How An Interview Changed My Perspective Of MBA : My BITSoM Interview

In November 2021, shortly after giving CAT, I learnt about BITSoM through a LinkedIn article. My interest in BITSoM was piqued in particular by the mention of Dr. Ranjan Banerjee as the Dean. I was fascinated, but I held off on applying until I finished my examinations. Before applying in January 2022, I wanted to learn more about the school, so I contacted a few BITSoM students on LinkedIn and gained a much deeper understanding of the institution. I applied in the second round of application after learning about the course offerings, instructors, and opportunities for exposure at BITSoM.

In addition to essays that forced me to reflect on my past successes and failures, my strengths and weaknesses, and my purpose for pursuing an MBA, the application process itself was distinctive and wasn't limited to just entrance exam scores. When I had questions during the application process, BITSoM offered a lot of assistance in the form of live application sessions, which helped me create a profile that accurately represented who I was at my best.
I got the interview call on 19th, 2020. My interview was scheduled for 26th March. One of the striking features of interview in my opinion was the duration of interview. It was scheduled for one hour which was unlike any other interview I had given thus far.
The interview day:
The two interviewees were professors from BITS Pilani, both of whom had more than thirty years’ experience of teaching at BITS Pilani. Right from the outset they made it clear that this interview is more of a conversation and told me to relax. Then they introduced themselves (which was again quite insightful, not many interviews start like this).

P1: So, Shriram. This is about us. Now you tell me about yourself.  
Me: Started with my education background, what motivated me to do mechanical engineering, my biggest learnings from mechanical engineering, my work experience and what motivated me to an MBA.

P1: Tell me about your work ex as supply chain engineer. 
Me: Told my job description and types of projects I had dealt with including few major challenges that I faced. (If you have work experience then try to highlight some of the projects that had a measurable impact on you or on your organisation)

P2: Tell me more about why you felt MBA is something you want to pursue? 
Me: During my three years of work experience I felt that I had limited myself to manufacturing industry and wanted to understand what other industries had to offer. MBA seemed a right choice since one get to understand an organisation from multiple viewpoints which gives an opportunity to have both domain specific and industry wide expertise.

P1: Tell me about your weakness.
Me: I told public speaking and debating in a public forum.

P1: Public speaking is very essential as you move to corporate world. How are you trying to improve upon it? 
Me: I was honest, told that I haven’t actively done anything to improve upon my public speaking skills. But I was hoping that an MBA would provide me an opportunity to participate actively in events where I can overcome my weakness.

P2: That’s good. But meanwhile you should look into platforms like Toastmasters, where you will get opportunities. 
Me: Sure sir, thank you for the recommendation. I will definitely look into it.

P1: Shriram, do you want to do a debate now? 
Me: I was little nervous, but I said sure.

P1: A leader should be democratic or authoritative while making the decision? 
Me: I told democratic.

Then almost for half hour we had a debate, there were moments when I was not able to substantiate my views effectively but somehow managed. After the debate he told me about how different leadership styles are effective in different circumstances and one cannot stick to one type of leadership style. Then he also recommended few books about leadership styles.

P2: ok, Shriram. Tell me about a failure you had in your personal or professional carrier and your biggest learning from it. 
Me: Recalled an incident from my work ex where I failed completing a project and my learnings from it. (Try to be concise when it comes to story and highlight the learnings)

P2: Any questions for us? 
Me: what kind of skills should I learn before doing MBA?

P2: I think one needs to read a lot while doing MBA, so just read. Whatever you like can be fiction or nonfiction. It will put you at ease while doing lot of case studies.  

Me: Thank you sir. I will definitely do that.
P1: ok, Shriram that’s all from our side. Wish you all the best.
Me: Thank you very much sir!

Overall, my interview was felt more like a conversation. We went into great length on each issue, and the interviewers frequently shared personal stories. The interview was also very peaceful, even during the disagreement. While the interview tested my views, it also motivated me to learn more about leadership and my options after earning an MBA.
My advice would be to make sure that you are able to substantiate what you have written in your resume and essays, try to give examples when necessary and above all be relaxed.

Duration: 1 hr
Verdict: Converted

---

Note From Team InsideIIM: If you're gearing up for your WAT-PI round, then join InsideIIM's MBA Admissions Bootcamp - WAT-PI Edge S03! 85%+ students enrolled in Season 1 and Season 2 converted one of their top 3 calls! Join us here!