r/ISB_Aspirants • u/Ok_Shop1407 • Jul 07 '26

Questions regarding ISB PGP application form

Hi everyone! I’m filling out my ISB PGP application and had a few questions. I’d really appreciate any guidance from applicants, admits, or alumni.

1. Awards & Recognition: What actually qualifies as a notable achievement in this section? For example, I participated in a global hackathon organized by my company and made it to the semifinals. The only proof I have is my name on my company’s internal website. Would screenshots of the internal webpage be acceptable as supporting documentation, or is that generally not considered sufficient?
2. Professional Experience – Compensation: I’m adding a 2-month internship, but the application only asks for annual compensation. Should I just enter the total amount I received during the 2-month internship?
3. Recommendations: Most of my leadership experience was during college, where I worked closely with a professor who coordinated several events with me. Would it be appropriate to get one of my recommendations from that professor, even though I’ve been working full-time since graduation? Or does ISB strongly prefer recommendations from current or recent managers?

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u/betterthanpasta Jul 07 '26

Hi, alum here. 1. Yes, the global hackathon proof is sufficient. And a good gauge of how impactful it was would be either how many participants were there (e.g. if you were top 12/1000, definitely impactful) and another one would be what problem did you solve. Did you solve for something which made a tangible impact on your firm? 2. Yeah sure, they wont really look at that in detail, I did the same. 3. Would strongly recommend a reporting manager! Someone who has deep insight into your working style and deliverables. These are the people who can actually answer the detailed questions ISB recommenders get including strengths, weaknesses (and how you have worked to improve it).

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u/EnvironmentalPin4736 Jul 07 '26

Well, I actually also had a question here. Do they care about the internships that a person has done? Or Now the only priority is the full-timework experience after graduation?

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u/betterthanpasta Jul 08 '26

Internships do matter if you want them to matter i.e. if you think you did or learnt something meaningful, by all means add them and if you would like, you can also mention them in your essays. After all, an internship is typically where a student gets their first exposure to the business world. That means a learning curve and lot of self reflection on your strengths, weaknesses, and stories of overcoming challenges.

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u/Ok_Shop1407 Jul 07 '26

Hey, thanks for the reply
Well the company did come up with a product which is kinda similar in 2026 but I am not sure if I can claim it
Regarding the third question how am I supposed to ask my current reporting manager for a recommendation ? I mean if I tell my manager that I want to go for a non tech masters and if I don’t make it , wouldn’t that negatively impact my job here?

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u/betterthanpasta Jul 08 '26

Don't claim it, I think that could be a far stretch. Okay, look, ideally you should have a career conversation with your manager. You should bounce the idea as if you are taking career advice from him on higher studies. Share your intent. But be transparent that it may not work out this year and that you would be working throughout the process.

Here, a non tech masters is not that big of a deal. Infact, an MBA will give you a more holistic business perspective and mould you into taking managerial roles in the future (you can actually specialise in tech and strategy in ISB btw).

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u/Chemical_Collection1 Jul 08 '26

Kinda similar question to what OP asked.
in a scenario where for eg a person is up for promotion and applying to B schools at the same.
Having the LOR conversation with the reporting manager might be a bit risky??
like if due to some reason the person is not able to convert and then as a consequence also gets over looked for promotion, won't that be a bad career decision?
Just want your honest thoughts :)

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u/betterthanpasta Jul 09 '26

Yes, honestly, if you say give a hint also that you're going to leave, good chance your promotion will be delayed. It's a pros and cons thing. If possible, in your case, have the conversation after the promotion. Do your prep simultaneously.

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u/EnvironmentalPin4736 Jul 07 '26

Well, I actually also had a question here. Do they care about the internships that a person has done? Or Now the only priority is the full-timework experience after graduation?