Expectations from ISB - Job Profile/Career

MBA
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Hi Everyone, Now that the results from ISB have started to roll in, and many of us (including me) know that they will be attending ISB, I thought it would be good to have an idea of what everyone’s aspirations are going into ISB. More importa…

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Hi Everyone,

Now that the results from ISB have started to roll in, and many of us (including me) know that they will be attending ISB, I thought it would be good to have an idea of what everyone's aspirations are going into ISB. More importantly I would like to have a discussion on what people's current job profiles are and where they expect themselves to be post ISB. It would help many of us set their expectations right and also give us a feel of what's achievable and what's plain fantasy. It would be helpful to those who are planning a drastic career switch as well...

I will start: I have a BTech and an MS and two years of work ex in Consulting. Post ISB I would like to get into Strategy Consulting or Investment Banking. I am of course keeping my options open as my thought process will likely get modified during the course of the program.

Your turn :-)

- Himanshu

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Himansu,

I am sorry If I am going slightly off-track with my post. Like you, I also would like to pursue MBA in Investment Banking.
However let me clarify here that I gave my GMAT on 28th of Dec and got a 680 (Q48,V35). I am little disappointed that I didn't cross the 700 barrier. Ofcourse, I am aiming to start school in 2008. I will also be applying at Columbia and possibly in Duke. And yes ofcourse Wharton. Yeah, I know I don't have a chance !!

I have done B.E. Electrical from Govt. College of Engineering with 64.5% and had been consistent in that range for all the 4 years.
I have around 10 years of experience in IT field out which last 6 years have been in US. All my projects in US have been in pharmaceutical industry. So its weird that I am looking into Investment Banking. I guess the reason is my active involvement in stock markets and interest in business and economics in general. Along with my friends, I attempted at starting a venture in IT but we failed miserably.

Coming back to ISB, I like the one year format, but not sure whether my work profile and GMAT score is enough to get the adcoms attention to my application.

I would like to know what others think about this switch from pure IT to Investment Banking. Also, I am curious to know about people who have done this switch and their success rate-in terms of placement-after completing the course in ISB or elsewhere.

I will surely update the thread with all the answers I get with my research outside of this forum.

Any thoughts?

MK
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mk2320 Says
Coming back to ISB, I like the one year format, but not sure whether my work profile and GMAT score is enough to get the adcoms attention to my application.


Higher GMAT would be better. If you started a venture and failed - that may add to diversity in the class profile (or did you mean you tried to start it and failed?)

btw - there's the B-School Assistance Desk thread. Post there.
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Calvin,

Thank you for the advice. We had the venture running for about 6 months after which we had to fold it up. In hindsight, we got a good exit option were the whole team was hired by another company.

Yes, I am seriously considering to retake the test. But I feel I need to prove to myself that I can do better. Obviously disappointed, I am little low on confidence. I hope to take a gap of one week and take it from there.

I will definitely check the other board that you mentioned.

Thanks again

MK

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Guys,

I could not help share my views on the question about expectations from ISB. Like 99% of MBA aspirants, I have had my share of calculations on excel about ROI, salary post MBA etc, average salary etc. At the risk of sounding like a "preacher", I finally concluded that I do not want to look at the MBA as an investment. Instead I want to treat it as an expense. Just like when I go to a movie or a restaurent. A very expensive vacation.. Am i crazy? Trust me. There is much much more to an MBA than the short term salary gains.

Our generation will probably live till 100. and have careers spanning 50 years. The most significant phases (in terms of impact potential or earning potential) of our careers will start probably ten years from now.. An MBA will not make me a money making machine overnight. I expect a modest salary gain from a PGP at ISB, something that will just match my non-MBA peer's salary in 2008.

However, I would be dissapointed if I do not achieve the following 3 from ISB:-
1. A network of individuals, parts of whose personalities I would like to emulate.
2. The big picture about business... from where value is created to where it is used. I want to know everything about everything about money.
3. Credibility for myself. I want to see how much I can stretch myself to. I have never been a "topper" in my life. I want to find out whether it was destiny or my laziness.. :-)

In more pragmatic terms, I would be happy if I end up with a 25% increase in my salary after ISB, provided I get the above 3 takeaways. My hunch is that if I chase these 3 goals, salaries that I deserve will come anyway.

If you want numbers, then I (with 7+ years of exp), would be happy to get a 12-13 lac salary. Of course, more the better.

cheers,
C

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Chandan I really appreciate your thoughts about and expectation from an ISB MBA program. Its good to know that you are looking at ISB MBA as an experience that will not only enrich your personality but also challenge some of you past limitations :-). This really shows about your maturity.
Knowing your thoughts and aspirations I would say you are really looking at ISB as investement rather than an expense as you mentioned. You are looking to achieve 3 goals which will have long term impacts. And to achieve that you are going to spend a huge amount of money and a good amount time from your career which is already on a fast lane.. both combined its a huge price... In true sense you are investing.

It would be really nice to share thoughts and ideas with you at ISB... hope to see you soon.

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Hi...Guys,

By the way, Himanshu, this is a great thread. Gives us an opportunity to discuss and get our heads clear on the task ahead. Thanks ....:-)

Was going through chandan's message and couldnt help posting my views on the same.

At the risk of sounding a bit bookish, treating the ISB program as a quick step up in salary can be very risky!!!!! it takes away the focus from the primary task - to build on one's existing knowldege and skill sets. Having said that, 'Strategically, what domains does one build knowledge and skills on ?' I think the answer to the above lies in finding answers to a few but very important questions -----
1 ) What industry am i likely to feel satisfied in - this would constitute the product/ service, working culture & environment, learning / development potential and ofcourse industry salary level.
2) From a career stand point, a SWOT of oneself and a thorough understanding of existing knowledge level , skill sets and personality traits. Do these factors complement the preferred industry decision factors ( mentioned in 1 ) ?
3 ) What are the gaps that need to be filled inorder to achieve long term success in the preferred industry ? gaps would constitute - experience, theoretical knowledge, softer skill and personality traits.

Unlike freshers who join MBA program clueless of what they want ( money typically is the only factor), we guys with reasonable levels of experience should use ISB as a platform to fill in these gaps. By doing so, not only are we assured a quick step up in salary but we also lay a strong foundation necessary for long term success in the industry.

This has been the thought process that i have followed and hopefully it helps you guys. Going with the flow is a sure recipe to disaster.

Cheers ...Guys.
Meet you all on April 14th. Am currently based in Dubai and am very unsure of hyderabad as a place. Hope it is a fun place as well. Anybody with some interesting info on hyderabad ? pubs, entertainmnet..etc....

Ciao.
Roger

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Nice flow of opinions.

It is no doubt one has to set eye on the long term. But my case and if I can take the liberty, Himanshu's case is more specific.

Both of us are looking at shift from IT to a specific stream of Finance. At the same time we are attracted by the one year program of ISB as compared to the standard two yearprogam .

I am seeking information about effectiveness(value) of one year program with Investment Banking as specialization in terms of number of offers made in the short history of ISB.

Any information is highly appreciated.

Thank you

MK.

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Is'nt the internet such a wonderful thing? Five year ago, who could have imagined that one can literally have a chat with people spread across the globe (Dubai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Philadelhia)..

I see your point. Of course, a ship needs to have a direction in which to sail. Without clear direction, all the worlds positive thoughts and will power will still not get one to one's goal.

I am interested in management consulting. I have to admit that I am a confused person in this matter. Coz, a few months earlier it was investment banking which attracted me. I did some self analysis and found that "synthesizing" or "joining the dots" is my forte. Probably i am not the best number cruncher.

I have no clue how well ISB fares in terms of making students change from IT to Finance. From what I heard from friends, it is possible but requires heavy hard work in academics. Some have done it. I guess if somebody can, then why not you. I would reccomend you to check out a CFA certification. It is a 3 level programme. Even a Level 1 can give some benefit. Ask experts in the 27-35 years range on the Finance changeover. Dont ask too senior ppl (their perspectives might be biased, MBA aspirants (coz they are as confused as we are). Instead MBAs who ve done it in recent years are the best bet.

Dudes,
I am looking fwd to discussions on the pro and cons and industry expectations of the 2 career choices. (Mgt Consulting & IB & IT Consulting). And I would encourage folks to post their views without inhibition.

Lookin fwd to meet all of you beautiful minds.

cheers,
C

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I have no clue how well ISB fares in terms of making students change from IT to Finance. From what I heard from friends, it is possible but requires heavy hard work in academics. Some have done it. I guess if somebody can, then why not you. I would reccomend you to check out a CFA certification. It is a 3 level programme. Even a Level 1 can give some benefit. Ask experts in the 27-35 years range on the Finance changeover. Dont ask too senior ppl (their perspectives might be biased, MBA aspirants (coz they are as confused as we are). Instead MBAs who ve done it in recent years are the best bet.

Dudes,
I am looking fwd to discussions on the pro and cons and industry expectations of the 2 career choices. (Mgt Consulting & IB & IT Consulting). And I would encourage folks to post their views without inhibition.



Congrats to everyone who has made it to ISB. It is a great school considering employability post-MBA

However, I would be very circumspect on the shift part - IT to IBank. I really am curious to know if *anyone* has done it in the past from ISB. There are various reasons for this. The top 3 reasons:

(a) It is a 1-year course. Lets be frank mid-way you are already thinking about placements and there is very little scope for shifting industries esp with no summers etc.

(b) There is little you bring to the table in terms of actual real-world tangible skills. There is a guy called hellojp somewhere else. He has been working on finance domain for 6+yrs, with experience investing in BSE and some certificates in finance. If he goes for a 2year course in a top Bschool he has the best chance. Not with 4yrs exp in say security domain and then suddenly coming up with a plan to do an MBA and switching over to finance. As an IBank company I would look at atleast some background. A 1-year MBA affords you little opportunity to do so.

(c) I don't think the top IBanks flock to ISB. I might be wrong. Atleast that is my perception. It is *not* a Columbia, Wharton, Harvard. Brining in part-time faculties from there does not make it comparable. So if the pigeon-hole is small, your chance becomes bleaker.

My $0.02 on this IT to IBank shift thoughts.

Arun

PS: For the records I dinged ISB in 2006 but this is *not* a case of sour grapes
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I think the career switch would be much easier for people with 2-4 years of exp. Companies can recruit them at a junior position for a diversity factor. For people with greater than 5 years exp, it would be a tough job to switch careers.

Also mgmt consulting is a bit different from hard core investment banking and FMCG careers. Moving from IT to mgmt consulting for a senior person can not be termed as 180 degree career switch, since they would have some mgmt and team and decision making skills already.

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Guys,

How r u all doing..? by the way, nobody replied to my query on how hyderabad is as a place....

A lot of us seem to be having queries on IT to banking career switch. In continuation with the same, I will reiterate amits opinion and say that one's experience level in previous industries will certainly determine the difficulty involved in making a career switch.

'would you already be termed by recruiters as an industry specialist ? '. 'Would the recruiters consider you as a person who might need to unlearn previous experience ?'. In my opinion, If you have spent over 4 yrs in a particular industry, career shift might be a risky proposition at ISB and probably even at the IIM's.

Having said that, let us just take note of career switch possibilities for a person who has about 3 yrs work ex and make a comparison between the IIM 2 yr and ISB.

IIM's
Positives - A brand name that has withstood test of time
Negatives - 2 yr course, Most companies come for recruitment of freshers, very few lateral placements.

ISB -
Positives - 1 yr course, Most companies come for lateral placements ( which is by the way a huge lacuna from an organisations perspective), placements as i understand has been much better than IIM's
Negative - long term sustainance of the brand is probably a question mark, more expensive.

Looking at the above, in my opinion, your chances of making a career shift through IIM's in most likely hood will be at an entry level. since there would be competition from the flexible and very trainable freshers. But the question is , after a few yrs of experience, would you want to do that..?

At ISB, i believe that you might be able to get away with a career shift by trading in 1-2 yrs of previous experience.

Finally, no matter, what we might discuss at the forum and get 1000 times clarity. Making a successful career shift will really depend on the competence and commitment of the specific individual. I do believe that recruiters would be coming to pick up best talent and wont be blinded by previous expereince. any way it is just a hunch.

So Himanshu and the IT specialists... DONT WORRY SO MUCH...i am sure it will happen . sometimes one has to follow instincts.


Cheers,
roger

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Hey Roger;
This post is regrding Hyderbad. Hyderabad is a decent city. Though it is in southern heartland but compared to other southern cities is it has more acceptability to Hindi / English. Infact Hyderabadis accept Hindi and English more openly than Bangloreans or Chennaians.

ISB in Hyderbad:-
ISB is located towards one end of Hyderabad. ISB is located at confluence of newly built financial and technology districts of Hyderabad. It is surround by world class facilities of Microsoft, Infosys, Upcoming campus of Computer associates, UBS, Franklin Templeton etc. You have International games village, IIIT, Hyderabad central university in close quarters.

Pub and Restaurant

Hyderabad has decen number of pubs but most of them are concentrated around begumpet. Nearest to ISB would be Twister which is located in Hitech city - about 5-6 kms from ISB. Decent Pub.. decent food .. and good liquor(that's the best part)... 😃 good ambience... ok music.. not so good DJ.. but they have DJ exchange program with Pubs in other cities.. and those evenings are really exciting... :-)
Hyderabad is a city that loves to eat and Drink.. Lot of food avenues.. Chinese Jap, Korean, Malaysian, mexican.. you name it they are there.. Above all don't forget Hyderabadi Biryani...

Movies and Malls :-
You are movie lover like me then you may be disappointed with number of multiplexes in Hyderabad.. Just 2 😞 .. IMAX and PVR.. good and decent ones. always have latest movies .. There lot of movie theatres.. really good ones but most of the time they show regional movies... :-(..
You have good number of malls at Hyderabad and on top of that 7 more malls would be coming up by end of this year. Hyderabad is slowly becoming city of malls and shopping complex.
Infrastructure :-
I need not say anything.. Its one of the fastest moving cities.. Highly praised by media..
Traffic very bad.. Trafic department is really working on it but still long way to go..
Also Hyderabad is often visited by foreign dinitaries and Indian dignitaries like PM and President.. that adds lots to traffic congestions in city but ISB side remains cool.

Other Hangouts :-
NTR Gardens, Lumbini park.. particularly I like to mention about Eat street on banks of Hussein Sagar lake.. its a lovely place. good fast food joints.. Nice restaurants... Musical nights.. and cool breeze..

Weather :-
April and May are very hot.. but rest 10 months climate is really good and you will enjoy it.

Let me know you want to learn regarding any specific aspect of the city.

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Congrats to everyone who has made it to ISB. It is a great school considering employability post-MBA

However, I would be very circumspect on the shift part - IT to IBank. I really am curious to know if *anyone* has done it in the past from ISB. There are various reasons for this. The top 3 reasons:

(a) It is a 1-year course. Lets be frank mid-way you are already thinking about placements and there is very little scope for shifting industries esp with no summers etc.

(b) There is little you bring to the table in terms of actual real-world tangible skills. There is a guy called hellojp somewhere else. He has been working on finance domain for 6+yrs, with experience investing in BSE and some certificates in finance. If he goes for a 2year course in a top Bschool he has the best chance. Not with 4yrs exp in say security domain and then suddenly coming up with a plan to do an MBA and switching over to finance. As an IBank company I would look at atleast some background. A 1-year MBA affords you little opportunity to do so.

(c) I don't think the top IBanks flock to ISB. I might be wrong. Atleast that is my perception. It is *not* a Columbia, Wharton, Harvard. Brining in part-time faculties from there does not make it comparable. So if the pigeon-hole is small, your chance becomes bleaker.

My $0.02 on this IT to IBank shift thoughts.

Arun

PS: For the records I dinged ISB in 2006 but this is *not* a case of sour grapes

hey-lo!
SO you dunked ISB...what was on the other end of the stick :-)
I am facing major career anxiety.. help me out here
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I am a worker in the semiconductor industry... 2.5 yrs of exp....I had my ISB interview last week.... Now the dilemma that faces me is that should ISB accept me, should I take up the offer? I am awaiting calls from MS (USA) programs... i am very confused, and my confusion has taken up several complex dimensions... One thing that would help me a lot is information on the possibilities after ISB in terms of profiles...
1) What are the jobs one gets?
2) What are the kind of pay scales?
3) If anyone has done an MS, for example, why would they do an MBA at ISB?
4) How many jobs are foreign placements?

Thanks in advance

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hey-lo!
SO you dunked ISB...what was on the other end of the stick :-)
I am facing major career anxiety.. help me out here


At 24 and with 2.5 years w/e in IT you just cannot go wrong with an ISB. However, the answer also depends a lot on other parameters:

(1) Do you want to continue staying in India?

(2) Do you want to shift from (pure) technology to management ?

(3) Is it a 1-year program you are looking at when you can easily afford a 2-year course?

etc. etc.

Arun
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Hello Arun,
Thanks for your response.
The thing is when (and IF) I join ISB I expect to make around 12-13 lac pa. Add to this possible opportunities for the one year I will spend at ISB. With 4 years in semiconductors, an engineer could be worth anywhere between 12-20 lacs Pa.
Now to forfeit this, I wanted to see what are the liklihood of topping such a pay. I asked a ISB alumni, actually several of them, and this is what they said:
Assuming that I do not want or will not get a chance to work in i-banks / consulting . the major chunks of the offers will be IT/ marketing . And I was told that to expect a salary hike could be foolish. In the longer run however, they said that an MBA would lead to higher growth within organizations. I was told most IT salaries for 3yrs work ex rarely exceed 10+... So I have decided to do my MS .. wish me luck!

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hey..saurav,

thanks for the detailed description of Hyderabad. Much more than what i expected :-).

Roger

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Experts,

No doubt all the replies in this thread were pretty inofrmative and infact defined the expectations one should set before committing for MBA from ISB or IIMA PGPX.

But considering certain facts I became a little skeptical over my decision before I set off for this. Lemme throw some light on where I currently stand and then probably you can guide me through.

B.tech in ECE from NIT with 7+ years of work ex. in system and storage s/w development with world's leading product brands.

I must say I have been very successful in my engineering carrer so far. Now since I wanted to contribute to the IT business with a different role (prod mgmt/Buisiness analysts) I need to evaultate my decision on certain points.

-current CTC is ~16 lakh p.a
-Have no managerial experience so far excpet for technically leading a group of 3 or 4.
- Have been to the US a couple of times but on a similar role what I have in India. I can't really count that as an International experience as we don't work with clients and it was mostly design related discussions and with US counterparts. Total tenure in the US is 7 months.


Please note that unlike above aspirants, I do not want to switch from IT to I-banking, rather I am willing to stick to IT as a Buisiness Analyst/ IT consuntant. I want to leverage from my previous work ex. too.


Questions:
-------------

1. First and foremost can I get an idea of the salary that is offered to 8+ exp by IT firms in ISB and IIMA PGPX?


2. Based on the above discussions, is it correct to conclude that one should not count on the salaries offered post MBA from ISB or IIM-A PGPX for 8+ work ex?


3. Considering the huge fee 20 lakh one pays for 1 year course and a salary (possibly


I would request experts to kindly advise and guide me further.

Thanks,
maddy