An MBA is the gateway to bigger and more challenging opportunities

… says Mathew Varghese, MDI class of 2012. Armed with a BA in Economics, with Political Science and English and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism (specialising in New Media) Mathew Varghese is at present doing his MBA from MDI Gurgaon. In conversation with Suman Priya Mendonca he discusses why an MBA degree is important to him.

What are your hobbies?
I don’t have any unusual (or rather the usual) hobbies such as stamp collecting or pursuing an artistic talent. I am an armchair sports fan, and grew up watching almost all sports. Now, given time constraints, I do catch up on a game of cricket, football or tennis whenever possible. I also am a keen follower of Indian politics, and keep track of current affairs.

From Journalism to Management is a big diversion. What motivated you to take up an MBA degree?
It is often said that an MBA equips you for whatever you do in life, no matter how unrelated you think it is to the field you are in. For me an MBA is the gateway to bigger and more challenging opportunities. I am keen on becoming an entrepreneur someday, and I think an MBA and the work experience after it will go a long way in helping me achieve that goal.

You have worked for Cricinfo. Has your work experience has been of any advantage in your present endeavor?
May not be in a direct manner. One advantage is that you have a general feel of how businesses work, and you can relate certain situations to what you learn. Also, a professional mindset and strong work ethics are essential to succeed in an MBA course.

When did you start preparing for CAT? What would you consider was your weakest area?
I started late, only around May. The last 6-7 weeks (I wasn’t working then) was when I really put in an intense effort. By that time I had a grasp of the basics, and a lot of time was spent in taking simulated CAT tests online. My weakest area was Quants, especially geometry.

How was the GD/PI experience (including topics discussed in GD, questions asked in PI)?
My GD topic was related to the competition that Chinese goods provide to Indian industry, and whether India should impose high tariff barriers. The GD went off pretty smoothly, and it never got into a ‘fish-market’ scenario. The PI dealt mostly with questions on why I wanted to do an MBA and details about my work experience.

What has been your greatest learning experience at MDI so far?
I think the best part has been the pot pourri of experiences. On a typical day you could be involved in multiple activities such as presenting a case study that you analysed in class, doing work on a live project in the industry, representing your section in a football game and being part of a street play to encourage blood donation. You realise pretty quickly that with enthusiasm and perseverance, nothing is impossible.

What kind of recruitment/placement you are looking at after the completion of the course?
Since I am specialising in HR, I am ideally looking at a challenging role within that domain. However, if I get the opportunity, I would like to do something related to sports management or corporate communications.

Message for MBA aspirants…
I would say work hard on the preparations for various entrances, but don’t get into a cocoon where they become the only thing in your life. Since you are in trying to get into a business management course and a potential corporate, try and be aware of the business and economic environment. Understand concepts that you read about rather than mug them up and repeat them in a GD. Also, familiarise yourself with the CBT (computer based test) as far as CAT goes. Lastly, stay calm and positive; if you have put in the effort, the results will be positive.