Tell us about yourself, your professional life after the ISB including your career progression

After completing the PGP at ISB, I stayed back at the ISB for one year to work as an Academic Associate. I had the opportunity to be associated with several scholars from across the globe which, in turn, helped me secure admission to the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. I am currently a Doctoral Candidate in Organizational Behavior and hope to graduate this May.

What was your key take-away from the ISB?

When I reflect on my ISB days, I believe that I was too young/naive when I joined the ISB. I could not really appreciate the nuances of marketing and finance. But attending ISB is probably the best thing that I have ever done because it made me realise my true passion for the world of academics.

How do you think the ISB has contributed to your career growth?

The ISB has played a significant role in the progression of my career. It has provided me with opportunities to interact with faculty members from across the world and has exposed me to issues that are central to today's organisations. Since I was taught by and then later assisted the esteemed faculty, I have learnt the art of teaching and the science of research-- both extremely important aspects of my career.

What is your vision for the School?

I would like the school to play a pivotal role in shaping the Indian economy by not only providing higher education to students but also helping shape policies and systems in India based on traditional values as well as scientific evidence.

What are the strengths that the School can leverage upon and areas in which it can improve?

The school should definitely leverage upon its brand to get access to organisations for students and faculty alike. I think the school is headed in the right direction but it still needs to fully understand and accept the importance of research and behavioural science.

Tell us about your experiences as an academic associate/TA. How did it help in getting an admission to your PhD programme?

 Nothing could have prepared me more for my PhD life than being an academic associate/TA at the ISB. It helped me in several ways. I understood what I was getting myself into. PhD life is obviously very different from an MBA/corporate life. Working with the brilliant resident and visiting faculty at the ISB shaped my thoughts accordingly. When I entered graduate school here at Illinois, most folks commented on how I seemed prepared for the trials and tribulations that came with grad school. I believe the ISB was the only reason why I seemed to have the right attitude for my PhD life.

Tell us about the “Romantic Romeo” title (reference: Yearbook 2003)

Wow!!! I had completely forgotten about it. The story is that on Valentine’s Day, I ended up sending red roses and/or chocolates to every female student, faculty, and staff including housekeeping, gardening, etc. The atmosphere was very tense those days at the ISB because of the placement season. So I wanted to do something to make people smile. And also probably because I am a helpless romantic :)

How does it feel to have your dream of becoming a faculty member come true?

 Surreal. I am ecstatic. And the happiness has grown ten-fold because I have been given the opportunity to work at, and be integrally associated with the ISB.

What role do you think the alums can play in building the School?

I think the most important thing alums can do is to educate everyone in India and abroad about the ISB and what it stands for. And the only way to do so is by staying in regular touch with the school.