Berkeley - Columbia Exec MBA Interview

Question

Is anyone applying to the Berkeley - Columbia Exec MBA program? I haven't seen a thread for it...

I applied for R2 which was a Jan 4 deadline. They confirmed my app was complete this morning and invited me for an interview this afternoon. I scheduled it for 1/19. Has anyone else been to an interview for the exec MBA program? How different is it than the normal programs? Any specifics I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!

LSUguy · Answer

Good luck with the interview. Let me know how it goes. I'm planning on applying there for their last round. I'm still trying to get all my information in order.

imracerx · Answer

In case anyone is interested, I had my interview with the exec program director at Haas (there do not seem to be many exec MBA students here). It was very informal. We chatted about my background and she asked a few questions about my leadership style etc. All in all, it was more of a conversation than an interview. I think they are really just trying to get a sense of how sociable you are. They also want to ensure you are aware of the time commitments, that your work and family are supportive, etc. I tried to impress upon them how supportive both are for me. I even joked that about my boss being a Wharton grad and that he was a little bummed that I wasn't applying there instead, yet still supportive.

In 30 minutes, they really can't find out too much about you, nor can you relate your life story....

In essence, if you have an interview with the exec MBA program, there is no need to do a lot of prep. Know why you want an MBA and why now. Know your leadership style. Be prepared to talk about how supportive your work and family are. Then again, if you do not know those points, you probably shouldn't be applying anyways. Also, be prepared with one or two questions of your own, but don't ask things you can find out on the website. I asked about the culture there and how much interaction you have with EWMBA students, normal MBA students, and Columbia students - stuff they don't tell you on the website.

Good Luck. If there are any other BCEMBA applicants out there, please let me know. I'd love to hear about your experiences!

oljb007 · Answer

thanks for the feedback, thats interesting to hear your experience, good luck!

i just got my app in for feb 1 deadline.

FYI you said r2 but jan 4th, did you mean r1?

jb

imracerx · Answer

Yes, I meant round 1. Good luck on your app. Let me know what happens!

oljb007 · Answer

shall do!

anybody else applying to BCEMBA 2010? lets hear it.

oljb007 · Answer

hey i got a request for an interview!!!

gmatguruni1 · Answer

Hi
I got the interview for March 7. Could anyone please provide the information on the type of questions asked. How much weightage does the BC Emba interview has on the acceptance to its program?

What kind of questions we can ask them?

Appreciate if anyone who got accepted provide their valuable input.

ramanan12 · Answer

I submitted my app on Jan 30, 2011. Was called for an interview on Feb 16. I was informed via email to ask for front desk to get parking permit to park in Underhill lot. Couldn't reach the front desk (it was during lunch time). So hovered around till I found a paid parking structure some good 15 min walk from Haas bui lding. I reached exactly 3 min before my scheduled interview time. So much for the planning!!. I was panting like a puppy. I had about 5 min to regain composure. 
I interviewed with Jennifer Charron. She was very courteous. She made me relax first and then we proceeded with the interview. It didn't actually feel like one. It was an informal setting .. very conducive to expressing yourself without any inhibitions. She was very eager to listen to what you had to say. They are not out there to make you trip or catch fallacies in your statement. They truly want to know you, your journey through the MBA decision making process. 
I was asked to walk thro' my resume. I started off slowly at first then realised that I had consumed little too much time without having touched upon the meat of the stuff. I took a slight detour in the narrative by offering what I am going touch upon eventually and how what I am saying now has a bearing to that. I had covered the topics of why MBA, why now and why Berkeley-Columbia in my narration. I feel it was easy for me to weave a narration around timeline mentioned in the resume. 
She asked me if I had any questions. I asked about interaction with Columbia alumni and networking opportunities with those student given the fact that only 30% is spent in NY. Also, options for participating in activities at Lester school.
On the whole it was a great experience. 
I got a call on Feb 28 from Carol informing that I was selected!

mainhoon · Answer

how is BCEMBA different from Columbia EMBA? Do they give 2 MBA certificates - one from Col and other from Haas? I think I read that somewhere...

Berkeley - Columbia Exec MBA Interview

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