Beyond Engineering: How ISB Is Expanding My Horizons

Two years ago, my professional world revolved around firmware. At Schneider Electric, I worked on developing an industrial gateway, taking charge of designing, testing, and refining its firmware and associated systems. While the work was intellectually stimulating, I wanted to go beyond shaping only a part of the product.

I aspired to influence its vision, strategy, and market impact. Traditionally, such a shift into full product ownership requires years of steady progression, but I did not want to wait a decade to gain that perspective.

An MBA became the clear path forward, a way to accelerate my journey and unlock opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach.

ISB’s PGP for Young Leaders (PGPYL) stood out as the ideal bridge between my engineering background and my business leadership ambitions. What drew me in was its ecosystem of academic rigour, peer diversity, and leadership opportunities.

Being part of the founding cohort of PGPYL made the experience even more meaningful. The programme is designed with a sharp focus on skills that matter in today’s digital economy, such as analytical decision-making, the application of emerging technologies, and leadership excellence.

Early access to ISB’s professors, peers, and alumni has been invaluable, not only in shaping my perspective but also in giving our cohort the unique chance to set traditions for those who will follow.

ISB Classroom: Connecting Theory to Practice

Coming from an engineering background, courses like accounting and economics felt like stepping into entirely new territory. What fascinated me was not only the subject matter but also how professors grounded concepts in real-world scenarios.

I recall a discussion on why the Indian Income Tax Department flagged certain jewellers who had shifted from FIFO to LIFO inventory accounting during a period of rising gold prices. This shift reduced their reported profits and, in turn, their tax liabilities. It was a striking example of how academic frameworks could explain real-world behaviour.

This ability to connect theory to practice has been a highlight of my academic experience. Each subject has challenged me to think differently, moving beyond a purely logical, engineering-driven approach to adopt multiple perspectives, from financial to strategic to human.

Life at ISB: Buzz of Energy and Experiences

If I had to describe ISB in one phrase, it would be “a constant buzz of ideas, opportunities, and growth.” Orientation Week was my first glimpse of this energy. Activities ranged from Squid Games to treasure hunts, impromptu art sessions, and a cultural night filled with music, poetry, and dance. More than the events themselves, it was about connecting with peers, collaborating with people from different worlds, and realising that teamwork is second nature at ISB.

Every week since has been packed. From midterms and nearly 30 assignments and quizzes to resume-building workshops, student leadership elections, and high-powered events like the Leadership Conclave, the pace has been exhilarating. Beyond academics, there are late-night jam sessions, case competitions, and cultural events that keep the campus alive around the clock. Since joining on 20 June, I have made it a point to immerse myself in as much as possible, knowing that every experience contributes to both professional and personal growth.

What ISB Has Taught Me: Transformations and Takeaways

ISB is reshaping the way I approach problems and opportunities. As an engineer, I relied on logical, method-driven thinking. Now I am learning to balance that with strategic, financial, and human considerations. My peers have been a huge part of this shift. Every conversation feels like a lesson. One classmate may share insights from building a startup, another from working in policy and impact consulting, while someone else brings experience from corporate event management or the non-profit world.

Alumni interactions add yet another dimension, offering glimpses into the challenges of scaling a business or the complexities of leadership at a global level. No two stories are the same, and that diversity has become one of my greatest teachers.

For future applicants, my advice is simple. Be unapologetically yourself. ISB values authenticity, not a pre-defined mould. Stay curious and open to learning, because some of the richest experiences happen outside the classroom in late-night conversations or unexpected collaborations. 

And finally, say yes often. Opportunities here come in many forms, from academic challenges to cultural activities, and each one has the potential to shape your journey in ways you cannot predict.

Scholarship: Significance and What it means to me

I was awarded the Emerging Leader Scholarship from ISB for academic and co-curricular excellence and leadership promise. For me, this scholarship isn’t just about financial support; it is also a validation of my journey so far and a responsibility to contribute meaningfully in the future. 

A handful of us were handpicked for the scholarship round based on the strength of our application, essays, profile, and interviews during the ISB admissions process. This round involved another layer of rigorous evaluation through essays and interviews. Out of all the candidates, about 20 of us were eventually awarded the merit scholarship, a recognition that celebrates not just past achievements but also future potential. The entire process made me reflect deeply on my values, achievements, and aspirations. In doing so, I realised how far I’ve come and how much more I want to achieve. 

I still remember the moment I received the news. It was late at night, just as I was about to switch off for the day, the notification lit up my screen, and in an instant, sleep was the last thing on my mind. My heart raced, and for a few seconds, time seemed to pause. What followed was a rush of disbelief, pure joy, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude that words could barely capture. 

While the financial support is undeniably valuable, this scholarship holds a meaning that goes far beyond monetary assistance. To me, it is a powerful vote of confidence in my potential, a reminder that my efforts, vision, and aspirations are seen and valued. It instils in me a sense of responsibility to live up to that trust, not just by striving for personal excellence, but by contributing meaningfully to the community that has placed its faith in me. In many ways, the scholarship is less about what I have achieved so far and more about the kind of impact I am expected to create in the future. It motivates me to hold myself accountable, to grow into a leader who not only achieves but also uplifts.
 
To anyone hesitating because of financial concerns or self-doubt: apply anyway. You never know the outcome until you try, and sometimes others can see the potential in you that you’re still learning to recognise in yourself.

Synopsis:

Parna Chowdhury, a member of the founding cohort of ISB’s PGPYL, began her career as a firmware engineer at Schneider Electric. Her drive to move from technical problem-solving to full product ownership led her to ISB, where she is exploring leadership, strategy, and broader business perspectives. At ISB, she has embraced the ‘constant buzz’ of academics, culture, and peer learning, finding the diversity of experiences her greatest teacher.