Both Co-founders of Faith Career worked with Munindra Bisen. Our ISB mentor worked with him on his application & interview along with a dedicated panel, while our Study Abroad mentor, Tanmay Singh, gave him 30 hours of 1-on-1 communication training. Read on to find out more about Munindra's incredible journey to receiving offer letters from ISB & IIM Calcutta on the same day. November 17, 2023 changed Munindra's life and lifestyle!
#1) Munindra, can you please briefly describe your profile?
I have studied Chemical Engineering at IIT BHU and have devoted seven years to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), orchestrating operations in the Petroleum industry. Guiding a team of 35+ members, I troubleshoot daily challenges, specializing in refining crude oil into various essential petroleum products. Opting to pursue an MBA, I aim to fuse technical expertise with strategic leadership. Eager to innovate, I seek to redefine processes, driving efficiency and sustainability in petroleum production. With a relentless drive for progress, I'm excited to forge new paths at the intersection of engineering and business, poised to leave an indelible mark on the evolving landscape of energy.
#2) Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
I was keen to pursue an MBA to learn more about business. At IOCL, I mainly focused on running operations. Now, I want to understand how businesses work in the Energy field. I aim to become a consultant, and for that, I need to know about management and business. The MBA will help me fill the gaps in my skills quickly. It's like a fast track to gain the knowledge I need to grow in my career. The energy sector changes a lot, and an MBA will give me the tools to keep up and make a bigger impact by bringing new ideas and ways of doing things.
#3) Why did you choose Faith Career to be your partner for your ISB PGP application?
I came across Faith Career while getting preparing for the GMAT and joined their WhatsApp group. Its mentors stood out to me because they seemed different. As someone reapplying and not satisfied with the previous admissions consultant, I wanted a genuine partnership focused on improving and getting into my dream school. That's what I found at Faith Career.
My mentor helped me with the ISB PGP application, and Tanmay supported me with interview practice. What I valued most was their honest feedback. Other places often don't tell you the truth about your weaknesses, but Faith Career did. They gave me direct advice without any sugarcoating and replied quickly whenever I needed help. Every conversation was helpful and made me think.
What I loved most was that Faith Career didn't just point out my flaws; they told me how to fix them. My mentor's experience helped me understand what admission teams are looking for in applications. Their guidance has been invaluable during this lengthy process. I feel lucky to have found Faith Career at the right time, and I'm thankful for all the support and guidance I've received.
#4) What 3 tips would you like to share with an aspirant who is working on their ISB application?
Start your ISB application early to have enough time for preparation and making it better.
The GMAT score matters, but remember, every part of your application is important. Give your best effort to all sections because any of them could be the deciding factor.
How you show your profile to the admissions team really matters. Even if your profile is good, if you don't present it well, you might not get shortlisted. Making sure you explain your profile in a compelling way is crucial to get noticed by the selection committee.
#5) How did you prepare for the interview after submitting the ISB PGP application? What all steps did you take to prepare yourself for the interview?
I always felt unsure about my interview skills, so I shared my concern with the Faith group. Tanmay kindly offered to help me practice. Recognizing that interviews could make or break my applications, I eagerly joined him. With over 30 hours of practice, I learned a lot. Tanmay, being experienced in the industry, knew the kinds of questions commonly asked. I rehearsed my responses multiple times while maintaining a natural flow and discovered ways to handle tough questions.
The experience was very beneficial. Tanmay provided insightful feedback, pointing out exactly where I needed improvement and how I could enhance my answers.
#6) Our Co-founder and Study Abroad Expert, Tanmay Singh, gave you 30 hours of communication training. How was that experience?
The experience was incredibly valuable. I've always been eager to enhance myself and was aware of my areas for improvement. Tanmay and my mentor at Faith Career offered precise guidance on what needed attention. Both of them were instrumental in guiding me effectively. My mentor conducted mock interviews, while Tanmay helped me practice handling various interview scenarios. Combining these efforts enabled me to perform at my best during the interview.
Last year's feedback highlighted my need to work on communication and articulating ideas. Recognizing this, I was determined to leave no stone unturned in improving this particular area. Faith Career was exactly what I needed—they provided clear steps to elevate my application. Their guidance propelled me toward achieving my goals.
One thing that Anshul mentioned during one of mock interviews literally changed the direction of the my whole interview. His tip, a single line, was worth more than gold for me.
#7) What questions were asked to you during the ISB PGP interview?
1. Could you please provide more details about the pipeline leakage incident mentioned in your essay?
2. Were you the most senior person present at the site during the incident?
3. Is it standard operating procedure (SOP) for such a senior person to be at the plant at 2:30 am?
4. How frequently do such incidents occur at your plant, and what is the typical frequency?
5. Could you describe the actions you took to address the leakage and the challenges you faced while dealing with it?
6. Was there any conflict among your subordinates during the incident, and if so, how did you handle it?
7. At what point did you contact the fire and safety department during the incident?
8. Reflecting on the incident, is there anything you would change in how you managed it?
9. How did you resolve the conflict that arose between union members and higher management?
10. You mentioned consulting and discussing your siblings' work as consultants in big 4 firms. What single problem do consultants face on a day-to-day basis?
11. What specific responsibilities will you undertake at ISB?
12. Given your clear understanding of the consulting domain, if not consulting, what career path do you intend to pursue after ISB?
13. Do you have any questions for us?
#8) How do you think you performed in the ISB PGP interview?
My interview experience was exceptionally positive due to thorough preparation, practicing diverse scenarios, and anticipated questions. Tanmay's interview tips proved invaluable, refining my approach during the interview. Additionally, the guidance from my Faith Career mentor, which transformed the interaction into a relaxed, conversational exchange. This shift allowed for a more natural and engaging discussion, leading to moments of laughter and a highly positive conclusion.
The atmosphere became friendly, enabling me to showcase my abilities effortlessly. Ending on such a jovial note not only indicated a successful interview but also highlighted the enjoyable and comfortable ambiance throughout.
In essence, the combination of extensive preparation, insightful advice from multiple sources, and the impactful guidance from my mentor significantly contributed to a successful, enjoyable, and memorable interview experience.
#9) How was your mentor’s mentorship important while working on the application?
My mentor's guidance while working on the application proved pivotal. Their expertise steered my application towards excellence. Their insights on framing compelling narratives and emphasizing crucial aspects helped me present a stronger profile. Their mentorship extended beyond the technicalities, fostering a deeper understanding of what admission committees seek. They pinpointed areas for improvement, allowing me to address weaknesses effectively. Their guidance was instrumental in aligning my experiences and aspirations coherently within the application, ensuring it reflected my potential accurately. Their support instilled confidence, allowing me to present a well-crafted, impactful application. Overall, my mentor's mentorship was indispensable, shaping my application into a compelling representation of my capabilities and aspirations within the MBA program.
I feel lucky to have discovered Faith Career at the right time.
#10) What are your final ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ for an ISB PGP aspirant?
Do:
Start your application as early as possible. Drafting your essays is an iterative process and it takes time.
Be humble and honest in your application.
Practise for interviews.
Get your essays and application reviewed.
Don’t:
Don’t use complex sentences or words in your essays and try to avoid quoting someone else. You have limited words, so write only about your story.
Don’t take any aspect of the application lightly. Give your best even for smallest of things.
Comments