I sat in front of my laptop at 9 am, the time I was told to join for my interview. Uncertain about my turn, staring at “Please wait the meeting host will let you in soon”, I was confused as to why the interview process couldn’t be handled better. The very next day I had my SJMSOM interview and it’s such a sea of change. The “Gather” platform is fun to use and allows us to mimic the waiting room talks we could have been part of, in a physical environment. I spoke to others in the virtual waiting room and it helped me go for my interview with a cool head.
I was greeted by a panel of three and the interview began with my introduction.
The questions started with academics with me fumbling a lot. I explained how it’s been long and I haven’t been using these concepts. The panelist jokingly asked if I would forget my learnings at MBA too. Oops! Not a good start.
P2 (knowing I’m from Hyderabad) - Tell me three rivers flowing through both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
I was surprised at the question and answered with two rivers while maintaining that I’m guessing the third river.
P2 - Can you tell us about three Telugu poets?
Answered
After two unexpected questions, I was asked about my motivations behind the MBA. I explained my reasons and knowing that I had a stint of starting a business, one of the panelists asked if he decides to invest in my business, would I still go ahead with an MBA. A million thoughts rushed through my mind on how to navigate this question but I just said that I would like to try the conventional way. All the panelists laughed and one of them said that he enjoyed my candid talk and I may leave if I don’t have any questions. Phew, some positive end to the interview, I thought.
Result - Waitlisted and Converted.
