PGPMax

PGPMAX is a part-time Executive MBA program offered by ISB, specifically designed for senior executives with over 10 years of work experience.

PGPMAX Application Deadline:

Round-1 (Hyderabad & Mohali): Sep 10, 2023

Essay 1: What is the driving factor for you to do PGPMAX at this stage of your career? How do you think ISB can help you achieve your professional goals? (300 words)

This is the classical Statement of purpose (SoP). ISB PGPMAX aspirants should utilize this essay to communicate their post-MBA goals and how ISB PGPMAX would provide an apt platform to embark upon those goals. This essay is best addressed along 3 major points.

a) First what you have done in life so far (primarily on the professional/academic front)
b) Second what you want to do in future
c) Third how does ISB PGPMAX fit into the scheme of things

Clearly there are some experiences, attributes, and interests that you already have. This is your past. You have aspirations in life; you hope these aspirations to become your future. What is currently holding you back, from realizing your aspirations?

This is what this essay is all about. Based upon what you have done in the past, and what you want to do in future, there are certain gaps in terms of skill sets, in terms of network, or in terms of competencies, that you want PGPMAX to bridge. So, you need to build a case that equipping yourself with these skillsets, network, and competencies will help you embark upon your future goals.

Essay 2: Describe your experience during a challenging time in your professional life. Explain briefly the actions you took and the impact it had on your professional & personal life (300 words).

Since you are applying to PGPMAX, you have a phenomenal professional experience of 10 + years. What you know need to do is to introspect these 10 years and think about a challenging situation that you had to face in these years.

This challenging situation could be a very tough project, stringent timelines, difficult stakeholders, or an ethical dilemma please. Do note that only professional events qualify to be elaborated in this essay, and not personal ones. Elaborate in detail in terms of what the background was, what was the exact challenge, and what actions you took to overcome that challenge.

Finally end this essay by mentioning the learning that you had, from this challenging situation.

Essay Tip #1
Treat essays no differently from critical reasoning: There should be a logical flow of ideas and coherent cause and effects. Statements loosely "hanging in the air" disrupt the flow of the entire essay.

Essay Tip #2
Even if you are not seeking professional editing services for your essays, make sure you send across your essays to at least two people, whose judgment and expedience you trust. Essentially it is important to get an Independent third-party view of your essays.

Essay Tip #3
Applicants should be wary of mentioning philanthropic activities or stipulate ambitions of Entrepreneurship, just in the hope of winning favor with Admissions committee. Unless you have a strong case to make, such claims actually have a reverse effect, making your entire application weak.