Tucker08
I applied early on for Round 1. Took awhile for them to process the supplementary stuff, but nonetheless it's in there. I just wanted to give my thoughts on my experience with the interview for those who want to know what to expect.
First I'll say, try to do an in-person interview. I did mine via Skype because I live so far away, and I will say, it was NOT a good experience. I interviewed with Jason Career Services. His questions were:
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why you want an MBA?
3. What companies do you want to target?
4. Where do you want to live?
5. What salary are you looking for?
6. Do you have any questions?
Interview lasted 25 minutes and he largely seemed disinterested in what I was saying. I certainly took it like my other two B-School interviews, but his demeanor and the way he responded to my answers kept me on tilt. It almost seemed like he didn't care about the MBA program he represented and was only concerned with my immediate plans after graduating.
Personally, if I were someone who was vetting a school based on how they conduct interviews, this was a huge turn off. It does complete injustice to why an MBA is valuable and discredits the educational aspect of it. To me it seemed the interviewer was more concerned with a job placement statistic. While I understand he's looking for people who have a direction, expecting someone to know what companies they want to work for even before they start classes is very far-fetched and quite honestly makes the program seem like it's a headhunting firm that does not care.
Just a heads up to those who have yet to do an interview for Florida, I recommend in person, as Skype can certainly detract. Also, be prepared to have specifics for your short term goals, companies you want to work for, and...well, where you want to live apparently.
Obviously this was just one interview out of many, and everyone has an off day sometimes, but I wanted to let others know about how structured and specific the questions were. I'm not trying to bash the Hough program, but it started off on the wrong foot for me. I hope others have better experiences.
I had exactly the same experience! 
Mine was a Skype interview with a Admission Director that last for about 14 minutes sharp. Exactly the same questions as yours. In the end she told me that within the next few days I will have another one with a Career Services coach. Haven't yet got an invite for the 2nd one.
Overall, I was quite put off with the way she conducted mine. It was as if she was more interested in asking questions than eagerly listening to me. Her questions only focussed on "JOB, JOB, JOB". Towards the 2nd half, she told me "since you are an international student, getting a job is obviously a challenge for the school hence we have to make sure you are a right fit". WHAAAA!!!
I don't remember other schools, that I applied to, to be saying so, EVER! Of course no one can guarantee jobs for international students, but you can't also call yourself a diverse school, not give them jobs, and expect good ranking in international diversity year after year.
On a second thought, I feel bad that I even applied to this school. I spoke to so many alumni (current and past) and none were so pessimistic about the chances of getting a job post-MBA. I feel cheated with all their advice now.
P.S.: I am looking to apply to some more schools in Round 2 now!
27 Jun 2015, 05:28
