ISB YLP MBA Sample Essays & Recommendation Letters

ISB YLP MBA Winning Sample Essay

I am Pratik Amar Desai, a final-year student at IIT Kharagpur, pursuing an integrated B.Tech and M.Tech in Industrial Engineering and Management with a minor in Mathematics and Computing. A blend of technical expertise, leadership roles, and a commitment to social responsibility has marked my academic and professional journey.

Strengths:
1. Analytical and Technical Skills:  My internships at JPMorgan Chase and Siemens have honed my software development and machine learning capabilities. At JPMorgan Chase, I developed a Java-based solution that reduced data processing time by 47%, and at Siemens, I contributed to energy management strategies through a predictive model.

2. Leadership and Teamwork: As a Steering Committee Member for Kshitij, IIT Kharagpur’s annual techno-management fest, I led a team of 70+ members to execute the first-ever virtual fest, demonstrating resilience and effective communication. Additionally, my role as vice-captain of the Pune U-18 cricket team and the IIT Kharagpur cricket team has instilled in me strong teamwork and leadership skills.

3. Community Engagement: Inspired by my parents’ philanthropic activities, I have been involved in teaching underprivileged children and organizing social initiatives, reflecting my commitment to societal impact.

Weaknesses:
1. Networking: My introverted nature has sometimes limited my networking abilities. However, I have been actively working on this by engaging more in public forums and leveraging leadership roles to build confidence.

2. Business Acumen: While strong in technical skills, I recognize a gap in my understanding of business strategy, which I aim to bridge through an MBA to transition effectively into product management.

In summary, my journey is characterized by a strong foundation in technical skills, leadership experience, and a dedication to community service. I strive to leverage my strengths and address my weaknesses to make meaningful contributions in technology and management.

Essay 2:

One of my most significant successes was leading the virtual transition of Kshitij, IIT Kharagpur’s annual techno-management fest, during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Steering Committee Member, I coordinated with a team of over 70 members to introduce virtual workshops, competitions, and guest lectures. We successfully engaged over 40,000 students across India. This experience taught me adaptability, strategic thinking, and the importance of clear communication. It reinforced the power of collaboration and meticulous planning in overcoming unprecedented challenges.

A notable failure occurred during my internship at Siemens, where I was tasked with developing a machine learning model to predict power usage effectiveness. The initial model failed to meet the required accuracy standards due to inadequate data analysis and feature engineering. This setback highlighted the complexity of real-world data and the necessity of thorough validation. It was a humbling experience that underscored the importance of resilience and iterative problem-solving. Seeking guidance from mentors and collaborating with peers, I revised my approach, ultimately improving the model’s performance. This experience taught me valuable lessons in persistence, the importance of feedback, and the critical role of thorough data analysis in successful project execution.

Essay 3

With my background in technology and management and aspirations to excel in the FinTech space, the PGP at ISB is the ideal platform to bridge my current skills with future goals. My technical foundation from internships at JPMorgan Chase and Siemens, combined with leadership experience, positions me well for a product management role. However, to achieve my ambition of leading innovative projects in FinTech, I need to deepen my business acumen.

ISB’s curriculum, emphasising strategic management and entrepreneurship, aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. Courses such as Technology Strategy & Innovation Leadership will equip me with the skills to drive product strategy and innovation. Furthermore, the hands-on experience offered by initiatives like the Digital Identity Research Initiative will enable me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, enhancing my learning.

Beyond academics, ISB’s strong alumni network and industry connections will provide invaluable opportunities for networking and mentorship. Engaging with industry leaders and participating in FinTech club events will keep me abreast of the latest trends and developments.

In conclusion, the PGP at ISB will equip me with the necessary skills, knowledge, and network to achieve my long-term goal of leading innovative FinTech projects, ultimately making financial services more accessible globally.