Samyukta Rajan
Previous Company: Deutsche Bank, Singapore
Sector: Finance
Work Experience: 5 Years
Professional Interests: Consulting, Finance and Social Entrepreneurship
Other Interests: Long distance running and cycling, adventure sports, travelling



What made you opt for the Post Graduate Programme at the ISB?
ISB is among the top business school in the world, and I was looking for a one year programme. Having spent the last nine years outside India, I was also keen to get back home and decided that ISB would be the best option. I was impressed with its alumni base and academic learning, as well as the recreational facilities on campus. Most importantly, the intensive nature of the course will mean that I can optimise the time I spend in a B-school.

How has your experience with the faculty been so far?
ISB has a mix of resident and visiting faculty from top ranked B schools which ensures international exposure. This year we have already had visiting faculty from schools like Wharton, Duke and Kellogg. The resident faculty is available to the students on campus at all times. I’ve found the faculty here to be top notch and accommodating people, who go out of their way to conduct extra interaction sessions for us on weekends, to share with us their distinctive research areas as well.

What are your impressions/expectations from your peer group?
I’m very impressed with my peer group. Over 50% of the students now here have international work experience, which is great for class room discussions. I’m also impressed with the number of foreign students this year. With students from diverse backgrounds, and their willingness to help out their class mates, I truly feel at home here.

From all the core courses which is your favourite so far and why?
My favorite of all the courses here would have to be the marketing strategy courses. I find the case study approach to the subject extremely interesting. Engaging class room discussions make it all the more fun to learn. In this manner I get to apply the theoretical knowledge to the practical situations I am likely to face in my future career.

You have been organising training runs on campus. How has the response been from your classmates and what was the imperative for you to start them?
Yes, I’ve been organising training runs for those who aim to run 5 kms in a 6 week time frame. The response has been extremely positive. My focus was to get more and more people involved with sports and recreation on campus. Running is a fun activity especially in larger numbers. As for me, I started running just 3 years ago and it has made a huge difference in my life. The sense of achievement I felt when I completed my first full marathon was indescribable. I wish to pass on the same benefits to my classmates. Long distance running is challenging, and the rewards are worth it.

What suggestions would you like to give to a prospective student?
ISB is an enriching and rewarding experience. It also challenges you, and the quality of the students around you is bound to keep you on your toes and force you to get out of your comfort zone. Most importantly, the people you meet here will have a life-long impact on you making this one year experience unforgettable.