The Hindu Business Line : How they did it

Arjun Gobinath, an engineering graduate, secured 99.35 percentile in CAT 2005 and got calls from all the six IIMs, XLRI, FMS, SP Jain. He chose to join IIM-A to pursue his MBA.

On why an MBA...

An MBA would give me many opportunities to develop myself both personally and professionally. A skill set that would help utilise those opportunities to the fullest is what I expect from an MBA at a reputed institution. In my opinion, an MBA has an advantage in this booming Indian economy.

On his winning strategy...

Cracking the CAT/XAT and getting through the subsequent GD/Interview process is not difficult, provided one works intelligently and efficiently. Students and working professionals appearing for these tests would definitely face constraints of time and energy. The trick is to use the time available in an effective way. Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals, both in quants and in grammar would put an aspirant in an advantageous position. Taking up multiple mock CATs during the final stage of preparation would be very useful. CAT 2006 would have a lot of surprises too, but a cool head can overcome any obstacles during the exam.

Favourite management thought...

I am particularly fond of the concept of SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities and threats) analysis. This analysis is applicable to every avenue of management and can be used to formulate a strategy irrespective of whether it's applied to a cobbler's firm or to a conglomerate. The most important things that go for it are that it is useful and it works.

On where he imbibes ideas from...

Communication with fellow humans is the best way of understanding and analysing opposing (and similar) points of view. In this technology era, the Internet provides a means to communicate with people having similar interests. I develop my views and ideas by way of online forums and blogs. Newspapers are evergreen sources of information and I make it a point to spend at least 20 minutes daily reading them.