Previous Occupation: Project Manager, Grail Research (part of Monitor Group)
Present Occupation: Program Officer, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Sector: Impact investing, Philanthropy
Work Experience: 8 years
Interests – Professional/Personal: Reading, traveling, listening to music

Tell us about yourself – your profile, recap your professional life after ISB including your career progression
At Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, I evaluate viable education business models that deliver high-quality education to underprivileged children in urban India. After identifying such businesses, I manage and oversee the foundation’s investments and their alignment with its mission through regular problem solving and mentoring. My area of specialisation is the use of technology tools to enhance the quality of education. The work at Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides ample opportunities to put into practice the lessons learnt from the various courses I took at ISB, such as finance (evaluating business viability), operations (enabling organisations to scale up delivery), marketing (designing marketing programs and incentives) and, most importantly, entrepreneurship (empowering entrepreneurs while shaping their solutions). I get to travel across India and meet bright and committed entrepreneurs who are interested in making a difference.

Describe your fondest memory at ISB
I fondly recall spending time with my friends in SV2 and being part of the organising team for Solstice 2010.

With the knowledge and experience gained at ISB, when looking back, tell us something that you would have done differently while you were a student here?
I completely enjoyed the ISB experience, and would not do anything differently. ISB offers a wide variety of opportunities for everyone to learn, experience, and meet others. It is in our own interest to find the right mix of activities and define our ISB experience. For example, I concentrated on participating in a lot of activities and learning from the experiences of professors and students.

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?
The packed curriculum and non-stop activities, events, speaker sessions, parties and group exercises have made me much better at managing and planning my time.

How do you think ISB has contributed to your career growth?
Given that I had already worked for seven years before joining ISB, the one-year programme helped me to quickly build up my knowledge in Finance (which I was sorely missing) and learn from the experience of others. It also gave me the opportunity to apply for a wide variety of roles and verticals, which would not have been possible otherwise.

If you have to sum up ISB in one word:
Memorable

What are the areas that you can contribute in to ISB?
According to me, there are two junctures while at ISB that are most confusing for students and yet, they are probably the most crucial – immediately after joining and just before placements. I have been and will continue to be available to current students to help them make the most of these times; by helping them identify their priorities and decide their approach. I also plan to attend prospective student events in Delhi.

© 2011 Indian School of Business, Disclaimer.