A Researcher’s Reflections

Probal Mojumder is a researcher at ISB, but not for too long. Soon he will move to Minnesota, where he will pursue a PhD in Information Systems at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. Here, he reflects on research, researchers and faculty guidance.

What drew you to ISB?
Honestly, before joining ISB I was not aware of its existence. It was during a campus interview by Professor Amit Mehra, of Information Systems, at Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, on spring of 2010 I heard of ISB. Professor Mehra had come to select someone to work under him as an RA. By that time, I was interested in pursuing a career in academic research, and the opportunity to work as a Research Associate was pretty dominant on my psyche.

What got you interested in research?
My mental make-up was pretty creative, but I did not have an early interest in a career in research. It started to take form since my early undergraduate years when I realized that I liked to probe the depth of things. During my college years I suddenly felt that life around me was too shallow and I wanted something with greater degree of rigor, nuance and meaning. Research tends to provide such habits and thus I was inclined towards it.

How have your research interests been streamlined at ISB?
My major training was in Economics and even though business school research borrows many tools and tricks from the economist’s bag, it is unique in many ways. ISB mainly helped this fresh econ-style thinker to experience B-school’s style of thought. Today, after 23 months of strong influence from B-school research, I feel that the scope of research in B-school broadens and refines economics is many ways, besides contributing to its own cause.

How have the faculty helped you in your research?
Honestly, the best part of my stay at ISB was the realization of various shades of faculty-RA interaction within the scope of research. Since a major chunk of my concentration has been devoted towards this interaction, I can tell you that it has been an experience that I cherish. My faculty, Professor Amit Mehra, has played “n” different roles to see that value addition is taking place among us. He has been a tough boss, friend, guardian, and at times has allowed me to teach him too! Good research only happens through cooperation and interaction, and here, it was pretty much what I experienced under Professor Mehra’s guidance. I will not hesitate to say that because of such quality interaction, I feel more skilful today than the day when I first arrived at ISB.

Were there times when you wanted to give up? Pack your bags and go home?  When did that happen?
For my case, I never had to visit such extremes. I was rather pretty well-off with my daily habits and occasional achievements. I feel this was because:

1. I was pretty lucky to work with a faculty with whom I really enjoyed my work.
2. I had a refined set of metrics to keep myself motivated. Most of them measured small things that made me happy such as which new person I met today, what new software I used, what new seminar I saw, what new journal name I came across, etc. Having metrics measuring small positives helped me maintain my flow over a long period of time without much deviation.

What would you advise a researcher at ISB?
I talk with many researchers and many a times I feel I can help them. The first core point that I would really want them to accept is that ISB is truly a treasure trove of opportunity to motivate their story. There are many resources that they can use. It’s true that you may initially not land up in a position that is ideal for you, but if you can navigate in a controlled manner you are bound to reach your destination. Let me highlight a few useful strategies:

1. Don’t hesitate to explore: If you want to search what’s best for you just walk in and talk with people at ISB. I always found the community very approachable and helpful.
2. Don’t explore too much: On the other end, don’t let your time flow out meeting and interacting with people. Research is both a collaborative and an isolative act. Try to give yourself enough time to assimilate and show commitment to each action.
3. Persevere: Nothing new, repeating the age old stuff: Persevere for your cause. I think it works always.