Hello All, I'm an Indian applicant based in Sharjah, UAE. I had my skype interview today and it lasted for 22 minutes. Below is my profile in brief:
GMAT1: 710 (Q49, V37)
GPA: 8.73/10
Education: B.Tech (Hons.), Chemical Engineering, NIT-Rourkela (Class of '11)
Current profile: Sales & Marketing Engineer selling Engineered products for O&G applications in the Middle East region
Previous roles: Trade Compliance, Strategy & Business Development
Overseas experience: 5 years+ in UAE (Entire career spent working for an American MNC in UAE. I was Campus recruited from NIT-R)
There were 2 professors and 1 alumnus on the interview panel and the interview went quite smoothly. Following are the themes they touched upon:
1. Current role: I was asked to explain my current role and I described my B2B Industrial Sales role in detail for about 5-7 mins.
2. Bid/Tender Criteria: Based on the above, I was asked what criteria I look at when submitting a Bid/Tender and I had a ready answer for that.
3. Incoterms/Delivery terms: I was asked the difference between Ex-works, FOB and CIF incoterms and this was a simple one.
4. Workplace learning: I mentioned how I encountered unfair practices such as price undercutting in the market, in this part of the world and one of the panelists immediately asked me what I learnt from that. I responded by saying that I look at my cost structure and get it as lean and mean as possible. Add a healthy margin on top and go ahead with the bid. As, we cannot control our competitor's actions, all we do is get our selling price "right". They seemed to be satisfied with that answer
5. Personal learning: They asked me how I learn new concepts. I told them that I learn through 3 modes: Mentors, Books and NPTEL (National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning initiative). At this point, I was asked if I new about another self-learning initiative called "Swayam" which I did not know but told them I would check it out.
6. Backup plan: They asked me about my backup plan in case I don't get into ISB. I told them that I would give GMAT again and apply for INSEAD. I was also asked what I would do if I don't get into Mckinsey (I had mentioned Mckinsey as part of my ambition in the application). I joked and said I would get into BCG and THEN get into Mckinsey which they found funny!
7. Role model: I was asked who my role model was. I mentioned that Mark Cuban, the self-made billionaire investor is my role model and how I get motivated by him given his temperament, approach and views.
At this point, they checked if I had any questions for them. I had just one:
1. AICTE approval: I asked if ISB was planning to get the AICTE approval and they said no.
Now, I have my fingers crossed until December the fifth!