onlyneed1 wrote:
I'm interviewing at Darden on Monday (I just got the invite a few days ago). Can anyone that interviewed there let me know what to expect?
As I recall, the interview was blind. Most of the time was focused on getting a broad picture of "my story." I was specifically asked for details that were not in my application, why an MBA now, why Darden, etc.
Of all of the interviews I had (I had
five), Darden's was the most
confrontational. The interviewer challenged my decision to pursue an MBA and as well as my decision
to apply to Darden. This may have
been a tactic to see how convicted
I was about studying for an MBA at Darden (and an MBA in general),
but it was certainly different from
other interviews. While I can't
promise that everyone's experience
at Darden was like mine, I have
heard - via word of mouth - that
other interviewees have reported
similar experiences, including
feeling like their interviewer was
trying to talk them out of going to
Darden or pursuing an MBA at all.
I guess my advice is, then, make
sure that you have a very clear
idea of why you should get an MBA
now and why you want to go to
Darden. I bet a lot of interviewees
make the mistake of getting
defensive when faced with this
type of "grilling," so make sure you
practice your responses and be
prepared to keep your cool under
unexpected cross-examination.
Thanks icandy! This is a very helpful response. I feel better knowing that it will be tough going in. I will prepare accordingly.
I hope I haven't made you more nervous. Really, I think that having this information will help you to be prepared going in (I know it would have helped me). The alternative would be to have to deal with it unexpectedly on the spot, which could be disastrous (and is probably why they do it
).
Also, I should mention that when I interviewed, there was a tour and an informal meeting with current students before my interview (just a bunch of current students and interviewees sitting around in the admissions office lobby). Both of those were great experiences. The students were very helpful and down-to-earth, and the campus is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Oh, but make sure you save some questions for the interview (or at least re-ask the ones you asked the students)!
Good luck!