Profile: GEM |
10th: 84%age |
12th: 81%age |
Graduation: Electrical engineering, Nirma university, 8.3 GPA (2015-19) |
Workex: Two years of workex as a sourcing analyst (2019-21) |
CAT score: 98.8 %ile
This year amid the pandemic interviews were hosted online, I attended almost 8-9 interviews this season, but SOM’s interview experience was flawless and more exciting compared to any other. One day before my interview I got the joining link of Gather platform on mail, platform where the whole process was conducted. Platform was designed such that it had specific rooms allocated for various tasks conference room, documents verification room, interview panel room, etc. it was replica of the campus building, while exploring the platform I literally felt that I am roaming around in the campus building with other candidates, kudos to the team who is behind such an intereactive platform,
Directly jumping to the interview process, I entered the interview room,
Well, it was a panel of three members (2M and 1F), two were professors at IIT B and one was alum of SOM about which i was notified beforehand,
I greeted the panel members, same way they did,
M1: Well harsh, what’s the meaning of your name?
Me: told
M1: so you are a state level TT player
Me: yes sir
M1: what’s the size of the ball used in TT?
Me: sir there are two types of balls one is of 40mm and another one is of 40+ mm
M1: 40?? Are you sure with this number?
Me: Yes sir I am pretty much sure (internally i was confused though)
M1: Because I used to play with 38 mm ball in 1990s I am a national level player of year 1998
Me: Its great to hear that sir, but I think there might be some changes in dimensions since its been a long time gap
M1: Yess maybe (Smiled awkwardly)
M1: So you worked in SCM, what’s the difference between SCM and Operations?
Me: Told
M1: How many SKU’s do you handle?
Me: Told
M1: What all strategies you used for procurement, and generally how do you define a strategy for a new part
Me: Explained thoroughly, M1 seemed satisfied with this answer
M2: So harsh, you have quantified your achievements at your organization can you justify this numbers
Me: yes sir,but for justifying I need to elaborate the whole task in brief if you allow I may
M2: yes sure, why not
Me: Explained whole process and justified the numbers I have mentioned
M2 did throw 2-3 cross questions on the justification and finally after answering them he seemed satisfied with it
M2: So which specialization are you planning for?
Me: Told
M2: So harsh last question from my side, why you left TT and started you career in engineering, you already reached till state level some more years you could have reached national level too
Me: Explained what inspired me to do engineering and why i opted for it
F1: So harsh, it seems the interview is stretching way longer, but I would like to ask just one question from my side, it’s a situation-based question, say you are sourcing head at an FMCG and one of your supplier is planning to increase the price of raw material he supplies what will you do?
Me: Ma’am, can I take some time to think of a solution?
After around 50-60 secs,
Me: Explained the whole thing, (
thank god I already was prepared how to answer such questions through process maps otherwise I would have definitely fucked up at this point) I explained the whole thought process in 1-2 mins , and whole panel seemed satisfied
Greeting were passed from both sides.
Verdict:
On 5th May while I was busy attending an irksome office meet, I got an email got selected in the first list itself at IIT Bombay.
This was flow of my interview at IIT Bombay it lasted for around 25-30 mins,I think mine was the lengthiest (as told by a senior who guided me during this process), panel was chilled one, they were very supportive and friendly, they gave sufficient time to think of a solution.
Only one tip which I would like to share to all the aspirants who are reading this article, never underestimate yourself during this whole process, its not just a process for sake of getting an admit it will shape you and make you worthy for a B-school.
Kudos to the admission team, for such a flawless experience, excited for the journey ahead.