How PGP PRO Became the Turning Point I Didn’t Know I Needed

I completed my Chartered Accountancy in 2014 and stepped into the world of finance with Ernst and Young. Those early years were intense and incredibly rewarding. They shaped me with long days, steep learning curves and the kind of professional discipline that stays with you forever. A few years later, in 2018–19, I moved into the pharma industry, where my responsibilities grew broader and more strategic, pushing me to think beyond numbers.

In 2022, life took me to Hyderabad as I joined Dr. Reddy’s. This phase became one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career. I worked on initiatives that improved processes and brought visible efficiency into everyday tasks. The Finance Transformation project, especially, gave me immense satisfaction because I could see its impact every single day.

But even with all the milestones piling up, a quiet thought kept resurfacing. I had grown a lot, but there was still so much I needed to learn if I wanted to evolve into the kind of leader I hoped to become. I wanted to understand business holistically, not just through the finance lens. And somewhere inside me was the lingering regret of never having experienced real campus life. Living in Hyderabad, feeling that push for growth and introspection, eventually guided me toward one place I had long admired: ISB.

Why ISB Felt Like the Right Step

I have always believed that learning never stops. You have to keep learning, unlearning and relearning if you want to grow. After more than a decade of working, I was not in a position to leave my job because of personal commitments. ISB felt like the perfect bridge between my career and my ambitions.

The PGP PRO stood out because it allowed me to continue working while building new capabilities in leadership and strategy. Joining the Hyderabad Class of 2026 meant stepping out of a comfortable routine and stepping into something completely new. The moment I interacted with people from technology, consulting, operations and entrepreneurship, I knew I had made the right decision. I could feel that my thinking was about to be stretched in ways I had never experienced before.

The Moment Everything Felt Real

I still remember the first day I walked into the ISB campus. I had to pause and tell myself to take it all in. I kept repeating in my mind, “Yes, it’s happening. I am finally at ISB.”

The classrooms, the architecture, the atmosphere and the warmth during induction made me feel like I was entering a new chapter of my life. The one-week residential programme in Term 1 became one of the most defining experiences so far. Meeting engineers, entrepreneurs, military officers and professionals from so many different backgrounds was eye-opening.

The first class felt overwhelming for a moment, but very soon, the spark of curiosity returned. After years of corporate rhythm, I found myself genuinely excited to learn again.

What the First Three Months Taught Me

These first few months at ISB have already changed the way I think and operate. From the classroom sessions to events like ILS and Utkrisht, the experience has been enriching and energising.

I am learning to move away from being the person who jumps straight into solving a problem. Instead, I am becoming someone who frames the problem correctly before trying to fix it. This shift has already impacted the way I approach discussions and decisions at work. I have started applying classroom frameworks to real challenges, and the clarity they bring is incredible.

One of my biggest takeaways so far is simple. Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching. Right now, life and ISB feel almost the same.

My Honest Advice for Future Applicants

If you are thinking about applying to the PGP PRO, here is what I would tell you. Do not wait for the perfect time. It may never arrive. And do not worry too much about ROI. The value you receive is far bigger and deeper than what can be measured in numbers.

Once you join, keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep interacting. Come with an open mind. Bring your authentic self. Ask questions and speak your thoughts. You will be surprised at how quickly it shapes your personal and professional growth. Balancing full-time work with weekend classes is not easy, but the rewards are absolutely worth it.

Looking Ahead With Excitement

Over the next fifteen months, I am looking forward to everything that lies ahead, especially the residential weeks and the international immersion. Experiencing a global perspective is something I am truly excited about.

Professionally, I hope to move into leadership roles where I can drive strategic initiatives beyond the finance function and contribute more broadly to organisational growth. Personally, I want to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone through academics, clubs and cohort activities. When I graduate, I want to walk away not just with an ISB degree but with a transformed mindset.

For me, ISB is not just a programme. It is a journey of reinvention. And I feel like I have only just begun.

Synopsis:

Rohit Goyal is a Chartered Accountant with a decade of experience in finance and process transformation. He is currently pursuing the PGP PRO at ISB (Hyderabad Cohort 2026). Learning has always been a constant in his life, and while professional growth kept him moving forward, he often felt the void of not having experienced the vibrance of regular college life.