Updates and Information on upcoming events from the alumni association.
MORE >>
Shilpi Singh
Class of 2013
Senior Manager (Business Process), NCC Ltd
Present Occupation: Senior Manager (Business Process), NCC Ltd.
Sector: Pre-ISB: Consulting (climate change, energy and environment); post-ISB: Infrastructure.
Work Experience: 8+ years in companies, including Schlumberger, Sanborn Head & Associates, Ernst & Young, and InRhythm Energy.
Interests:
Professional: Business development, strategy, entrepreneurship and clean technology.
Personal: Travelling, cooking and shopping.
Can you tell us a little about your family background/ history?
I am from Uttar Pradesh. I earned my B.Tech degree from IIT-Roorkee and an M.S. from Iowa State University.
My father works with the Uttar Pradesh State Government, my mother is a housewife and my brother works with an IT firm.
Post-marriage, I relocated to Hyderabad. My husband runs a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm. We have been married for eight years and have a two-year-old son named Vivaan.
Briefly describe your personal and professional achievements (including recent awards/ special projects).
I was awarded a merit scholarship for my undergraduate studies and received financial assistance and a scholarship for my Master’s programme. In 2008, I founded a start-up and worked on it for two years. The start-up was featured in newspapers and blogs, and was nominated in a few start-up competitions (Hyderabad Software Exporters Association (HYSEA) and Tata NEN). In late 2009, I joined a start-up and spearheaded their carbon credits business. I was instrumental in the monetisation of several carbon credit projects.
More recently, I would say that graduating from ISB has been a huge achievement for me, both on the personal and professional fronts. First, it was not easy to go back to school after eight years of working, and moreover, to a programme that carries the reputation of being a “rollercoaster ride.” Managing the home along with my studies was not a cakewalk. I also headed the EMO Club and was the recipient of the Young Leader Award at ISB.
Tell us about your profile pre-ISB, and recap your professional life after ISB, including your career progression.
Pre-ISB, I was executing consulting assignments focussed on sustainability, energy and climate change for various companies.
Post-ISB, I got an opportunity to work in the infrastructure sector. It is a corporate role that involves business transformation initiatives, strategic planning and working on new business ideas.
Describe your fondest memory of ISB.
The one year at ISB was full of beautiful memories, but one of my favourites is graduation day. I missed my undergraduate and graduate degree ceremonies; this was the first one I attended. It was an overwhelming experience indeed!
In your personal life, how have you changed post-ISB? Do you see yourself doing something differently because you went to ISB? What has left a lasting impression?
My ISB journey has taught me two things – prioritising and time management. So many opportunities come your way (both academic and extra-curricular) in the one year at ISB, that willingly or not, you tend to make choices and prioritise. Post-ISB, I feel more balanced and mature in dealing with tough situations in real life.
How do you think ISB has contributed to your career growth?
ISB has contributed a great deal to my career growth – it opened up new avenues that were not restricted to the function and sector I was in earlier. Pre-ISB, it would have been very difficult for me to get the job role that I currently have.
If you have to sum up ISB in one word:
Exceptional!
What was the main highlight of your programme at the ISB?
I really enjoyed the finance courses – the faculty was amazing!
Word of advice for the current class?
Be selective and do what you enjoy!
What was your favourite course/ class at ISB and why?
I enjoyed the Entrepreneurship course led by Professor Atul Nerkar. We got a chance to study a live start-up and its journey till date.
Was there anyone during your time at ISB who acted as a mentor for you? Tell us a little about this relationship and why it was valuable.
There was no one in particular who performed that role, but whenever I needed any guidance or support, I reached out to my husband, brother and a few close friends that I made on campus.
What are the areas in which you can contribute to ISB?
The Admissions Committee and resume reviews are a couple of areas where I could be of help.
What do you enjoy most about your current career position?
It’s still too early to comment on this as I joined the organisation a few days ago. I can only say that it is a new sector and a career shift for me, and I look forward to exciting work!
What is the next new thing in the industry or vertical you are working in? Any trends that you can see?
The infrastructure sector is still emerging from the slowdown of 2008. However, as India faces a huge demand-supply gap in this space, the boom in infra is inevitable in the coming years. Moving forward, the sector is expected to witness technological and process innovations.