1 Minute to Deadline: How I Almost Missed My Shot at ISB

It was sometime in 2021 when my manager gave me a piece of feedback that stuck with me.

“Abhishek, you need to develop your enterprise thinking and business understanding to complement your solid technical knowledge if you want to grow in the leadership echelon.”

That one line brought back a long-buried desire to return to campus-based learning. I began exploring what I really wanted from a B-school experience: Research-based learning, world-class faculty, and the quality of the cohort I’d be sitting with. ISB ticked all the boxes, and my inclination towards it only grew stronger.

But even with that clarity, I didn’t act on it right away. I had become comfortable in my role. Life was stable, and I didn’t want to disturb the balance. So I put the decision on hold, something I came to regret by early 2024.

That was when I finally asked myself, “If not now, then when?”

Continuous learning has always been a core value for me. Whether it came in the form of a degree, a short course, or an intense conversation with someone more experienced, learning has helped me move forward during some of my lowest points, both personally and professionally. That hunger for growth is what eventually pushed me to apply to ISB.

As an avid cyclist, I’ve learned a few things from the sport, especially resilience, patience, and the importance of pushing through resistance.
I decided to apply the same mindset to this journey.

It was already March, and the deadline was September 2024. I assumed I had time. But I completely underestimated how long the essays would take. They ended up consuming the most effort. I submitted my application just one minute before the deadline. If you’re applying to ISB, trust me, start your essays early.

One of the biggest positives during the process was discovering how supportive the ISB alumni network is. One message on LinkedIn was all it took to receive help from someone I had never even spoken to before. I approached the alumni community quite late, mostly because I was hesitant. In hindsight, I wish I had reached out earlier. So if you're considering applying, then don’t hesitate. People genuinely want to help.

The one lingering doubt I had was whether I would fit in. I wasn’t from an engineering background, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I would be able to add value or whether I’d feel out of place. That fear disappeared during our very first course: Accounting Analysis and Information for Executives. 

Many of the examples used were from the pharmaceutical industry, which helped me connect instantly with the material and reaffirmed that my background brought value too.

My expectation of world-class faculty was met right from the start. Professor Mohan Venkatachalam quickly became one of the best teachers I’ve ever learnt from. His clarity, energy, and yes, even his signature funky shirts made the learning experience memorable.

Today, I sit in a classroom filled with an incredibly diverse and talented cohort, including IAS and Army officers, entrepreneurs, tech leads, chartered accountants, and people from every walk of life. It’s inspiring, humbling, and energising all at once. I know this will be a journey worth taking. The connections I make here will last a lifetime.

I believe I’ve made the right plunge at the right time. This is the second turning point in my life. And it comes with the added perk of reliving the buzz of campus life, complete with red-eyed classes and the occasional shot of midnight caffeine.

Synopsis:

Abhishek Choudhary, a Pharmacy post-graduate from BITS Pilani and an avid cyclist, shares his long-awaited journey to ISB’s PGP MAX after years of professional experience and self-reflection. Encouraged by managerial feedback and a desire to return to classroom learning, he navigated the admissions process with last-minute essays and valuable alumni support. His path reflects the application highs, moments of doubt, and the eventual joy of joining a diverse, accomplished cohort at ISB.