Class of 2010 profile

Abhishek Nikhil Shah
Previous Company: Marvel Drugs Pvt Ltd
Sector: Pharmaceutical
Work Experience: 2.75 years
Professional Interests: Conceptualising and Implementing Strategy, Aspiring Serial Entrepreneur
Other Interests: High Adrenaline Sports, Running, Travelling

What were some of the factors that helped you make up your mind for selecting the Indian School of Business for higher studies?
One of the major reasons for opting for the Post Graduate Programme at the ISB is that the School offers world class education based in one of the major emerging markets, India. Also, if benchmarked against other schools, the one year course is fast paced but covers the same breadth and depth of content.

It is also needless to say that the ISB is built on the foundations of the corporate world, and has achieved a remarkable brand value in such a short time. The strong and noteworthy alumni network is testimony to this fact. I was aware that my peers would have an average work experience higher than mine, in different verticals, and this would allow learning beyond the classroom. The application filtering process was much more all rounded and not primarily focussed on academic criteria, unlike most Indian business schools.

Also, the infrastructure is great which enhances the experience all the more!

How would you rate the curriculum of the post graduate programme in management?
The curriculum has surpassed all my expectations and has a very holistic approach.

You were recently announced as the winner of the ‘ISB Young Leader’ award. What does this award actually mean to you?
It was a pleasant surprise to note that my contributions to the School did not go unnoticed! This award will always serve as a reminder as to how I got it: not just through the hard work that I put in, but the combined hard work of my entire team. It is a reminder that in order to be a leader, you need to be not just good at everything, but great at leading and motivating your team.

You are the Director of the Student Life Council at ISB. Can you please explain what the responsibilities of this council are?
As the Director of the Student Life Council, I am responsible for the student life on campus. We executed about 50 campus events during the year. The core team is also responsible for looking after the 12 social clubs on campus.

What do you think about the infrastructure on campus?
Again, the infrastructure is beyond expectations! The campus is very well equipped to handle the 600 odd students that were here. The accommodation, the utilities, the ancillary services and the recreational facilities, are well above par. But what truly sets the benchmark, are the academic facilities – from the classrooms, to the ERP systems, to the plethora of information available through the Learning Resource Centre – truly world class!

Do you feel that the ISB has lived up to your expectations?
There is a big difference in what was promised, and what has been delivered – by far surpassing expectations on a plethora of parameters! The School offers a great learning experience, especially through my classmates, which was only possible in a school where everyone came in with multiple years of real world experience. I am now walking out with a structured thought process that has improved both my decision making and my ability to lead substantially – this, in spite of being an entrepreneur who did not believe in the importance of structure.

Describe some of your significant experiences with your peers on campus.
There are too many to do justice in this limited space! I will say however, that interacting with them has been a highly rewarding experience. Through them, I have learnt different schools of thought and have been exposed to different approaches to looking at or solving a problem. I would easily attribute 50% of my learning here at ISB to my peers. And last, but most importantly: amongst them I have found life long friends.