From Code to Case Studies: My PGP YL Story at ISB

Since I can recall, I have been the kind of student who is curious about everything and willing to dive into new challenges. My love for science took me to IIT Jodhpur, where I pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering. Those four years were not just about coding. I discovered the joy of building things from scratch, the power of technology to turn ideas into reality, and my own capacity for leadership.

I founded my department’s computer science society, organised events, and made friends who became my second family. By the time I graduated in 2023, I had a stronger sense of who I was and what I wanted, at least for the next step.

PayPal: Learning Beyond the Code

Right after IIT, I joined PayPal as a software engineer with the GML team. Every day brought fresh challenges, and I was fortunate to have supportive seniors and managers who encouraged both technical and personal growth. Beyond coding, PayPal opened doors to volunteer work, networking, and mentoring, experiences that shaped me far beyond my job description.

Over time, I realised something important. I wanted to understand the bigger picture, not just how technology is built, but how it is applied, scaled, and integrated into the business world. I wanted to accelerate my learning curve, push my personality growth, and build a wider skillset. That is when the PGP YL dream started taking shape.

YL at ISB: The Right Fit at the Right Time

When it came time to decide, I was at a crossroads. With almost two years of experience, should I wait and apply for the one-year PGP? Or should I dive into the Post Graduate Programme for Young Leaders?

The more I spoke to alumni and attended ISB’s pre-application sessions, the clearer it became that PGP YL was the right fit for me. It offered two years of learning and exploration, an internship to test my skills in a real-world setting, and the same alumni network as PGP. The IDEAS and PIVOT Lab caught my attention. Starting sooner simply made sense, so I decided to accept the PGP YL offer.

It has been just two months, and already it feels like a lifetime of experiences packed into one. From inspiring lectures and industry panels to all-nighters for case competitions, resume-building marathons, and spontaneous dance performances for Aikya and Bandhan Launch, it has been a true roller coaster.

One moment that will stay with me forever happened during orientation week. At the end of my dance performance, the lights suddenly went out. For a second, I froze. Then I saw the entire cohort switch on their phone flashlights in unison, cheering me on. That moment, being lifted by the collective energy and support of this group, was unforgettable.

Lessons and Growth: What ISB Has Taught Me So Far

Coming from a tech background, I always found the business side intimidating, especially accounting. One of my main goals at ISB was to bridge that gap. In just one month, thanks to outstanding professors and peer-to-peer learning, I have grown confident in understanding finance and business fundamentals.

What strikes me most in class is how professors do not simply define concepts. They start with real-world examples, build on our ideas, and guide us to those ‘aha’ moments. Even assignments are unconventional, pushing us to think creatively and apply concepts in unexpected ways.

The diversity of the cohort is equally impactful. From engineers and consultants to finance experts, startup founders, lawyers, and doctors, the range of experiences enriches every discussion. The perspectives, energy, and openness here are unlike anything I have experienced before.

Synopsis:

Ridhima Kohli is a B.Tech CSE graduate from IIT Jodhpur who worked for two years as a software engineer at PayPal. Eager to move beyond coding into a broader understanding of technology and business, she chose the PGP YL for its extended learning, internship opportunity, and powerful alumni network.

Two months into the programme, she is already embracing diverse perspectives, building confidence in business fundamentals, and creating lasting memories with her cohort.