The Hindu Business Line : How they did it

After her graduation from SSN College of Engineering in 2005, S. Aarthi joined Cognizant Technology Solutions as a Programmer Analyst Trainee and she worked there for just over three months before she appeared for XAT. She secured 96.45 percentile in XAT-2005 and is planning to pursue a PG programme in Personnel Management and Industrial Relationship from XLRI.

On why an MBA...

The work profile of a manager as opposed to a technician definitely puts my adrenalin on a high. It is only those people who have a keen understanding of the nuances of running a business and can who take major decisions. Moreover, the challenge of developing the ability to handle various dynamic factors that should culminate as a favourable decision for an organisation has drawn me to this line of study.

On her winning strategy...

Undoubtedly, lots of practice and the right guidance. I stopped getting unduly worried about my quantitative ability speed and discovered that you don't have to be a math genius to crack tests. It definitely helps, but it is not a crippling factor if one doesn't have great speed! As far as the interviews are concerned, a cool head and sincere replies are a must. I did not want to cook up a great image about myself and end up sounding like the "Mother Teresa" answers at the Miss Worlds. Humility and confidence pays.

Favourite mangement lesson...

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs... Simple words... No big funda. I have always been passionate about being an enabler. Only when basic needs are fulfilled, will one think about higher goals in life. This has touched me and I am very dedicated to the cause of improving the quality of life of the people below the poverty line.

On where she imbibes ideas from...

Foremost, from my parents and my immediate family circle. I deeply treasure the value system that I have imbibed. I also imbibe ideas largely from books. Ayn Rand is one compelling author. Richard Bach is another favourite of mine.