My interview at SJMSOM has been one of my best till date. They had this virtual platform called Gather which made 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!
