Ishan Singla’s journey to securing a coveted place in the prestigious Institute for Management Development (IMD) MBA program is a testament to his resilience and strategic career moves. A graduate with a B.Com in Accounting and Finance from Indira Gandhi National Open University and a Chartered 
Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Ishan has accumulated over six and a half years of professional experience in addition to three years of full-time CA articleship with PwC.
IMD Business School, situated in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the stunning shores of Lake Geneva, offers a prestigious one-year MBA program known for its intensive leadership development and career transformation focus. With an annual tuition of CHF 97,500 and an acceptance rate of 30%, IMD attracts a diverse and highly talented cohort. The program enrolls 87 full-time students with an impressive average GPA of 3.5, a median GMAT score of 710, and a median GRE score of 3.5.
IMD is not only renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum but also for its strong ties with leading global companies. Graduates find excellent post-graduation opportunities with top employers such as Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson, McKinsey & Company, and BCG. The program’s emphasis on leadership and real-world business skills prepares students to excel in their careers, making IMD a top choice for aspiring business leaders seeking a transformative educational experience.
Starting his career at Thakur, Vaidyanath Aiyar & Co., Delhi, Ishan moved on to NTPC Ltd, where he gained extensive experience across multiple roles. His professional journey continued to PricewaterhouseCoopers UK, Ardent Advisory and Accounting LLC, and KPMG India Private Limited. Ishan’s robust background in accounting and finance, coupled with his diverse industry exposure, sets him apart as a well-rounded candidate.
Ishan’s drive to succeed is reflected in his ability to overcome adversities and thrive in a competitive industry. Coming from a humble background, he has demonstrated resilience by bouncing back more fiercely after every setback. His academic credentials, including a B.Com with majors in Accounting and Finance from Indira Gandhi National Open University and a GMAT score of 680, further bolster his strong profile.
In the short term, Ishan aims to work in the EMEA region in the Merger and Acquisition space, either on the consulting side or representing Private Equity firms. He believes an MBA from IMD will bridge knowledge gaps, enhance problem-solving skills, and offer invaluable networking opportunities. Long-term, he envisions himself in a leadership role at a consulting or PE firm, helping clients evaluate opportunities and create value.
Ishan’s leadership skills were prominently displayed during his tenure at KPMG, where he led a complex buy-side due diligence assignment. His ethical stance and unwavering commitment to integrity, even in the face of significant pressure and personal threats, underscore his strong moral compass and leadership qualities. This experience reinforced his belief in the importance of ethics and the value of standing up for what is right.
Despite Ishan’s impressive achievements, he faced significant challenges when applying to top business schools like IMD. One major challenge was his professional background, which included companies that were not globally reputed and smaller public limited firms. Additionally, graduating from an open university and having an average GMAT score of 680 posed further obstacles, which is much below the average GMAT score of 720 for Indian applicants particularly.
To address these challenges strategically, we emphasized Ishan’s diverse experiences and the unique perspectives he brings. His extensive international exposure, working with PricewaterhouseCoopers UK and Ardent Advisory and Accounting LLC, highlighted his ability to thrive in multicultural environments. We also underscored his resilience and adaptability, showcasing how he effectively leveraged his experiences to overcome adversity and achieve success.
We highlighted his academic achievements and professional accomplishments, demonstrating his capability to perform at the highest levels despite the unconventional educational path. His leadership roles and ethical stance were presented as strong indicators of his potential to contribute meaningfully to the IMD community.
By strategically addressing these points in his application, we successfully tackled the challenges of his work experience, educational background, and GMAT score. This meticulous approach ultimately resulted in Ishan securing an offer from IMD, a top-tier business school recognized for its focus on leadership, networking, and career transformation. Ishan’s journey, marked by resilience and strategic planning, promises to bring valuable perspectives to the IMD community.
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