SJMSOM was the interview where I had to wait for the longest amount of time before the interview, but is my best memory till date. They had this virtual platform called Gather which made it the experience fun and interactive.
I was slightly nervous upon seeing that there are three panelists. Let’s call them P1,P2 and P3. All of them were very polite and made me comfortable
P1: “Okay so let’s start with tell me about yourself”
Me: I was so glad to get the first most comfortable question. Gave him my rehearsed answer.
P1: What is the difference between Capitalism and Socialism?
Me: Did not exactly know the difference but gave an educated guess.
P1: What is Cloud Computing?
Me: Gave the definition along with the example of AWS and how Netflix went all in with their data to be stored in AWS.
P1: Since you mention Netflix, have you heard of the recent conflict between Netflix and Zoom?
Me: I had no idea. Told him that.
P1: Alright no problem. Can you tell me how many regions are there in Maharashtra? Not districts, regions like Konkan region?
Me: Konkan was literally the only region that occurred to me then and he already used that as example so I told him that I did not know.
P1: Okay, do you know who is the leader of Opposition in Maharashtra?
Me: Was so nervous after missing two consecutive questions that I said Rahul Gandhi (I was thinking leader of opposition at Centre level). Immediately corrected it and said Devendra Fadnavis (sigh of relief).
P1: (Smiled) Okay, I’m done
P2: So, you said you’re a debater. Pick any topic of your comfort and argue on both sides
Me: Finally, something in my lovely comfort zone. Picked the topic that was appearing at most places i.e. the pros and cons of the work from home scenario. I went on about the impacts on mental health, productivity, economy, lessened burden on urban cities, etc. They seemed satisfied.
P2: What would you say are your three strengths?
Me: Again, something I was prepared for. Listed public speaking, socialising, positive attitude as three strengths with anecdotes to support each.
P2: Which field are you interested in?
Me: Sales and Marketing
P2: Sales or Marketing? Do you know the difference between the two?
Me: Gave a prepared answer.
P2: Okay great, what other calls do you have?
Me: Told
P2: Alright, I am done
P3: Okay so I have seen you can debate on anything, tell me what topic would you like to discuss. IT or Business?
Me: Business
P3: (Laughs) Why not IT?
Me: “No sir, ofcourse I would answer IT related questions if you ask”
P3: Alright, very basic question which you must have done in 12th standard itself. What are the features of OOPS?
Me: Knew this very well, answered at length
P3: Okay good. In the context of covid-19 comment on profiteering vs ethics?
Me: Spoke about the scenario for good context, then did a stakeholder analysis and came to a conclusion where most parties were being benefited.
P3: Who has been the best sales man of India improving our image during these times?
Me: Adar Poonawalla--
P3: (Interrupts) Why not our honourable PM?
Me: Yes of course sir--
P3: (Interrupts again) No, Adar Poonawalla is also acceptable. Just elaborate it for me
Me: “Sure sir”, Spoke of how Serum Institute of India attracted a generous amount of spotlight during these times and he being the CEO was the face whenever SII was mentioned worldwide.
P3: Okay great, you can leave.
Me: Thank you so much sir!
