering an interview call provided you attain your target GMAT score (ideally aim for a 695+), aptly highlight the strengths in your profile, and showcase your goals in a logical manner (the short-term goals are in sync; however, the long-term goals do not appear to be very convincing at the moment).

The following video will help you with the ISB essays. While this is from the last season, the approach will broadly remain the same:



All the best!
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Nishant_2
­Hi everyone,

I'm seeking feedback on my profile for applying to ISB for 2025 Intake. Here's a brief overview:

Indian Male Engineer, I guess that puts me in an over represented bracket.

Undergraduate: B.Tech in CS, GPA: 7.3

Work Experience: 2 yrs and 3 months. Software Engineer at BNP Paribas. Recently led one of the group's initiative in my project which was then followed/ is being followed by rest of the teams in the department.

GMAT: Haven't taken yet. Its due in first week of July though. I've been getting constant scores around 695-725 in the official mocks so I'm hoping that I'll get 685 at least in the official test if all goes well.

Extracurricular: Wasn't involved heavily during undergraduate which I now understand is a disadvantage on my end but I've been working with a child rights NGO for about 6 months and since last month I've been leading and runing one of the teams there.

Short term Goal: Move to PM in tech.
Long term Goal: I'm no longer sure tbh. My instinct says to start an NGO or work for one as long as I'm financially secure.

Thanks
 ­
­Hi Nishant, 

I'd say, it will be important for you to differentiate yourself among your own pool: Software engineers who are on a PM track. The good thing is you have a good brand in BNP. the finer detail is - what exactly do you do there, what achievements have you had? what impact have you created. Its lovely to know that your project is being followed by the rest of the team, but more details will help here- what is the value created? did it save time, effort, costs? Similar questions would apply to all your other achievements as well.
Your PM goal aligns well with your career so far. the banking industry has aggressively adopted technology- so you can definitely build a case for yourself around the same industry (or even other industries for that matter). I am not convinced with the LT goal. why do you need to wait for another 10-15 years before you start helping other people? Volunteering at an NGO can be an ongoing activity alongside your career. If you earn enough wealth, you can continue to support causes without giving up on your tech career and possibly become a philanthropist in your own right. Even from an application perspective, it will be hard to sell this pitch considering that you only started to volunteer 6 months ago.
That said, the NGO experience is good to have in the application, so continue to build on it. Secondly, if you are leading teams and projects there, it will give you a chance to strengthen your leadership skills which will also help in the MBA application and the interview.

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: contact@mbadecoder.com
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation
Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011

 ­
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Quote:

The move to PM is based on my recent experiences only. Despite being an IC, I've been working more as a lead and I see potential in myself to thrive in that role and would like to capitalize on it. I have a little bit functional knowledge of finance as well given my industry but it doesn't appeal to me that much, so I don't want to get into finance which I figure I wouldn't enjoy doing later on. Consulting might be a good fit but I don't know at this point in time. I want to enjoy what I do and I really like my current work so I think I'd be better off targeting PM in tech rather than some other industry.

 
You have built a good case for product management - if thats what makes you excited to wake up every morning and go to work, then stick with that. I'd say, rather than eliminate career options, go one the one that makes you most happy.

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: contact@mbadecoder.com
Profile evaluation: https://mbadecoder.com/services/free-pr ... valuation/
Helping MBA Aspirants secure admission to their dream programs since 2011
­
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Hi - you need to iron our your goals before the application.

Your profile looks competitive, and if you get a 685, you should be a good candidate for ISB. rest depends on your essays, and application material.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions: https://bit.ly/GM_AugAcd_Profile_Evaluation

Best,
Karthik
Nishant_2
­Hi everyone,

I'm seeking feedback on my profile for applying to ISB for 2025 Intake. Here's a brief overview:

Indian Male Engineer, I guess that puts me in an over represented bracket.

Undergraduate: B.Tech in CS, GPA: 7.3

Work Experience: 2 yrs and 3 months. Software Engineer at BNP Paribas. Recently led one of the group's initiative in my project which was then followed/ is being followed by rest of the teams in the department.

GMAT: Haven't taken yet. Its due in first week of July though. I've been getting constant scores around 695-725 in the official mocks so I'm hoping that I'll get 685 at least in the official test if all goes well.

Extracurricular: Wasn't involved heavily during undergraduate which I now understand is a disadvantage on my end but I've been working with a child rights NGO for about 6 months and since last month I've been leading and runing one of the teams there.

Short term Goal: Move to PM in tech.
Long term Goal: I'm no longer sure tbh. My instinct says to start an NGO or work for one as long as I'm financially secure.

Thanks
 ­
­
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Hi,

I gave the GMAT and scored way below my expectations i.e., 645. I want to retake the exam but there are too many obstacles for me to take it before ISB R1 deadline i.e. Sep' 15. I would have to completely re arrange my travel schedule to give it before Sept 15.

Does it make sense to apply in R2 given the basic background of my profile?