IIM Calling... -Serena Kallian

Varun Sunke had what he calls “a sheltered upbringing” in Mysore – a city known for its old world charm. Having completed graduation in Engineering and Communication, Varun got an opportunity to work at Goldman Sachs. The rigorous process of elimination for selection into one of the best Wall Street firms comprised the mother of all interviews, he says, as tough or even tougher than the IIM interviews that he subsequently faced. As part of the Goldman Sachs team, Varun was sent to New York where he was trained to apply the principles of technology to solve real world business problems. It was this stint that opened the doors to the fascinating world of finance and also sensitized him to the need and value of formal management education for someone interested in pursuing a career in finance. Hard work, pragmatism and quick thinking skills – these traits have assured Varun today of a seat in three premier management institutes in the country – IIMA, IIML and IIMK.

Varun has varied interests - in karate, quizzing, swimming and literature and can also speak French fluently. He is a firm believer of the credo that every individual must give back something to society and to that end he has been voluntarily associated with many social initiatives.

In an interview with Advanc’edge MBA, Varun shares his GD-PI experiences in the institutes that have selected him for the commenicing classes:

Firstly, congratulations on having secured admissions to IIM A, L & K. Why did you decide on an MBA to begin with? What are your career aspirations post MBA?

The learning and exposure during the Goldman Sachs stint has been a revelation. The training and knowledge sharing amidst financial wizards in Manhattan, New York and the subsequent exposure at Wall Street transformed my interest in finance into a passion. I still remember discussing the Sub Prime Crisis, as it unfolded, in the form of a case discussion at the Capital Markets Training session in June 2007. The everyday interactions with an international peer group helped me imbibe cross-cultural sensitivity and become a more effective team player. I even had a once in a lifetime opportunity to listen to Donald Trump and Alan Greenspan.

All these experiences have led me to believe that capital markets can be harnessed to serve as a source of hope and inspiration to all and can help us meet the millennium development goals. This realization helped in revitalizing my resolve to make it to the IIMs, which I feel can give me just the education that I need to achieve what I want to in the field of finance.

Post MBA, I look forward to rejoining Goldman Sachs and gaining further exposure in the marvellous field of finance. After achieving substantial experience, I would like to start a social business that would cater to the microfinance and energy industry.

The CAT is, of course, the first step that you have to cross to reach the IIMs. Talking of CAT preparation, what would you say was your weakest area at the outset? How did you work on or around it?

Well, I had no such prejudice to any particular subject, since I was equally weak in every one. The tricky verbal ability questions can fox even the Shakespeare amongst us. In addition to it, the hurdles were further amplified since my typical work day at GS lasted almost 12 -14 hours, leaving me little time to focus on CAT preparations.

When you are preparing for CAT, I believe it is very important to concentrate on the quality of the questions rather than quantity. Taking the Mock-CATs religiously helped me develop the requisite strategy, pick up critical time-management skills and fortify skills needed to help face the world's toughest exam-the CAT.

The scores of 95-99 percentile in the mock tests indicated that I needed to work hard on my basics to get that coveted call. I re-read Wren and Martin, Half's Algebra, Euclid's Elements, the Classics - in fact any and every book on fundamentals I could lay my hands on.

According to me, the ultimate mantra to crack CAT is pragmatism. I understood that it was more important to achieve complete mastery in a few topics like Number Theory, Geometry etc. rather than achieving superficial knowledge on a wide range of topics. The 5 C's make all the difference, Cool-Calm-Composed-Collected-Chill.

Ultimately, a good night's restful sleep, a wholesome breakfast and a few energy boosting toffees can help make your dream a reality.

Tell us about your experiences in each of the B Schools you received calls from?

The professors at the IIMs are simply the best. This was reflected by their depth of knowledge and amazing insights into any topic under the sun.

At IIM-A, we were asked to write an essay arguing that the Indian youth should absorb the positive influences of Western culture. We were given 10 minutes for that. The interview revolved around my hobbies, work experience, the recent economic turmoil, the resultant bail-out, the measures Goldman Sachs implemented, why I thought so highly of the organization, the need for an MBA and the papers that I had presented at an international conference.

One word of caution here. Each and every detail that you have written in the application letter is dissected and minutely analyzed. Please refrain from blowing your trumpet lest you are caught off-guard. I was the 4th to be interviewed in that particular session. The previous candidates looked pale. Well, nothing ventured nothing gained. So silently mumbling a prayer, I entered the room. The lecturer asked for my certificates. As I handed my files over, a crisp voice reprimanded---Are there more? This had me balking. I stopped short and left the last two files in my bag itself.

Every Certificate was discussed. Many a Hobby was probed into. Satire and Sarcasm combined left me a tad uncomfortable. But I said to myself, no pain-no gain and with that in mind I unflinchingly smiled all along. It also dawned on me that STRESS Interviews are more often a process of selection rather than elimination.

The volley of questions ranged from my karma-bhoomi-to my Janma-bhoomi.

‘You are a karate Black-Belt. Why not pursue the next belt?’ I spoke at length about my passion for Karate and how I was improving my stamina to help me transcend to the next level.

‘You passed your French Course-as early as 1999? Can you still speak? Or have you forgotten?’ A witty remark in French from me-assured them that my accent was not to be doubted.

Capital markets were discussed to the T. The Goldman Sachs-work experience was narrated.

‘How come you are so ardent about your Work and Company? Are you sure you will give up such a lump sum pay-packet?’ I grinned sheepishly, stating that after my MBA, I will re-join G.S.

THEN, WHY AN MBA? It was now time to convince them of my dream visions and the goals I had set for myself.

After a few more personal questions, rather abruptly, I was asked to pick a toffee.

I thoroughly enjoyed the vociferous dissections and the exchange of views and ideas. As Charles Dickens remarked, it was the best of times and the worst of times... I do maintain, however, that was simply awe inspiring to be in their presence. An interview of a lifetime-ended after a memorable 40-45 minutes.

Next in line was IIMK on the 12th of March. There was a case study about a mal-functioning toaster and the best course of action for the Company under the circumstances. An easy-go lucky-attitude, attentive listening skills and an open-mind ensured comradeship with the rest of the aspirants and the GD went off smoothly.

Then came the interview. There were 2 interviewers in the panel. One of them started questioning me about the subprime crisis, CDOs, Credit Default Swaps, trends in the interest rate, Structured Investment Vehicles and so on. The other professor who had been silent all along then took over. An in-depth analysis of my responsibilities ensued. It is important to know that interviewers actually test your thought pattern more than knowledge. A statement is made and you are asked to take a stance. They want to assess your capability to defend your ideas and words.

Out of the blue, one of the interviewers asked me to speak in French for 3 whole minutes. Ah, what more could I wish for! I gleefully voiced an impromptu oration in French till he ended up chuckling and laughing heartily. On hindsight, I feel I should have had the good sense of translating what I was saying instead of taking it for granted that they understood French. Finally it was over. The interviewers asked if I had any questions. As I got up to leave, they asked me about my final choice. They knew that I had received calls from Ahmedabad and Lucknow as well. They told me that they wanted an honest answer. I heard my voice say, “Sir, IIMA is my first preference.”

At IIML, the GD/Essay topic was: God help the rich, the poor can take care of themselves.

The interview was by far the best of all three. It lasted only 5 minutes and primarily revolved around “Tell us about yourself”. They also asked a few stress questions such as “What is the relationship between Okinawa and US? “ I told them that I had a Black Belt from Okinawa Shorin Ryu School of Karate. This was followed by the “Why MBA ?” question.

The lecturers then told me in unison, that they liked my witticism, my purpose, my energy and made a special mention that I had actually saved the GD by turning the boat around.

Did you come across any aspect during the selection process that has stayed with you till now, any particular incident or a surprise element as such?

I am astonished that no questions on academics were asked. Absolutely none about engineering.

What do you feel was your strongest point, that tilted the balance in your favour during the GD/Interview at institutes?

My consistent academic excellence came in handy. The St.Joseph's brand of schooling honed me to be polite-patient-cultured and smile through all adversities. My college days gave me ample exposure and experience in public speaking, paper presentations and quizzing. All this made me an extrovert and helped immensely in boosting morale. Through myriad hobbies, I developed a holistic approach towards life. For instance, reading-chess-sudoku provided practice in mental aerobics; swimming-T.T.-Karate imparted physical agility and then there was enough food for the soul through music (guitar).

Also, I was very fortunate to have people guiding me in each and every facet of my life. We live in an interdependent reality and need to combine our abilities with those of the people around us to acheive our greatest success. My parents, my teachers in the CAT training institutions, my manager and my colleagues who kept encouraging and motivating me - all of them played a part. I could not have gotten into IIM without their support and guidance.

But even having said all this , without God’s help, my dream to secure a seat in an IIM would have remained a dream.

Finally, how would you advise future MBA aspirants?

Please keep in mind that the profound knowledge of the IIM Lecturers is incomparable. Don't try to put on airs or fake knowledge about anything. Be polite and genuine, since hypocrisy and superficialities are detected in a jiffy. Put your best foot forward.

Balance is the key to cracking CAT. Whether it is in the number of sectional attempts or leading professional and personal lives simultaneously, it is very important to learn the fine art of balance.

I wish you all the best and hope to see you at IIM soon.