5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
I had a zoom interview with an Alumni based in my home country. It was a blind interview that lasted around 40 minutes, and it was very conversational.
I was asked the following questions:
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Walk me through a regular day in your job?
2. Why MBA?.
3. Why Ross?
4. What will you offer to the program?
5. Tell me about a time when you led a team?
6. Tell me about a time you mentored someone.
7. Tell me a time when you worked with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Overall, I enjoyed the interview. And since my interviewer was a Tauber fellow, we spend some time after the interview talking about the institute and its benefits.
Edit: Today(6/11) I had my interview for the Tauber Institute. I was asked only three questions:
1. Talk to me about your professional experience.
2. Why Tauber?
3. Share an experience working in a diverse team.
Hope this helps everyone interested in Tauber.
Good luck to everyone!.
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Interview Date - 11th Oct 2020
3 ISB alumni from 2016 and 2018 batches. Interview was over Zoom and it started on time.
Brief academic background - B.Com (H) plus CFA and FRM charterholder, GMAT 680, 5 years of work ex in financial services industry
Interview started with alums introducing themselves followed by my own introduction
Q1 - You have written about automating financial models for MIS. Explain
A - Explained. Some cross questions thrown and answered.
Q2 - Any benefit from above automation to organisation, team?
A - Told.
Q3 - Why MBA? Why P.Hd (P.Hd is my long term goal and I had mentioned it in essay)
A- Told
Q4 - Again why MBA when you are earning decent, working in a good company
A - Told. Lot of cross-questions. Answered all. I believe the questions were generic and a mere formality.
Q5 - Any leadership opportunity taken?
A - Told
Q6 - Is ISB the right campus for your short term goals.
A - Told ISB isnt the right campus considering placements only (my short term goal is getting into IB). But also told that I will largely be relying on personal connections for a job rather than college placement. So more interested towards pedagogy and brand, rather than placements.
Q7 - Asked what if I dont fulfill my short term goals
A - Told the back up plan
Q8 - Few questions on hobbies (I had mentioned reading books)
A - Told (normal conversation)
Q9 - Opinion on Indo-China
A - Told (I think I gave a balanced opinion and they were convinced)
Q10 - Asked to name countries that are supportive of India's civil nuclear plans
A - Told (had mentioned in hobbies that I follow international news)
Q11 - Asked the correct lending environment in India
A - Told about NPAs. Cross questioned on how we can solve the crisis. Answered. (I think I could structure my answer better).
Overall the panel was very patient. They were keen listeners. They asked me everything that was in my application and were quite reasonable in their rebuttals.
Fingers crossed.
All the best to future applicants.
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Profile - 730 in GMAT, 2.5 years of work experience with McKC
Interview started 55 mins late and lasted around 50 mins; the previous interview ran over and the ad-com person called me in between to intimate that they will take sometime to start and to stay on hold.
3 alums - all from diverse backgrounds - started with introducing themselves and then asked me to introduce myself. Post introducing myself, I carefully mentioned the project that I wanted to talk about in detail to highlight my work experience and they asked me a lot of questions post that. They delved into what I did, what exactly was my role, what all was my contribution, any challenges faced during the project and similar details. (I think the push here was to see my exact role given I had mentioned I worked as a proper consultant on this project and see whether I actually knew what I did or not)
Post that, since my work was around a report that talked about large firms, they asked me some general questions to see my thought process:
1) You talk a lot about large firms - but startups have generated considerable employment but large firms have not. How do you explain that?
2) Government recently relaxed labour laws - what are your views on that? (Here first I gave an answer from both perspective but then they really asked me to give my personal POV which I gave)
This discussion was a good 25-30 minutes.
Post that, they talked about the social work I had done (I had mentioned Enactus and NSS on my application) and they asked where my drive was coming from. Asked a lot in detail about the Enactus project and what my exact contribution was. (Enactus was a big part of my first essay and hence I feel it was discussed in detail)
Post that, they asked me what my short-term and long-term goals are cause they were not that clear on my essay. Pushed on the "Why MBA" answer considering my work experience and background.
After that, while wrapping up, they asked me a sort of consulting question where-in they said what will by my top two recommendations if I happen to bump into a tourism industry CEO (I had mentioned travelling as a hobby and consultant as short-term goal)
Quick tips:
1) Do not get stressed - the interview is entirely conversational and there is no stress testing of any sort (Ofc, do not faff/lie as that can land you in a ditch)
2) Cover everything in your application and have basic pointers ready
3) Very important to guide your interview if you get an open-ended question to begin with - I feel I was at ease because I started with the project that I could actually talk a lot about!
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
My interview was quite relaxed and more of a conversation. My suggestion to anyone planning to give interview would be to research well on Curriculum, Clubs etc and have a rough outline of what your 1 Yr duration would look like. Read about the courses, professors etc as well. Do talk to alumnis or students currently studying, they really have GREAT insights, it will help you realize why and whether Cornell is the right place for you.
Here are the questions i was asked in 40-45 minutes.
1. Tell me about yourself
2. What is your leadership style
3. Which other company apart from BCG in consulting would you like to apply for.
4. Why consulting?
5. Whats your plan B?
6. Whats your short term and long term plan?
7. Why Cornell?
8. Which Alumns did you talk to?
9. Which Clubs you would like to join?
10. Which values of Cornell you associate most?
11. How would you contribute in Cornell
12. Is there anything else that you would like admissions committee to know.
13. Do you want to ask any question?
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Profile –
710 in GMAT , 4.5 years in Cognizant as a mainframe developer, 8 months in Standard Chartered as a Business Analyst. Both roles in payment domain. Future goals is to move towards product management in Fintech space. Wrote an essay about empathy being an important quality for a leader.
There were two alums:
Alum 1 – 10 years of work ex before ISB, passed out in 2017, working in Coke at present.
Alum 2 – Couple of years before ISB, passed out in 2012, working with Amazon.
The whole interview lasted for about 45 mins or so..
So it went like this:
Q1. Tell us a bit about your career progression after undergraduate
Explained in detail – what I was doing in previous company, what I am doing at present, connection between both and their link to my goals. Added some achievements here and there as well.
Q2. What would you say your highlight at Cognizant was?
Told about a tool I developed and gave some numbers as well on how much I could save etc.
Q3. Why do you think others haven’t done it?
I am sure others also thought of the idea but maybe they didn’t go for it because of the complexity involved. Even mine is basic and is a prototype. There is a lot to fine tune.
Q4. Okay, so why do you want to move towards product management? What is your motivation?
Told them the fact that I was able to create business impact and see my work in real time. Was able to understand the big picture and connect the dots. Gave an example of a project I worked on, Explained in detail.
Both alums pretty impressed with my explanation. Complimented that even though they didn’t have a lot of background in the area, they were able to relate and the fact that I was able to explain it in that way shows my experience.
Q5. At Cognizant you worked for 4.5 years. Was it the same work during the entire time or did it change in between?
Told how I tried to lay a foundation in development first and got settled in the job. After 3 years when I figured out what I wanted to do, I tried to take more responsibilities in that area. So went on to play a pseudo functional analysis role by then end.
Q6. There is an internship I saw in your profile. I have never heard of it before. Can you tell us a little about it?
Explained the whole thing.
Q7. People usually tend to take up certifications. Why did you choose this?
Certifications can be done anytime. Bu these opportunities come by once in a while. Told them what motivated me to keep going back. Also explained how I was able to develop some soft skills crucial for a leader on the sidelines.
Q8. You have talked a lot about empathy in your essay. So how did you help your friend in SCB when you yourself were new there.
Explained – I know the struggle she was going through because I went through similar things as a fresher. I had experience in Cognizant that she did not know. I didn’t mentor her about what happens in SCB, but more about the IT sector, Agile, SWL and DB etc in which I already have good knowledge.
Q9. Given that you think empathy is the most important characteristic for a leader. What will you do in a situation when you have to fire an employee.
Firing someone is not an easy job for anybody. I would try to make the most for that employee. Use my connections or some other role where I can accommodate them.
Q10. But will that not affect your own work. You will have so much to do and if you keep talking to 500 ppl, it will eat away your time.
Assuming that I have 500 ppl under me then clearly I have a hierarchy of leads under me. Ill try to inculcate the same thing even in them. So I don’t have to interact with each employee individually. An overall level of employee satisfaction should exist If any complaint comes to me personally, Ill take it up. Told them how I believe that companies are made up of teams and people and it is important to keep investing in them. Also mentioned that I am at the position I am today because of the support from my leads and their work never got affected by helping me. So I think it should be doable.
Q11. Have you been in a management position before?
No.
Q12. Then that is why you don’t know that things don’t work like that all the time.
I completely understand that. But my observations are drawn from the leads I work with on close quarters and I feel certain things are wrong and certain things cant be avoided, thus my opinion.
One of the alums commented - yeah definitely, it’s good that you have an idea of how your ideal team should function and having an opinion is important.
Q13. So you are so close to PM in your current role, why don’t you stay there and get there, Why do you need an MBA now?
My knowledge is limited to my expertise. Having a concrete understandings of concepts will help me better. Plus there are so many gaps in my current role and I don’t know how to perform them. Need to address those areas.
Q14. But if there is no MBA what will you do?
Just the way I moved from a developer position to a BA position, I can still get there. It is just that it will take more time. With an MBA, I’ll be able to expedite the process.
Q15. So you took a certification in BA and then moved to this position to learn more about your domain. Why didn’t you just take a Fintech course?
I did look into that option. There was a course for payments professional for a duration of 3 days. But it is very high level. In 8 months with a hands on, I gotto know more than I ever would have through that course. Hands on is important to know the intricacies of a domain.
Q16. Fintech is such a niche area, you are so clear you need to get there, why don’t you take an MBA from other universities outside India. There are some great courses available.
Yes, but India is way ahead than other countries. Gave some examples. Talked about NPCI and innovation scope here. And if you can stay in your own country and be closer to your family, then why not?
Q17. What are you looking for from MBA? Is it just the ROI or will you be open to work in a startup with no salary?
It’s not as straightforward as that. I have family obligation I need to fulfill so can’t take a job that will completely have no salary but concentrated in my domain. At the same time cant compromise on the kind of job I do and just look at ROI. I will take a position through which I can justify my career and obligations as well.
Q18. Given that you are so focused on payments and PM, is there any product that you already want to develop or some space that you are excited about.
Told them about an idea I had in mind. However also told them I don’t have all the details worked out and I need to look into it more.
Q19. Any questions for us
Asked them about their time at ISB – triggered off a discussion which was more of a chat and we had some good laughs there.
Overall it was a very calm and fun talk with the two alums.
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Background: 7+ years experience in software and team management with last 4 years working in Denmark.
The interview started 10 mins late. There were 2 alums (one class of 2016 and one class of 2007) and one adcom member who had his camera and microphone turned off.
The interview was mostly conversational and casual.
1)They started with a brief introduction about themselves and then asked me to give a short intro about myself.
2)The next question was about my motivation behind switching industries and roles (I have worked in 3 different industries in two different roles).
3)They asked me to give them an example of a problem that I solved, what was my takeaway from it and what I would have done differently if I could do it all over again.
4)They asked what I did in Russia and what was my learning and take from it (I had studied medicine in Russia for 2 years)
5)Few questions about my short term goal and how I plan to transition to new role.
6)Fallback plans if not ISB or not my target role.
7)Casual conversation about my hobbies, triathlon, fine arts and fusion cooking.
That's pretty much it. They asked me if I had any questions to which I asked them about impact of age in building peer relationship and a question about bidding points. They both gave their inputs respectively.
The whole interview was stress free and lasted about 30-35 mins.
One thing I would like to mention that, I had taken help of preppie for my interview prep. And Nishchay was exceptional in his questioning during our mock and also providing valuable inputs later. Would highly recommend Preppie for ISB interview prep.
Overall it was very enjoyable conversation. To anyone who is yet to have their interview I would say just be relaxed, know your application well, have clarity about your goal and ISB's role in achieving your goal. All the best!
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Panel size : 3 (male: 1 , female: 2) All alums.
Interview duration : 30 mins
Interview type : Non stress
Personal background:
Engineer..Male..IT… aspiring Prod Manager ..gmat 710…work ex.- 4 yrs 3 m
Annotations used :
Interviewer 1 - super senior alum,male,friendly ( M),
Interviewer 2 - 2015 batch alum,female, cold expression throughout(F1),
Interviewer 3 - 2018 batch alum, female, supportive (F2)
Interview questions:
M : What is Ranchi famous for, apart from Dhoni? This was followed by discussion on Jharkhand being a mineral rich state and what Madhu koda did to Jharkhand. Madhu koda came into the discussion because I talked about his 5000 cr scam first. Overall, this discussion went for a minute.
M : Any instance of your formative year where you showed leadership skill.
Talked about an instance from my professional career. M wanted some other example. Talked about me being the school house captain.
M : Why ISB and also, mention the biggest achievement of your life.
Talked about my interest in product management and how ISB provides a good platform. Talked about ISB's strong prod management community. Talked about the kind of diversity that I have at my work place and related it to ISB. Talked about strong ISB alum network. Also mentioned how my experience fits well with ISB's batch average experience.
F1 : Tell me more about the Cricket example that you have mentioned in your leadership essay.
Explained it. Follow the STAR method.
F2 : Tell me about the projects that you have been working on.
Elaborated the projects. Told about the developemt and customer focus experience.
F2 : Is it a direct interaction with the customer or is it an interaction with your extended support team which further coordinates with the customer?
Explained about the kind of interaction. She was convinced.
F1 : Tell me more about the customer escalation example that you have mentioned in your leadership essay.
Explained.
F1: Was there any appreciation for the work ?
Told about the award that I had received. Had forgot to end my previous answer with the appreciation that I had received. So, try to include the achievements in your answers.
M : In your LOR , your prod manager has mentioned that there was an instance when he gave you a feedback to holistically view a project before starting it. What was this instance about?
Tried to explain why was the feedback given and how I took it in a constructive manner without being bogged down by it.
M : Also, in your LOR, there has been a mention of you co-ordinating the tasks well. So, what kind of interaction do you have with your product manager. Do you guys discuss about product management roles or are these just coffee corner discussions.
Explained my work related dependencies on my prod manager. Also discussed about how he helps me with my customer related escalations.
F2 : I do see you have really good exposure on development and customer enablement fronts. You already interact with your prod manager and work with him. Don't you think working in the same role will lead to your short term goal of being a prod manager. Why is an MBA required.
Started with how my current role has provided me the required progression in terms of engineering driven perspectives. Talked about the limitations of my role in terms of opportunities to develop business acumen. Told her that even if I continue in this role, I might get an entry level prod management role after 4-5 years but my knowledge of functional know how of things will still be very limited. So, instead of waiting for 4–5 years to develop this knowledge, would like to go ahead with formal business education and that is why an MBA and would prefer to use the post MBA 3-4 years to hone the business skills gained through MBA.
She said that it does make a lot of sense.
M: Since we do have some more time left. Let me put you in a situation. Imagine you are a product manager at Amazon and you have to come up with an app that elderly people can use to take their thoughts away from corona. What will you think of.
I took some time to think and did a lot of cross questions. Then came up with an idea of selling virtual experience on Amazon. The experience can be of Selling a subscription for live Ganga Aarti for the religious people.
M: How will you ensure that elderly use this application without any help.
Took some time and told them that may be a simple UI can help..he himself suggested that let us drop this. Seems a difficult one.
F2 : What are some life lessons learned from cricket. How have you used these lessons in your personal and professional life.
Answered ..
M : Any question for us….
Did ask one and always do ask atleast one. If nothing comes into your mind, ask about their experience or learning that they feel remained till date even after so many years of graduating from ISB.
Verdict: Don't know. Need to wait.
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5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Background - 3 years of Work Experience at a Fintech start-up (As of August). BCom Graduate. Cleared CFA Level 3.
1) Tell us about your role at work
A) Explained in Detail
2) You have said in the application that you Invest in the Unlisted Space. Tell us more
A) Explained in Detail. Was asked about the process, risks, projections and other information I considered while Investing and how I exited the Investment. The discussion went on for some 15 minutes or so. Lot of Cross questioning from the panelists.
3) What has been your biggest professional challenge?
A) Explained the situation
4) What was your learning and what corrective action did you take?
A) Answered in detail.
5) How do you think the PGP will help you with your goals?
A) Talked about my goal and where I stand right now and how the PGP would add a lot of value in terms of where I aspire to be.
6) What is your biggest Professional Achievement? (They asked me to keep the response to one line because I was answering other questions in detail)
A) Briefly explained it in one line.
7) Do you have any questions for us?
A) Asked them about the bidding system for electives and what will happen if we run out of the 4500 credits? They all laughed and smiled. And said "You'll figure it out" and then collectively laughed. Then they briefly explained their experience.
Overall, it was structured as a very friendly conversation. I thanked them at the start and end for taking their time out to interview me and I wished them well
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Background - Investment Banking professional with more than 5 years of experience. CA and CFA by qualification
The interview started 20 mins late. When I contacted the Admission team about the delay, she mentioned that the panel were having discussion about my profile and would start in a few mins.
The Panel-9 consisted of two alums from Class of '13 and one adcom member, who was on mute and with camera turned off.One was from sales & marketing background in healthcare industry and the other was from an ed-tech startup background (and was also a CA by qualification)
Call Length: 35 mins
Conversation began with both of them giving a quick introduction
Q1- How did COVID treated you and what you did in the COVID period? (this was part of my application and hence they picked this up and drove the conversation towards this)
A - I alluded towards the recent learnings I had in the Fintech & HealthTech sectors in India and abroad
Q2- Can you elaborate about any emerging trends in HealthTech in India?
Q3- Where do you think India stands in terms of Fintech? Can you provide a contrast with the Fintechs in developed countries?
What is the reasons for the contrasts?
Q4 - Why not Edtechs, why did you restrict yourself to just HealthTechs and FinTechs?
Spent good 12-15 mins until Q4
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Q5 - A Resume Based question - How did do crafted compelling investment thesis for investors?
Q6 - Can you walk us through any of the transaction where you would have done this
Q7 - Your recommender mentioned that you have handled complex transactions extremely well? Can you throw some light on that?
Q8 - Can you talk about any transaction where you played a key role? What was your contribution for that assignment?
Spent another 12-15 mins on resume & recommendation based questions
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Q9 - What do you like to do when you are not working?
A - Football matches and Bike ride
Q10 - Which Bike do you own?
Q11 - Which Football Club do you follow?
Spent another 3-4 mins on hobbies
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Q12 - Why you chose these short term and long term goals? and Why ISB?
Spent another 3-4 mins on this
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Three alums, two sirs (S1 and S2) and a mam (M) joined alongside an Adcom person who remained on mute and camera turned off. The interview went for about 50-55 minutes. I'm not able to comment on whether it went well or not but posting the questions to help others. Most of the questions were same as what you expect them to ask. However, the way of asking was slightly tricky, and I struggled to understand the questions on two occasions, so much that one of them had to correct my understanding in between.
Here are some key highlights:
S1: We’ve seen your profile and essays. Just walk us through your achievements in past two years.
A: Started with talking about the work profile and the achievements, stopped in between.
S2(interrupted): We’re not interested in your team’s performance. Just tell us what you did and achieved.
A: Talked about personal tasks and achievements, and how it helped me transition to Product Management from the Marketing team.
S1: Picked two specific achievements from my Marketing tenure and asked in detail.
A: Walked through each of them granularly, and he seemed satisfied.
M: Tell us an example from work where team-work has helped you.
A: Picked a situation which wasn’t there in my application.
S2: What’s the challenge in this? It seems straightforward.
A: Explained how different members had their priorities and we strived hard to work as a group.
S1: What was your learning from this?
A: Explained that it was to translate my thoughts in the language of the listener.
M: Do you want to have your own venture or are you targeting specific companies after MBA? (since I had mentioned my short-term goal of being a Product Head in a tech company)
A: Explained how the journey is more important and that I’m more interested in solving problems through technology, and haven’t fixed my mind on startup, tech giants, or own venture.
M: Tell me three things in Google Pay which you want to change (since I am a fintech PM)
A: Started with explaining why G-Pay is my favourite product and talked about two problems, but interrupted before the third one.
M: What’s the rough penetration of G-Pay in India?
A: Performed guesstimate and she seemed convinced.
S2 (mentioned two achievements in the current role): Pick any one of them, and tell me the end-to-end process.
A: Picked one, which is under implementation, and talked in detail. S2 interrupted to ask about the results and when I said it’s under implementation, he asked whether I’d be able to talk about details of the other achievement. I mentioned that it was a team effort and not just my achievements. He asked me to think of any of my own achievements, and I gave a quick thought.
S1 (picking one ECA, which is about building a community of movie lovers): Why not talk about this one? It seems to be your brainchild.
A: Talked about the inception, objective, process, results, etc.
S1: Do you want to monetize it moving forward or is it just a hobby?
A: Not given a thought, and want to focus on building the community for now.
S1: You seem to be a movie fan. Talk about a movie which has inspired you the most?
A: Talked about Anand and his selflessness.
S1: Would you call your movie community a part of your selflessness?
A: Denied explaining how it’s my objective to grow it for the benefit of cinema.
S2: How are others getting benefitted? How can a movie community help people?
A: Talked about the values we get from movies, and how it makes us forget our problems, quoting examples.
S2: What’s one thing in your career path which you’re missing?
A: Talked about how I want to get an understanding of business functions to create strategies comprehensively.
S1: We’re done now. Any questions for us?
A: Asked about foreign exchange (S1 explained briefly). Asked about their stories post-MBA (S1 said no time left, but we can connect over a coffee chat). Asked about result dates (Stupid question, M said to check with admissions team)
Overall, it was a calm interview, not stress questions thrown at me. Basically, they just want to know about you as a person. They already know from your essay and application, but need details about some of them and test your thought process. The informal conversations about movies in my interview gave positive signals, but I’m not sure.
Few tips:
- Always ask 2 questions in the end, but never ask the logistic ones as I did
- Don’t wait for them to ask for your strong points (ECA or projects). Fit those wherever you can
- Try bringing the perspective of why you desperately need this MBA in some places
- Don’t try to make up stories as that’s not sustainable
- Prepare well, at least for these questions
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5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Background:
Interview was mostly conversational.
3 ISB Alums and 1 Adcom who remained on mute and not on camera.
Questions:
1. Why ISB?
2. Why MBA?
3. Questions about marketing such as
a. 5 Changes in consumer behaviour in the recent years.
b. Difference between Product marketing and Marketing Managers.
This was specific to me because I want a PMM role post MBA and that I don't currently have a lot of experience as a marketer.
4. Questions about my company and my role in the company.
5. Learning from my extra-curricular activities and how I can apply them professionally.
6. Whether I have applied to colleges other than ISB?
7. Favourite technology product?
8. Questions about professional challenge and challenges faced in a team setting.
9. My perspective on marketing for EdTechs
10. Few factors important for EdTechs to succeed (because my company has an EdTech division).
11. What I find annoying about dealing with clients as an Account Manager?
After this they asked me if I had questions for them.
Interview lasted about 50 to 55 minutes. Felt that the interview went well although it could have gotten better.
Tips:
1. Stay calm
2. Ensure that you are aware of your industry and its trends
3. Brush up on basic concepts if you have recently (in the past year) switched jobs.
4. Be very clear on your goals and the examples you use.
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Interview with Adcom member. Very conversational and casual. Around 35 minutes.
Run me through the resume.
My role and responsibilities in current job.
Best achievement in this job.
How would your employees describe you (3 things)?
2 areas you think you can improve on on.
Short term and long term goals
Why mba?
Why Kellogg?
How would you involve yourself at Kellogg?
What will be your biggest challenge at Kellogg?
Anything else you would you like me to ask you?
What would you like to ask me?
+mild follow ups for clarifications in some questions.
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
My interview took place at 11:30 pm IST with a member of the admissions team (who was also an alum).
Interview was friendly and the interviewer had a good vibe about her.
I was slightly nervous because the stakes were so high. As a result, I think performance was kinda ok.
Questions:-
1. Tell me about your undergrad.
2. Tell me about your work history.
3. Goals & why MBA/
4. What if you don't get your post-MBA goal?
5. Why Kellogg?
6. Tell me about a time when you worked in teams.
7. How would you describe your leadership style?
8. Help me understand what you do in your job.
9. Anything you want me to discuss (I mentioned 3)
10. Any questions for me?
Total time - 30 minutes (including the questions I had for her).
She said it would take 30 minutes and it did!
I think the interview ended on time (30 mins) probably because it was already midnight here in India.
Tip -
1. The interview will happen via Zoom, so, pre-select "Touch up my video". It'll make you look fresh!
2. Be prepared for a random order of questioning (i.e the interview might not always be in a flow; there might be abrupt change of topics).
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5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
The interview was extremely laid back. Zoom call that lasted about an hour (we had said about 45 minutes before the call). The first half of the call was dedicated to him asking the prescribed questions:
- Give me a little background about yourself
- Why Kellogg
- Why JD/MBA
- Typical questions about your experience with teams
The second half was very much a two way conversation. Just asked questions about their experiences.
Overall was a very natural conversation. Based on this conversation, I’m not sure that the interview is a “make or break” type of thing. Was definitely good, but it seems to be just a piece of the admissions process.
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5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Was interviewed by a member of admissions committee. Most of the questions were very specific to what I had in my CV and what I wrote in my essays, so it won't be of much use putting those details here. She did ask me about which electives I'd like to take, what I like about the curriculum, and what I will likely find most challenging in the program. Didn't ask a lot of standard questions (not even why MBA why now why Oxford).
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
My interview was conducted by a 2nd year student and lasted around 40min. I entered the interview slightly anxious, but this anxiety was quickly gone after I saw a person of my age and emotional level (very open and rather from the extroversive wing:)). The questions were all standard, the ones already mentioned in other debriefs like "how your colleagues would describe you in two words?", "tell me about a time you led a diverse team". The interviewer asked me about the school's international offerings and what I would be interested in. Even though I always dropped in some ideas on where I could elaborate "I took this job, I can tell you later why if you wish", he never picked up on any, but continuously went through his list. So I'd say the biggest challenge for me was to make the interview sound like a conversation not like a monologue. All in all, very positive experience making one further grow interest in the school and also luckily enough time for Q&As - kudos to Kellogg! P.S. I tried to enter the interview online room from Safari web-browser, this did not work. Chrome worked out perfectly.
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Interviewed with Jackie Otto via Zoom call.
It was a blind interview where the interviewer had not gone through my application but did have my resume with her during the interview.
The interview booking portal had some issues and kept switching my booking between 1:00AM and 1:00PM throughout the day and the interview link did not work when the time came. Fortunately, I made the interviewer aware of this issue beforehand and she handled the situation very well although we lost about 4 of 30 minutes scheduled.
The interview was a typical behavioral interview and some of the interviewer's questions were
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why Tepper (her questioned was phrased in such a way that I needed to answer why MBA and why Tepper).
3. Post MBA career plans.
4. Plan B.
5. Time when you mentored someone.
6. Time when you explored diversity.
7. Time when you had to adapt.
8. Time when you worked with a difficult person, task or situation.
There were a few follow up questions here and there but overall it was a very calm, friendly and informal interview and at the end I felt the 4 minutes lost initially could have contributed to a more rich conversation.
Overall it was a very satisfying experience and I hope it works for the best and I also hope anyone who reads this debrief can benefit from it.
Good luck!
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
1. Tell me about yourself
2. Why MBA/ Why Duke
3. Why USA
4. Greatest accomplishment outside work
5. One advice for CEO of your company to make the workplace better
6. How will you contribute to Fuqua
7. How will your friends and family describe you
8. What will you do if you don't get into Fuqua
9. Tell me about a time you received constructive feedback
10. Describe your relationship with your supervisor
11. How did you stand up for someone who was being disrespected in your workplace
12. Tell me about a time you had to influence others
Interview lasted for 1 hour 5 mins. I asked a few questions in the end which lasted about 10 mins.
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5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
Very standard.
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why MBA? Why now?
3. Why Kellogg?
4. Give me 1 example of:
- leadership
- teamwork
- conflict
5. How will you give back to Kellogg?
I asked about how the schools was helping students during this time. Alumni was very honest - gave a good picture of the school's positive actions as well as areas for improvement.
Over in about 45 mins. From what I gather, this is standard for interviews here. Honestly, they're working and taking time out during a work day. Don't really have the time to be doing 3 hour interviews like some of the other debriefs mention.
5 years ago May 3, 2021 08:05
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why MBA and why Fuqua?
3. What makes teams successful? 3 characteristics.
4. Talk about a time you failed as a leader?
5. Talk about a time you succeeded as a leader?
6. If you could change one thing in your career up to this point, what would you have done differently?
7. What type of leader are you or aspire to be?
8. What activities at Fuqua are you looking to get involved with?
9. Anything not covered in the interview that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee?