An MBA Broadens Your Horizons - Interviewed in June 2005

Adarsh Hegde, SPJIMR Class of 2005

Please tell us about your background. Why did you opt for an MBA after a professional qualification?
I did my Computer Engineering from Bangalore and then took up a job with TCS, Gurgaon. My career at TCS had been very technical - I gained a lot of exposure through my positions as a programmer, analyst, and a project leader. While working intensively in IT and dealing with all aspects of project implementation, I began to realise my need for a formal education in business administration. Such a programme, I thought, would help me gain valuable managerial skills: the ability to analyse and integrate all the aspects of project management and the needed resource management skills. In addition, added credentials will make it possible for me to reach the rungs of the corporate ladder that I would otherwise never reach.

How important are extracurricular activities to personality development according to you?
I feel participating in extra-curricular activities is as important as being good in academics. It helps one recognise one’s innate strengths in areas besides studies. For example, if I were not aware of my presentation skills, I would never have participated in or won any of the business contests that I did, after joining SP Jain.

What made you select the particular institute vis-à-vis others you got calls from?
I got calls from IIMK, IIMI, SP Jain, ISB, MDI and IIFT. As SPJIMR had a curriculum that matches the expectation of the IT industry for their Systems specialisation, it became an obvious choice for me. Also, the fact that it was in Mumbai and had a good industry interface, influenced me in its favour. I also admired their commitment to the society as they have a two-month compulsory project for students with NGOs.

How did it make you feel having secured admission to the best?
It was my second attempt at CAT and initially, I felt a big relief at having made it to a good institute. However, I did understand that this was just the beginning of a long eventful journey.

Who was your inspiration, your role model?
My fascination with management came from observing my Project Manager at TCS who was very good at leading teams and motivating people. He was at ease communicating with both the technical and the business teams and was sensitive to others’ feelings; he also recognised the fact that different people required different types of direction and treatment. Given my limited exposure to managing teams, my interaction with my Project Manager influenced me deeply and shaped my career in a big way.

How did you prepare for the CAT and GD-PIs? How many hours did you put in on a daily basis? What were your weak areas and how did you overcome them?
My preparation was not as intensive as that of more serious MBA aspirants. Being a senior member of my project team at TCS, I found it difficult to put in more than an hour a day during the weekdays. However, I made it up by long sessions on Sundays. I joined the crash-courses on GD-PI Series for my preparations. I realised that I was not comfortable at GDs, so I devoted a lot of time to improving on those skills. Reading and practice are both absolutely essential for cracking the GD.

What was the strategy you used for preparation?
I have been more or less comfortable with the Quantitative section all the time. My English however needed improvement. So, I decided to take the GMAT, as the level of English required to crack that is higher. Besides, it would also serve my purpose of applying for ISB. I took the GMAT before CAT, and it helped to boost my confidence as I got a good score and a call from ISB.

Which subject do you want to specialise in? Is it based on analysis of your aptitude or some other factors? What are the prerequisites, innate skills for a student who desires to take up a career in management?
I wanted to specialise in Information Technology (Systems). It had to do with my interest, salary packages and also the fact that after four years in the IT industry, one gets branded as an IT guy. It is difficult convincing companies and colleges to take you in for other specialisations.

How do you think an MBA has helped you? Did it actually teach you more than what you already knew from your on-job experience? Is it imperative for all those who want to pursue a career in management?
One can say that it lends a new perspective to many things and makes you a well-rounded person. For a person like me, who was into technology, getting to understand economics, finance and even the dynamics of inflation was a matter of thrill and great satisfaction. In short, an MBA broadens the horizons of a person.I reiterate what I believed even before I joined the programme: this degree is not imperative to becoming a good manager. But yes, it is a formal way of learning things in a structured environment and may help one (though not necessarily) to reach his goals faster.

What would be your advice to students who plan to get into IIMA?
Don’t think of your limitations and barriers. If that has been your dream, follow it to the end. Work hard and get there!