How to Prepare for WAT-PI: A Detailed Guide by an IIM Lucknow Student

1. Know Yourself

The first step in your interview preparation is going to know yourself. This involves compiling complete personal details about your life, beginning with your name. Understand the meaning of your name and surname, its origin, and what is special about the people associated with it. Research if any famous personalities share your surname. You don’t need to know everything about them, but having basic knowledge adds depth to your understanding.

Next, gather details about where you live. Know the history of your city, its landmarks, significance, and any unique features. Similarly, learn about your school, its history, its founders, and any special reasons behind its name. Extend this knowledge to your undergraduate college as well. Find out when it was established, who founded it, and any significant contributions made by the institution. You can also research notable alumni and their achievements.

Hobbies are another area where you need to pay attention. Be it cricket, football, singing, dancing, or any other interest—know the fundamentals thoroughly. For example, if you claim cricket as a hobby, be prepared to discuss tournaments, players, and their achievements. Similarly, if your hobby is singing or any art form, learn about its variations, styles, and notable practitioners.

Make sure to craft a compelling narrative around every phase of your life. Storytelling is a powerful tool that captures an interviewer’s attention. Develop personalized stories based on your achievements and milestones, linking them to your answers during the interview. Prepare thoroughly because this is the part of your preparation where no one can assist you better than yourself.

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2. Undergraduate Subjects

Next, revisit your undergraduate subjects. This can be challenging for many people, especially those with work experience who may have been out of touch. However, it is crucial to go back and study the basics, regardless of whether you are a recent graduate or have work experience. For instance, if you are an electronics engineer, review concepts like circuit analysis and semiconductor physics. If you're a computer science engineer, ensure you have a strong grasp of algorithms, data structures, and software development principles.

Focus on studying one or two subjects you feel strongest in, but I recommend covering the fundamentals of all the subjects you've studied, even if they are not your favorites. While it's not necessary to delve into deep technical details, having a clear understanding of the fundamentals is essential.

During my interview at IIM Lucknow, the interviewer pulled out my grade sheet and began asking me about what I studied in specific subjects, continuing this line of questioning for six to seven subjects. To prepare for such situations, it's a good idea to at least read the outlines of those subjects.

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3. Work Experience

If you have prior work experience, it will likely be a significant part of your interview. Even if you are a fresher and have completed some internships, all these points will be applicable to you as well. You’ll be asked to describe projects you worked on, their impact, and lessons learned. Ensure clarity in what you have contributed and its relevance to the industry.

In addition to your job, gain a broader understanding of the industry you worked in. For instance, if you worked in the pharma industry, know about its landscape in India and globally, major competitors, and current trends. Similarly, for other fields like tourism, have insights into how countries are innovating. Knowing these details shows your grasp beyond your specific role and demonstrates industry awareness.

Be prepared for HR-related questions about your work experience, such as conflicts you resolved or lessons learned from your manager. Craft detailed stories for each situation, as these can leave a strong impression on the interviewer.

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4. Current Affairs

The next step is to stay updated with current affairs. The primary source will be newspapers, but you can further enhance your learning through Google or YouTube. We can categorize current affairs into three sections:

General News: For India-specific updates, read newspapers like The Hindu or The Times of India.
Global News: Opt for international publications like The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times, or magazines like The Economist.
Business News: Follow financial dailies like Mint or The Economic Times.
Beyond facts, form opinions on various topics. For example, if asked about the recent developments in the Middle-East, understand its history, the perspectives of both sides and the broader implications. Remember, interviews don’t test how much you can memorize but how well you think critically and form informed opinions.

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5. Basics of All Management Specializations

Familiarize yourself with the basics of management specializations such as finance, marketing, and consulting. If you're asked about your preferred specialization, be prepared to answer deeper questions related to that field. For instance, if you mention marketing, you should have a foundational understanding of key concepts in that area. While detailed knowledge isn't expected from candidates, having a basic understanding is important.

Alternatively, you can express your eagerness to explore these subjects further in B-school before choosing a specialization. Regardless of your chosen area, you should be familiar with terms like GDP, repo rate, and the functions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Resources such as the GD-PI toolkits released by IIMs can be particularly helpful for grasping these fundamentals about various specializations.

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6. Standard Questions

Next, it's crucial to prepare thoughtful answers to standard questions like "Why MBA?", "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", and "What are your achievements?". The key is to craft answers that go beyond simple statements and instead weave stories that connect your past experiences to your present goals and future aspirations.

For example, when asked about your strengths, instead of saying "I’m hardworking," try sharing a specific instance where your dedication made a difference. Perhaps you successfully led a team on a project with tight deadlines, and despite challenges, your efforts ensured timely delivery, highlighting your ability to handle pressure while remaining committed to the task. This not only demonstrates your hardworking nature but also provides a concrete example of how you apply that strength.

Similarly, when discussing weaknesses, focus on growth. Instead of just stating a weakness, explain how you're actively working to improve. If you struggle with delegation, share how you've been working on this by delegating tasks more effectively in a recent project, and highlight the positive results of that change.

Storytelling in these situations humanizes you, gives the interviewer more insight into your abilities, and shows your self-awareness. It moves your answers from theoretical to practical, leaving a stronger impression.

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7. B-School Specific

Be sure to research the business school you are applying to. Look into its history, flagship programs, notable faculty, alumni network, and any specific specializations it offers. For instance, if the school is well-known for its supply-chain program, emphasize your interest in that area and explain how it aligns with your career goals.

Understand the unique opportunities available at the B-school, such as live projects, international immersions, case-study-based learning, or entrepreneurship programs. Mention how these elements will help bridge your skill gaps, complement your strengths, and prepare you for the challenges of your desired career.

Networking is an integral part of the MBA journey, so emphasize the value you see in interacting with a diverse and talented peer group. Speak about how being part of such a collaborative ecosystem will enhance your perspectives and build lifelong professional relationships.

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Conclusion

Preparing for MBA interviews is a journey of self-discovery and immense learning. Every effort you put in now will not only help you ace the interviews but also give you a deeper understanding of your goals, strengths, and areas for growth.

Be authentic, stay confident, and approach each question with clarity and purpose. The interview panel wants to see the real you—someone with potential, aspirations, and the readiness to take on challenges. With consistent preparation and a strategic approach, you’ll be well-equipped to make a lasting impression.

Good luck!