IIFT GD-PI-WAT Experience | Ft. Tushang Shivam IIFT K'22

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Slot: 8:50 am

WAT Topic: Earth without the Moon

Word Limit: 300

Time: 20 minutes

IIFT sometimes gives abstract, out-of-the-world (pun intended), WAT topics and you need to be rather quick in concocting a story in case you get a similar one. As you only get a single sheet, make mental notes of the points you would like to hit, and you should definitely start writing within 5 minutes to give yourself time for a quick revision. Introduction-Body-Conclusion is always the way to go here.

GD Topic: Should governments hand out freebies?

Total Candidates: 17

Total Panelists: 2

Duration: 25 minutes

IIFT GDs are usually related to current affairs. Back then, Delhi Legislative Assembly elections had just concluded and I had prepared about the various contentious topics that were discussed as a precursor to the elections.

You have to be well-versed in every major event that has happened or will happen close to the day of your process as every serious candidate will definitely be prepared with the same. It is not necessary that you open the discussion but do try to pitch in with 2-3 good points that the panelists can register.

Interview Experience:

No. of Panelists: 3

After greeting the panelists, I took a seat across their table as they went through my CV form that I had submitted while filling the application.

Q1) Tushang, you have a pretty unusual name. What does it mean?

They usually start with a casual question to help ease us into the moment. I told a short story about how my name was coined and its meaning.

Q2) Tell us about yourself.

I am sure everyone has a 90-second intro ready for this question which details their work experience(if any) and college experience in reverse chronological order. It is imperative that you prepare your answer with someone who has been through the process once before because how you answer this question will drive the rest of the interview.

Q3) Tell us about your work experience at voestalpine.

Instead of asking about the start-up as usually happened with me, they started with my work experience. I briefly explained the technical aspect, but mind you, they are usually looking for the managerial side. So do explain how the hierarchy worked and how you managed to get work done there. For people with no work experience, they might ask about the major events that you organised or even your internship during undergrad.

Q4) Why did you quit your job?

This might be a question which not everyone will be asked as it is specific to my profile. However, if you have switched jobs or roles, they might ask you the reasons behind the decision. I simply explained about the start-up idea and how I wished to take a risk by trying something of my own. They cross-questioned about why it did not work out and my learnings from the entire experience.

Q5) So, why MBA and why IIFT in particular?

Again, this is one question that you should always be ready to answer, no matter which institute you are appearing for. Instead of using generic terminology, try and make the answer as personal and relevant to your profile as possible. You want to sound authentic and I would recommend you practice these answers in front of a mirror or other people to make sure you do not sound monotonous while answering them.

Honestly speaking, this was one answer they did not look impressed with as it was clear that I had simply memorised it. Do not make the same mistake!

They thanked me for the answer and indicated that the interview was over. I left the room feeling I could have done a lot better.

Duration: 10-12 minutes

Result: Converted

Conclusion: Though no one can predict what the panelists will throw at you, there are certain questions that you can prepare for based on your profile. Be thorough with those and try to steer the conversation towards your comfort zone wherever possible. Like me, you might be unsure whether you gave satisfactory answers or not. However, it is imperative that you stay and sound confident throughout the entire process as that is the best judge of your character one can make in the short duration of the process.

I got the opportunity to study at this esteemed institution simply because I had great mentors who gave me these nuggets of knowledge that I hope I have effectively passed on to you. Hope to see you here soon!