Some facts & tips
Posted by itheabsolute on February 22, 2006
Some of those things which i thought may help the prospective students………
1. Don’t ever annoy your employer or boss. You never know when you may need them. If you dont feel committed, at least feign.
2. Go through the syllabus (available at http://www.isb.edu). If you are weak on subjects such as statistics or math, good time to review them.
3. I don’t have a great view of the pre-term courses (stats, accounting and math). But taking at least one course will bring you here. The best time to make friends and get settled is during pre-term and orientation. Believe me, a lot of friendships are already made by the end of pre-term and orientation.
4. Try to visit ISB and get a feel of it. Settling down will be easier.
5. Try to connect with some existing students / alumni. Understand what is important and what is not.
6. Dont splurge. You will need a lot of money here. Apart from fee, one has to pay for books, suits, food, and a little bit of entertainment.
7. Dont get suits stitched now. You may go down or get fat during your stay. Get suits stitched closer to the dates of interview. There is a very good tailor who visits campus two months before the interviews. Gives good deals.
8. If you are not organized or disciplined, try and see how you can improve in these departments. These are the two most important attributes required during the ISB days.
9. It is never too late to start thinking about career and industries you want to work in. Start now.
10. Many people tell you to chill out. I have different views. You are spending INR 16+ lac for education, which again is means to achieving something better in career. Homework never hurts. Having said that, just before you come, it is a good idea to take a break for a week.
11. Get two umbrellas. The other one if you lose the first one. If you are married you may need more. You will also get to buy umbrellas at ISB store.
12. Get sun glasses too.
13. ISB days will perhaps be your only time during which you will wear casuals. SOme people come to classes in shorts.
14. First term courses – Statistics, Microeconomics, Financial Accounting and Marketing Management. Dont spend on books. You should be able to find good amount of study material over internet. Googling skills are important. Good time to improve them.
15. 99% of the students carries cell phones. You will get good offers from local telecom services providers. ensure you carry your mobile fones.
16. ICICI offers credit cards to students. of course, subject to eligibility.
17. Student elections happen during first term. Please think carefully before you elect someone. There will be a lot of promises made.
18. If you are married and can spare some money, buy a DVD player (if you already have one, even better). There is a very good collection of movies at the library (LRC). Spouse can have a good time watching movies.
19. Think of brining your two / four wheelers. You will need them a lot to go into the city. There is a shuttle service available between the school and the city. But the timings may not match with your requirements.
I, The Absolute 
itheabsolute said
hi anonymous….
did u not research what differentiates ISB from others before you applied. ISB’s main strengths are
1. Its diverse / experienced student body
2. Its international faculty
3. Great infrastructure
4. Rigorous curriculum
These may be found in other US or European universities. Other top Indian b-schools usually take freshers and dont have international faculty. international faculty is different from that of indian in terms of their research, their approach to teaching, et al
all the best for you.
cheers
itheabsolute said
hi all
thanks for your comments.
average salaries dont mean much. ISB admits people with varying skills, experience. salary is a function of past experience, its relevance, and value that the person brings to the table. right now, i am not sure of the average. last year, it was INR 10 lac for indian salaries. for overseas postings, it was USD 100k.
networking….my views are still the same. i had written about it some months ago. network happens best when you are in the right position.
cheers
Anonymous said
hELLO….i was a prospective isbian but since i havent heard fm. them i have applied to usa univ as well n have been accepted in acouple of them.
i would Sincerely appreciate if you could let me know HOW does ISB differentiate itself fm other schools…. wat exactly is it that u learn here that others prob. dont in other univs?
thanks
Nikhil said
Hi Vijay,
Congratulations on your record breaking achievement.
I have been following your blog ever since I got my admission offer in first week of January. I really appreciate the efforts you have put in to share the experience and the information. Look forward to meeting you during the orientation period.
Thanks for your inputs in the current post. It has answered a few of my queries already. Please keep sharing more info.
Thanks.
Regards,
Nikhil
R1 Admit
Sukalp Sharma said
Thanks Vijay. Your blog rocks. I am an R1 admit. I’ll be in Hyderabad on the 15th of April and I am looking forward to meeting you there.
Anonymous said
Hi Vijay,
Thanks for your inputs..they are really helpful. Congratulations on your record breaking offer. Good luck to you and the batch at ISB
Cheers!!!
Ajay
R2 Hopeful
Obelixous said
Thank you for taking the time to answer queries.
~a streetcar named desire said
Hi Vijay,
Yours is one of the few blogs of ISBians that I’ve been following. Please keep the tips coming. Am an R1 admit for ’07. All the best for everything ahead and congrats on your job offer.
-Swapnil Nadkar
Anonymous said
Hey VJ:
You appropriately reminded
to spend 16 L INR,
usually what is the average
salary offered for job in
India thru ISB,
for this season,
Thanks for your inputs
Tarun said
Hello Vijay,
Thanks for your invaluable tips.
Can you also provide tips on how to network for securing that “dream job”?
Thanks!!
Tarun.