In Alien Pastures -Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

A teacher, trainer and manager, Sailaja Kattubadi did not restrict herself to work or academics alone, even during the early stages of her career. A volunteer with Sivananda Leprosy & AIDS Rehabilitation Center, Hyderabad, Samyukta and Aasara Foundations, she co-founded a rehabilitation school with one of her friends and helped 30 slum kids regain interest in education. This was the experience that she credits with for having played a significant role in impressing upon her the importance of an MBA for planning and implementing bigger and better things. And so this engineer with 7 years of work experience in various roles (lecturer at a couple of engineering colleges, Instructor for GRE®, GMAT® and CAT exams and finally Regional Operations Manager at IMS Learning Resources) decided to cross the seas to get that coveted business degree. In this interview, Sailaja, as an MBA student (Fall 09) at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona, USA shares several crucial insights that would benefit all aspirants of an international MBA.

All of a sudden, in a matter of a year, going abroad for management studies has ceased to be an option perceived to be attractive by default. Stories of drying up loan-funds, scarce placements and now, racism have jolted the ambitions of many an Indian aspirant. As an Indian student abroad, what is your realistic assessment of the overall situation in terms of each of the above?
I understand the concerns that both students and parents have owing to the current situation abroad. As an international student, I never had to face racism or loan denial but I agree with the concerns over scarce placements. Career management centers who managed getting good number of companies for campus placements in early 2008 are facing problems getting even half of them now. The silver lining is that students who are focused and who are not waiting for some magic hand to better the economy are still getting internships and full-time jobs. It is more competitive now and requires lot of hard work to end up with the right job, but I do believe that Indian students are used to more challenging competition back home and find a way out to get what they want.

Tell us a little bit about your personal decision to go abroad – when and why did you decide to do an MBA abroad instead of trying for an IIM-level education here? How did you choose your college?
As I started gaining work experience and increased my understanding of how businesses work, I believed an international MBA would add value to my future career plans as I plan to work in different parts of the world and it is imperative to learn the cultural, social and business trends in those countries. Having an MBA from the USA, which hosts students and recruiters from different parts of the globe, would be an easy way to do this. In 2008, I decided to do a one-year MBA in Global Management and Thunderbird was a natural decision as it is ranked #1 in this segment. I also applied for the University of Southern California and got an admission but it was costlier and did not offer me any scholarship. I ended up joining Thunderbird with a 50% tuition waiver.

What are the most important factors that an Indian student needs to research when he decides to apply to a B-school abroad?
I believe the program/stream which the B-school is famous for is the foremost thing to be considered. For example, a student who is interested in a career in marketing cannot go to a finance-centric school and vice-versa. It is beneficial if a student goes to a B-school that has a program aligned with his/her career plans. Placements/brand name (both are interrelated) of the school is the next important thing. Location of the school also matters to the extent that companies most often pick students close to the areas they are located in. Cost of the program, faculty, curriculum and students should also play a good role in the final decision.

What are the most important lessons that you have drawn from your personal experiences during the application and selection stages? Which do you think is the most difficult part for an Indian applicant?
A majority of Indian students overestimate the importance of GMAT and underestimate the value given to essays and the rest of the application package. I did the opposite which is again a mistake. Every part of the application is important. Also, while applying to B-school, choosing the earlier cycles gives students a better chance of selection and scholarship. Interviews require students to be honest, clear and specific. During my interview with USC, I made the mistake of saying that a scholarship doesn’t matter much and the school ended up offering me none. Visa requirements should be worked out right after selection and obtaining a Visa at least a month before departure helps students to travel cheaper and also plan things better.

There is a big difference in the way MBA graduates find their post qualification jobs in India and how international MBAs do the same. How would you advise Indian aspirants of international MBA to prepare/brace themselves for that process?
Yes, there is an absolute difference. Most Indian students who are used to campus placements or have heard of the same all through their life suddenly feel at a loss when they have to market themselves and find a job. To start with, students can use professional platforms like LinkedIn to find like-minded professionals and potential job-givers. Alumni of respective schools provide a strong network that is of great value to students. MBA Career fairs are another avenue where companies hunt for the right students. Friends and relatives also can be a good source. As an MBA student, searching for a job begins right from Day One and students must make the most of every opportunity they get to meet a new person.

With so much talk of recession making it more difficult for international students to find jobs, do you feel any personal regrets about going for this degree?
To be honest, there were a few days during my internship search where I felt hopeless as things were going completely berserk. I stood determined and continued my search with even more vigour and ended up interning with Stanford. Things are relatively bad, but I believe this is the best time to be in B-school, which is bringing out the best in me. I feel challenged and I’m more open to try out things.

What, in your opinion, is the most special thing about doing an MBA abroad? How has your stint so far impacted you as a professional?
Interacting with students and professors from different parts of the world opened up new cultures, traditions and ways of doing business. I feel natural and confident talking to anybody in the world. The feeling that I can do things anywhere in the world is priceless. The learning from the professors, speaker sessions, case studies, live projects, and internship have all made me a confident professional who is ready for the business world.