The Advantage Of Starting Early At ISB

One of the earliest lessons I learnt as a competitive swimmer was that a great start doesn’t guarantee a great finish, but it certainly makes one more likely.

Standing on the starting block, I knew a strong dive would never win the race on its own. There were still countless strokes ahead. But a good start created momentum, built confidence, and gave me a small advantage that made everything that followed a little easier.

Over the years, I realised that the same principle applies far beyond the pool.

When I joined ISB’s PGP YL, I was fortunate to receive the 100 per cent Emerging Leaders Merit Scholarship. More than easing the financial burden, it gave me something equally valuable. It gave me confidence and the motivation to make the most of every opportunity ahead.

Starting With Purpose

Before classes began, I spent time thinking about what I wanted my ISB journey to look like.

Three priorities stood out. I wanted to secure a meaningful internship, continue contributing to initiatives that create social impact, and become more confident at public speaking, something that had always pushed me outside my comfort zone.

Having those goals early helped me stay focused once the pace of the programme picked up.

Finding Focus Amid the Pace

The first few months were intense. Coursework, networking, club responsibilities, and internship preparation quickly filled every week.

Instead of trying to do everything equally well, I focused on the few goals that mattered most and committed to them wholeheartedly.

Securing an internship of my choice relatively early did not make the programme any less demanding, but it gave me something equally valuable: breathing room. With one major milestone achieved, I could invest more time and energy in experiences that mattered deeply to me.

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

That space allowed me to reconnect with sports through ISL(ISB Super League), something that has always been an important part of my life.

As President of the Women in Business Club, I was also able to dedicate time to initiatives such as the HPV Vaccination Drive, helping raise awareness about the prevention of cervical cancer.

At the same time, I consciously volunteered to present during group assignments. Public speaking had always intimidated me, but by treating every presentation as an opportunity to learn rather than perform, I gradually became more comfortable speaking in front of others.

Each experience built on the last, reinforcing the confidence that comes from taking small, consistent steps outside your comfort zone.

The Value of an Early Start

Looking back, I don’t think the biggest advantage of starting early was getting ahead of others.

It was creating the mental space to embrace everything else that ISB had to offer.

If there is one lesson I would share with anyone beginning their journey, it is this. Identify the two or three things that matter most to you and invest in them wholeheartedly from the very beginning. The initial effort may feel disproportionate, but the momentum it creates often compounds over time.

A strong start may not determine where you finish, but it can shape everything that follows.

Synopsis:

Drawing from her experience as a competitive swimmer, Lakshita Srivastava, PGP YL Class of 2027, reflects on how beginning with clear priorities shaped her journey at ISB. From securing an internship early to leading social impact initiatives, reconnecting with sport, and overcoming her fear of public speaking, she shares how an early sense of direction created the momentum to make the most of the programme.