An MBA degree provides a variety of theatrical foundation, which will help manage uncertainty

… says Muthukaleeshwaran Subbiah, a computer science-engineering graduate from GCT Coimbatore. With a couple of years experience in a major hedge fund, he turned into an enterprising entrepreneur. He is also currently doing his MBA from IIM Calcutta.

Tell our readers about yourself.
I did my computer science engineering in Government College of Technology, Coimbatore after which I joined D. E. Shaw & Co in Hyderabad and worked for couple of years. My work experience helped me understand the business and also gain technical knowledge on finance. In late 2009, my college friends and I formed a team and started a creative agency Spark n’ Beyond as a part time option. In August 2010, we become a full time venture concentrating on print advertisements, web designing and providing marketing solutions. I joined IIM C for the brand name and the potential economic returns it can fetch.

Enlighten us about Spark n’ Beyond…
I worked initially as a senior software engineer in D. E. Shaw for a couple of years. Spark n’ Beyond was a joint effort by us friends as I mentioned earlier. At Spark n’ Beyond we operate in three domains of creativity viz. providing, inducing and exhibiting creativity. We provide creativity services like logo designing, print advertisements, radio jingles, web designing, and complete marketing solutions, etc. We induce creativity through workshop for college and school students. We exhibit creativity through theatrics and stage performance. Currently providing creativity is our main source of income.

What are your long-term aspirations and how do you see the MBA degree helping you achieve the same?
I want to be in a leadership role and be taking informed decisions. MBA degree provides a variety of theatrical foundation, which will help manage uncertainty.

What was the biggest hurdle in your CAT preparation and how did you overcome that?
My biggest hurdle was maintaining consistency. My performance in mock tests would vary widely. Analysing after each mock test helped me understand why I was performing badly in a few tests while succeeding in others. Classic batch material also helped me a lot as it was extensive in breadth and depth.

Did you appear for selection at any other Institute? How was your experience in each of those?
I had interview calls from IIM Calcutta and IIM Lucknow. The interviews were mostly based on my work experience and personals. Having a unique hobby helped - I was a hobby magician.
I converted the call from IIM-C, which was good for me, as the programme in finance offered by the institute is the best.

Tell us about your selection experience at IIM-C highlighting the structure and the way the process is conducted?
IIM C has a GD and an interview. The mentorship help offered by the institute also helped me in the interviews.

Tell us about your GD/PI experience?
My IIM Calcutta GD topic was “Mass mobilization in India can only be achieved through religion”. I had interpreted mass mobilization as political movement and had decent points to add to the discussion. My strategy was to come in 3 or 4 times with new directions and it worked well. My IIM Lucknow GD Topic was “Success in this world is not determined by talent and hard work only; looks and appearances play a major role.” I performed well in GD and wrote a decent essay.

Your suggestion to the management aspirants who perhaps want to get into the IIMs?
A little discipline is all it takes. Analysing and evaluating mock cat experiences help a long way