Indian School of Business (ISB) – Sample PGP Admission Essays

ISB Essay Sample 1

Please give three reasons why ISB should admit you into the class of 2010. These reasons should ideally differentiate you from your competition (300 words)

As a 10-year-old, I once stood third in annual solo dance competition at School. While the success did bring in a feeling of elation, my father who has always been a go-getter remarked “You should now aim for #1. Keep aiming higher and always be among the best of the best in whatever you do”. I have lived by the statement ever since. As a student, I have excelled in State-level (H.S.C, Rank 40th), University level (M.Com, Rank 2nd) and All-India level (C.A, Rank 47th) examinations. As a finance professional, I started from elementary taxation and accounting roles and now actuate more than US$ 10 Million in corporate funding for clients at ABC. Awarded twice at work, I have also excelled in other spheres – in social service (Rotary Organization) and in extra-curriculars.

ISB Essay Sample 2

You are contesting the election to be the President of the ISB Student Body. Write a speech you will deliver to the student body on why they should elect you as the President?

Fellow-students, it is my pleasure to be a part of the distinguished ISB student community and bring forth my ideas for the ISB Student Body. I have always believed in the power of “collective passion and commitment” – an extra-ordinary force that comes to life when people collectively commit to and move towards a vision. As a manager with ABC Inc. Corporate Financing Division, I was told that my newly formed team of ##, would barely reach a ### Crore sales target. My “Newbie” team did ### Crores and created a record as yet unbroken. We took it up as a challenge and actually enjoyed every moment of it.

ISB Essay Sample 3

Where do you see yourself 3 years down the line after graduating from ISB

My career goals evolved right during my schooling years when my father would mentor me towards (a) developing as an all-rounder and (b) investing time to know what I was best at. The multi-tasking developed a certain degree of mental discipline; I was also quick to realize my passion for software technology and developed expertise in software languages (C++ and Java). After graduating with Rank #5, I have developed computer software for achieving a range of business goals – be it cost savings or productivity or competitive advantage. I have learnt to work with and lead teams and have creatively re-aligned processes/workflow for swift execution.

ISB Essay Sample 4

You have been appointed to head the team to build a dam across the River Zumba. Success in this project is critical for your company and would earn you a promotion. Failure would mean that your company would be bankrupt and will take along with it, its investors and its employees. Building a dam across the river would result in deforestation of a portion of the rain-forests and would mean relocation of the tribals and destabilization of wild life at Zumba. There is resistance from environmental groups against your project. You are meeting the head of the resistance movement in one hour wherein you would have to explain your decision. Describe what you would do and why? (You will be evaluated on the creativity and practicality of your solution).  (300 words max)

I believe that the current stand-off related to the Zumba River Dam Project is due to a Win-Loose situation. The resistance movements (tribals and environmentalists) foresee an environmental damage and destabilization of life – which is a “loss” for them. Unless the other side does not sense a “win”, it will lead to a “loose-loose” situation whereby the project would have to be terminated.