How Diversity at ISB Is Shaping My Mindset

Coming from an engineering background, I had some exposure to diversity during my time at a consulting firm. That experience gave me an early glimpse of how interacting with people from varied backgrounds can shape thinking and careers in meaningful ways. However, it is at ISB that I have truly understood the depth and power of diversity.

I firmly believe that one of the most crucial aspects of success is exposure to multiple perspectives, and this is where ISB truly stands out. Through my journey across Term 1, Term 2, and preparation for Summer Internship Placements, the friends and peers I have met from different academic streams, industries, and cultures have significantly broadened my personal and professional worldview.

Learning Through Diverse Perspectives

Conversations with peers from diverse backgrounds have opened my eyes to a wide range of career paths and decision-making styles. These interactions have reshaped my thinking, enriching it with insights I would likely not have gained otherwise. While preparing for case interviews, discussions with classmates from different industries and academic disciplines added new dimensions to my problem-solving approach, making my analysis deeper and more nuanced.

My study group is a strong example of this diversity in action. It includes peers from engineering, economics, and medicine backgrounds. When we worked together on group presentations, the range of perspectives allowed us to examine the same problem from multiple angles. This experience reinforced how diverse viewpoints can lead to more comprehensive and well-rounded solutions, a skill that extends far beyond case interviews.

Preparing for Consulting and Leadership

Academically, the diversity within my study group has been remarkable, with talented individuals from some of the best colleges in their respective fields. This blend of backgrounds, combined with ISB’s collaborative culture, has created an environment where learning goes beyond textbooks and lectures.

Since my target industry is consulting, this exposure to diverse perspectives is particularly valuable. The insights and mindset shifts I am gaining from the PGP YL cohort are shaping me into a more versatile and empathetic professional, someone better equipped to approach challenges from multiple angles and grow into a thoughtful leader.

Synopsis:

At ISB, Sai Prateek Katkam, a PGP YL student, reflects on how engaging with a diverse cohort across Terms 1 and 2 and the SIP preparation has reshaped his thinking. From case interviews to group work, varied perspectives have deepened his problem-solving approach and prepared him for a consulting career rooted in empathy, collaboration and multi-dimensional leadership.