IIM B – EPGP 7 Aspirants, Class of 2015-16 – EPGP (One Year Full-Time Residential Course)

MBA CAT 2024
185

Hi Puys,

Had my interview today, in 2 PM slot, @MumBAi .

I was in the easier panel with tow profs, one lady and one gentleman.

I entered the room, the gentleman was looking at my profile ..

1. You have written blah blah in your responsibilities. I din't understand anything tell me about it. (I wrote lot of technical jargon from telecom)- I started to tell about the project - I was interrupted- Tell me what you did in this project- Told- Again crossed- but you said you were software engineer- how can you work on this..I still stood on my point. 

2. You have experience in telecom and now you moved to insurance domain - how did it help you - Told about same technologies being used in both jobs.

3. What did you do to gain insurance knowledge - Certification

4. What are your hobbies - Script writing

5. What kind of - Comedy, what is comedy element ?

6. How do you pull of   a comedy

7. Narrate one of your story - narrated start and end  - Some Laughs

8. What is aircel and maxis deal (this was front page news in today's paper) - I am not aware...and then blabbered something ..and ended with but I am not aware 😁

9. How do you keep yourself updated - Answered.

10. Do you have any questions ? - Asked two.

So can't make anything out of it.

186


Hey Guys! Here goes my experience:

Mumbai: 9:00 AM

I was told during the briefing by one of the professors in our panel that I would be the first to be interviewed..(Or rather grilled 😃 ) Essay Writing came as surprise from nowhere and the professor was quoted as saying... "You must be already knowing essay writing as IIM-B's selection process, but still I will brief in short" and he explained the process...Essay followed by about 30 mins of PI. The anchors were up and the ship ready to sail... ~~~~~~

Some key take-away for essays:

• Even if you have no clue abt the topic, don't expect them to come to your rescue...they cannot change the essay topic for you..

• Use the entire section of the A4 size ruled sheet to write essay in about 300 words.

• Lack of awareness of the subject can be compensated to a greater extent by writing smartly, artistically and relating your known areas to the statement in discussion.

• Time is not a worry...writing can be easily completed in allocated 20 mins.

• Finally...and most importantly...it is all about judging your thought process....explore your knowledge bank and try to RELATE!! After all....you cannot be everywhere and know everything in this heck world....!

Done with the essay...they asked to wait and informed me that I will be called for PI in about 5 mins....Wait was not looong for me.

Finally went in!

2 professors-A Lady (P-L) and a Gentleman (P-G) and me (Mr. A)

P-L: Your profile seems to be very interesting

(Thank you very much!)

P-L: Which company do you work with? Whom do you directly report to?

(Answered)

P-L: What do you actually do?

(Answered in details)

P-L: What is CRM?

(Answered)

P-G: What difference you see working in emerging markets and mature markets?

(Explained)

P-G: How do you see cloud affecting CRM and contact center business?

(This is my bread and butter....so answered)

P-G: What are the challenges you see in implementing cloud?

(Bread and butter, answered)

P-G: What is near-shoring?

(no bread and butter, but gave a logical thought around it)

P-G: You work in every domain as CRM and Contact Center is used by almost every enterprise. Which is very good.

(Explained that although it's a great experience, working on multiple domains has its own challenges)

P-L: Which countries have you traveled

(Answered Colombia, Brasil, UAE, Malaysia and Thailand)

P-L: O, U traveled Colombia! How was the travel? What do you like about Colombia? Did you interacted with people over there?

(Explained)

Almost 6-8 questions followed...I guess, the Lady traveled to Colombia as well...she was curious to talk about it until the gentleman preempted...

P-G: Why MBA?

(Answered)

Probing starts....You are already into a good profile and work with Sales team, then why MBA? What will 1 year MBA do magically to you? (Gave some examples)

P-L: Have you connected to an alumni of IIM-B?

( I connected to a senior fellow who is an IIM-B alumni and SHIKSHU mentor, so answered)

P-L: What are your hobbies?

(Answered)

Some more questions that were very general and part of normal conversation...

That's all Mr. A it was nice talking to you. Do you have any questions for us...?

(Asked a question)

Done! Voyage over....anchors down...Smiles all over and I was out of the room.

Went for about 20-25 mins....Was a pleasant experience...counting on my luck!

Word of advice: Be yourself, answer confidently, be honest in accepting where you don't know the answer and keep a smile on your face...almost always!

Good Luck!

187

Hi, I am not able to see EPGP in the program options after logging in. How shall I view my application. Please suggest.

188

Hey, who do I have to msg my number to be added to WhatsApp group?

189

Please keep the debriefs coming guys..

190

Hi all, I had my interview on 22/9 @ 9 AM, Mumbai.

My Profile: 6 years experience in power sector specifically in cost management, contract management & commercial process improvement. GMAT 690.

Interview Debrief

First of all, the candidates were taken to a room and given a topic to write 250-300 word short note. The topic was - With the frauds and scams happening in corporates, India needs a whistle blower policy (something like that). We were given 10 mins to think and scratch on a rough paper and finally write a coherent, grammatically correct and logical note in next 20 mins. Prior to start of this exercise, they also told that they were here not to reject but to select which was very assuring.

For interviews, there were two panels and i was the first candidate for second panel. The panelists were very calm and friendly. There were two profs - one from Strategy background (P1) and other from Economics (P2).  An alumni also accompanied them(A1)

P1 : So tell us about yourself and why do you want to do MBA?

Me: Started with tell me about yourself.

P1: Ok, so how do you compare different generation technologies - thermal, solar, hydro etc?

Me : Told about cost per MW

A1: ( interrupted) So if i am an enthusiast and i want to set up a power project then what all should i have ideally to set up a perfect project?

Me: Listed some parameters

A1: So if i want to set up a 500 MW project, give me what will be my requirements for next 5 years - land, cost of setting up, operations cost, P&L?

Me: (Gave me a notepad and a minute to think) Told first two but was not aware of other two. Clarified that i am into setting up of projects and not operations, so do not have the idea.

A1: Give us per unit rate cost.

Me: Answered

P2: Why solar is not widely promoted by private companies in India if its cost is comparable to thermal?

Me: Gave two points.

P2 : Why companies are not promoting R&D in solar?

Me: Thought and gave some ans. Dont know if they were convinced?

A1: You had mentioned commercial process improvement. What did u do?

Me: Answered.

P2: A comparison of per unit cost for diesel generator, inverter & state electricity board?

Me: Knew only for SEB. Told. He told me rest of the ans.

P2: If people are ready to pay for generators, why are there distribution company losses?

Me: Gave a generic ans

P2: What are distribution losses from substation to domestic consumer?

Me: Wasn't aware. He told me.

P1: Where do you want to see yourself 5 years from now?

Me: Answered

P1 : 20 years?

Me: Answered

P1: Do you have any question for us?

Me: Asked

P1: Answered. Asked me to get in touch with current batch people.

The panel was very polite, friendly and comforting. They gave time to think when i asked for it and even asked to skip a question if i was not comfortable with it but still i attempted. But throughout the interview, i could make out they were just interested in my work and sector related knowledge. Any other thing that i told them (related to interests and hobbies ) went unheard.

So overall, it was an average interview. Keeping my fingers crossed.

191

Any update from IIMB about Skype interviews.

192

When I met the Three Wise men :) 

My profile : GMAT 700, IT 9 years.

Date: 21-09-2014, 2:00 PM Slot

Reached campus around 1 PM. It was little difficult to trace the block where they were conducting the interview. Nice campus though, the brochure doesn't convey the true picture. Felt like I was walking through some Ashram or meditation center.

We were seated in a class room, which had the list of candidates and which panel and which order they would be called.

Around 1:30 PM admin staff walked in and verified the documents based on the same order. Please carry your latest salary slips, although I was carrying an employment letter they asked for the salary slip.

At 2:00 PM we were given the essay topic, 10 minutes for prep work and 20 minutes for writing the essay. Topic was "100 smart cities is it just a political slogan". One side of the sheet is for rough work, other side for the actual essay.

2:30 PM the current batch students came in the class room, same time the first people on both Panel 1 and 2 were called in. We continued to speak to the current batch students, they were very nice and friendly it helped to get over the anxious period before the interview.

Around 2:55 my name was called, I was about to barge into the room, the staff asked me to wait, then one of the prof came out and called me inside.

It was a conference room with a big table, 2 professors in front of me and one on right.

 The Professor (P1) who was sitting straight in-front of me, started by asking about my current company. I guess it was more of an ice-breaker. They discussed among themselves also about the current CEO.

P1 : Tell us why you want to do an MBA

Me: Told my current profile and I wanted a career in strategy, before I could move to the part why MBA

P2 (professor on my right): Some questions on what do you mean by strategy.

Me: Answered. Not sure if it was satisfactory

P1: Who drives strategy of an organization?

Me : Answered, some cross questioning.

P3 : We see so many candidates who want to work on strategy , why do you think you are suitable for that.

Me: Tried to give some gyaan.

P3: Not happy, with a serious look.

P1: So how do you think MBA will help?

Me: Gave gyan about course and good things in IIM-B

P1: Tells about your profile what kind of work you do.

Me: explained all my major professional roles, specific emphasis on last but one and current project.

P2: You seem to be doing well, why MBA, asked my current role and how fast I have reached their, is it average or good.

Me: Average

By this time it was ok and I was relaxed talking about my work and stuff

P1 : What If I am not able to get the role I want post MBA, they asked me what proportion of students get into that kind of role.

Me: I told that I have spoken to an alumni and companies recruit for these profiles.

P2/P3/P1: all at once what if you don't get that.

Me: gave some more gyan on that Post MBA salary is not what I am more concerned about.

P2: You will be spending 35 lakhs just like that, you take decisions based on chances ?

They were trying to stress me out.

Me: Gave my funda on the money part.  I guess I was able to dodge this.

P2 :  immediately fired another bouncer. "why should we select you?"

Me: little off guard blabbered a bit.

P2 : So what? We get some many people like you.

Me: tried to give more points around my cross cultural experience

P1: give an example

Me: started telling about an experience

P1: Asked the client name, just to test if it's a genuine story

Me: told client name and about the incident.

P1/P2: Kept on nodding their head. I was not sure if it was sarcastic.

I wasn't comfortable by their body language on this question.

Finally any question for us.

Me: Tried to fire my question

P1/P2/P3 : we don't know , this is a question in Negative - Negative quadrant.

I don't have clue what the hell that means J

Total duration around 15-20 minutes

Came out had tea and chatted with the current batch students. That's it finger crossed.

All the best

193


Had my interview in Bangalore in 21st. I was the 3rd person listed for the 9 am slot.. Got my chance around 10:45..The interview itself was pretty nice. All 3 people in the panel seemed like profs. but were very friendly. Didn't try to make it a stress interview of any sort. Based on my experience and what I heard from the other candidates, there was definitely one question that presents a chance to tell about yourself - I was asked for 3 adjectives to describe myself and then substantiate it. They asked a lot of questions pertaining to your industry and company - things like why is your company been so successful, what is their growth strategy, do you agree with that strategy, etc., Being in IT for 11 years, I was also asked to compare my company's position in the market with the other leading IT companies in India.. I got grilled a bit on corporate ethics and values, vis-à-vis outsourcing, laying off employees, profit motives, etc., Fortunately, I had pursued a degree in music and the last 10 mins. was spent of that, including ilayaraja and AR Rahman.. Finally when it came to my turn, I asked them what is the one thing that I should try to look for in IIMB outside academics, if I got a chance to join my EPGP there.. They told me I should come and ask them in person after I get selected!!! little bit of a slap in the face but I laughed it off and came outside.. 2 things to be mindful of:

1) They take lead from the things you say and build on that so no loose talk and words in topics that you are not 100% comfortable with.

2) Smile a lot and try to be assertive, If you don't know something, say so. They appreciate it.

For me, it is fingers crossed now!! But it was a great experience meeting such wonderful and colorful candidates. All the best!!!

194

Based on the inputs I have received from people who have already been interviewed, I have compiled a list of general questions that are being asked. I will be regularly updating this post with more questions I receive as inputs so book mark this post so that you can return for more:

General Icebreakers:

1. Can you tell me something about yourself?

2. Please walk me through your profile.

3. We have gone through all that you have put in to your application. Beyond this is there anything that you would like to tell us to start this off?

4. If you are given a minute to describe yourself what would you have to say?

5. Let's get straight to the point... Why MBA?, Why Now? And Why from IIM B?

6. Tell us about your current role at XXX (your employer name)

7. Do you want us to start you off with a problem/ case question?


The first serious Question (Why MBA?):

1. So you would like to become a XXX after your MBA. Tell us what stands between you and your goal besides the MBA.

2. Your Goal of becoming a XXX does not warrant an investment of 35 L. Why do you think you need an MBA?

3. From what you are doing now to your dream job as an XXX looks like a hell of a transmission. What makes you think an MBA from IIM B will help you make this transition?

4. What qualifies you today to aspire for your dream job after the MBA?

5. When did you first start thinking of doing an MBA? What took you so long?

6. You seem to be doing so well for yourself in your current job. Why do you want to do an MBA?

7. In terms of years, how many will you save if you move towards your Goal with an MBA?

8. How have you been preparing for this interview?

The Meaty middle (Engineering Dissonance in your mind):

1. What if I say that I do not agree with you about your requirement for an MBA at this juncture of your life?

2. Why cannot you try for a job of a XXX now?

3. Have you tried getting to your Goal without this MBA? What is coming in your way?

4. Do you enjoy your job? (after you say yes) Then why are you quitting?

5. What has stopped you from doing an MBA till now?

6. What is it that you like about your job? .... What do you dislike about your job?

7. List out 5 challenges you are facing today in your job.

8. You want to do an MBA to become a business head (CEO) in the long run. Name Ten CEOs from around the world who are MBAs?


The Questions that will help you score (Work profile related questions - besides the ones which are very specific):

1. Tell us a little more about your current role?


2. What are the challenges your company is facing?


3. If you were given a free hand in running your company for a few days, what would be your agenda for change?


4. I recently read about XXX (your company) in the papers. What is the inside story? (Was asked to an HUL candidate about the pesticides found in Tea sold by HUL)


5. XXX (your company) has been know to take a stance on issues related to YYY (certain issue) why have they become silent all of a sudden? (Was asked to a candidate from Essar about their tiff with Greenpeace)

6.Why has India not yet produced a world class IT products company?

7. If you were made the CEO of your company for one day... What steps would you take in the CSR direction?


Difficult to tackle:

1. Have you applied to other schools as well?

2. You are from JNTU right? So if you have to get the name of Nehru removed from your college name how will you go about doing it?


Llewellyn Desouza

Principal Consultant Hash & CMO Felecidade Villa  

in.linkedin.com/pub/llewellyn-desouza/1/6a1/a52/


195

21st, Sunday 2PM Bangalore

Essay Topic: "100 Smart Cities - Is it just a political slogan or will it help improve urban life?" The format is same as with IIM-B's PGP admissions - 10 mins to think followed by 20 mins to write the essay. Also, afaik, none were questioned on the essays during the interviews in my slot

The current EPGP 6 batch seniors were in the campus to provide support after the essay round (esp. as Sunday is officially an off-day for them). They were extremely helpful with answering the candidate's doubts and queries. They insisted on sticking by whatever you've conveyed in the SOP, whenever in a quandary in the interview. We got a chance to interact with him (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKlsMDYu6Vk) too 😃

Interview panel consisted of 2 Professors, and 1 Alumnus. My interview was primarily from my SOP to elaborate more on Why MBA now, why specifically IIMB with some more questions related to my work experience. (Llewellyn sir has covered an exhaustive list of questions in the below post, so no point repeating)

Hope this is helpful to you.

196

Hi Puys, how many shortlisted cadidates are from Manufacturing/Auto industry .. I am..


197

Hi, Experience certificates which one needs to carry for interview are nothing but employment proof, correct ? If yes, whom should it be addressed to? I mean, To The respected Dean, The Chairman.... etc. Please suggest

198

Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

#Interview Tip!

199

What to ask the panel if they say- do u hav any questions for us? The website and brochure covers everything and there is hardly any room for doubt on course and curriculum?

200

can anyone post today's essay topics !!

201

Here is a brief overview of my interview of EPGP..today 2 PM at Delhi.

Essay on Jan Dhan Yojna..they make you comfortable and give 10 minutes for organizing your thoughts..then 20  min for writing..Approx 250 words are to be written

Interview lasted for about 15 minutes..questions on job role..they ask you how you do so..like if you analyze specifications..how exactly you do so. Why MBA at this stage...A Day in your life..Personal and professional strengths..and at the end..any questions from your side.

Overall, the atmosphere was cordial..to ensure that you feel comfortable and not intimated.

202

A detailed debrief of my brief interview

Reached IIMB at 8:30AM, located the classroom allotted to EPGP interviewees and got my documents verified in the next 15 minutes. After a 15 minute wait, I was unceremoniously handed over the essay answer sheet which was soon followed by the essay question. The question was something like this - 'As real estate prices are sky rocketing in Indian cities, people find a house increasingly unaffordable. On the one hand, we have increasing prices, on the other, a lot of unsold properties. How do you propose to solve this conundrum?' After about 30 minutes of furious writing, I was done. My essay sheet looked like a page from the "dead sea scrolls", complete with my illegible handwriting. Soon after, the interviews started, and I was the second person to be interviewed.

I was called into the conference room, and took the seat after being offered one (by the Alumnus, I learnt later). The panel consisted of 3 people:

MP (Male professor) - Avuncular, complete with a warm smile and an intellectual frown at times

FP (Female professor) - Extremely dispassionate, seemed almost uninterested at times.

MA (Male Alumnus) - Kind and gentle and peaceful like the Buddha.

My interview started with a googly.

MP - Rajiv, you moved from IT to retail and back to IT. I see absolutely no focus in your career.

Me - pointed out that my domain has always been retail since day 1 of my career.

MP - goes back to my application  - ah yes. XXXX(Indian retailer). So yes, tell me man, what's happening at XXXX.

Me - My info could be a little outdated, but I can tell you what was happening in 2011 when I was consulting for them. Stuff about an acquisition, subsequent business challenges and how things went downhill from there.

MP - 6 months you worked for XXXX? 6 months? You never stay in one place.

Me - Explained circumstances of my employment at XXXX, told I moved out after my project was complete.

MP - So you finish a task and move on?

Me - I don't mind staying as long as I get new learning opportunities

MP - Ah, so its all about what the company can offer you, not what you can offer the company

Me - no sir, don't mind staying in the same co for 40yrs as long as I get new learning opportunities

MP - if you get into EPGP, what sort of jobs would be looking out for after the course?

Answered with specific company names.

MA - Tell me one challenge faced by IT sector in retail domain, and one faced by retail verticals in IT companies

Answered.

MP - What is one advantage e-tailers have over traditional retailers and one that traditional retailers have over e-tailers?

Answered

MP - who do you think will win? Can they co-exist?

Answered

FP - so in your SOP you've written you want to do YYYY. Who do you think has a better chance of achieving that? E-tailers or traditional retailers?

Answered traditional retailers

FP - (aggressively challenging now) but e-tailers have NNNN advantage, they can do what you intend to do better.

Me - but that's only one dimension, there are other issues, faced by both formats bla bla bla.

MP - (almost suddenly, interrupting) - so do you have any questions for us?

Asked a question, got my answer, and was shown the way out.

I muttered to myself 'wow, that was quick', thanked the panel and left the room. It felt like I was in for less than 5 minutes. Came out and asked my peers how long I was inside the room, and was told it was more like 15 minutes 😁 In hindsight (Ah, the benefit of hindsight), I feel I was over prepared, and had clearly thought through standard questions such as - why MBA, why now, why IIMB and how MBA helps me achieve my goals, but none were asked! Like all others who were interviewed before, the only thing I took away from the interview is that there are no takeaways. Fingers crossed and waiting for November!

203

Hi All, I had my interview on 27 September, 9 am in Bangalore. Here's a short note on my experience:

The panel comprised of P1 (Middle-aged male alum), P2 (Male prof), and P3 (Female prof)

P1: You have graduated from college ABC. Do you know any famous alum of the institute?

Me: I told him about the CTO of my first company.

P1: Anyone else that you can think of? Someone high up the ranks in Google?

Me: Nope

P2: I see you started your career with Company A. What does this company do?

Me: They develop solutions for 'Supply Chain Management'.

P2: What is the need for supply chain management?

Me: Answered about the different facets of supply chain management, including transportation management and warehouse management, and their relevance in India.

P2: I see you now work for an American client that provides supplemental insurance. Why this change from Supply Change Management to Insurance?

Me: Explained that my roles have consistently been focused around technology. While I was in the Product development team in Company A, I am now working as an IT consultant for different clients (from different domains) in Company B.  I also explained the switch from company A to company B with the reason that I wanted to experience the challenges of working in a customer-facing role.

P2: What difference do you see between the people in Company A and those in Company B?

Me: Told them I was able to interact with peers more in Company A, and my opinion about them. I also explained why the nature of my job at Company B doesn't allow me the time to get to know my colleagues.

P1: I see in your SOP that you want to take on the role of XYZ after an MBA. Why don't you just take a certification course to get there?

Me: Technically, I could do that, but a certification course wouldn't equip me to deal with the business challenges I may face as I progress in my career. I gave an example of a friend not succeeding in the role despite having completed the certification course.

P1: Have you seen the list of courses available in EPGP?

Me: Yes, and the relevant courses are Course1, Course2 and Course3.

P1: Where do you see yourself in the long term?

Me: Answered

P1: Could you break down your career progression as you move from Role A in the short term to Role B 10 years from now?

Me: Answered

P2: What are you passionate about, outside of your work?

Me: Cricket

P2: Let's say, hypothetically, that there are no more jobs in the IT industry. Do you think you take up a career in cricket?

Me: "It may a little too late to become a cricketer...", I said with a smile, "but I could maybe take up commentary".

P2: Do you need an MBA to become a commentator?

Me: No J

P3 (who was a silent observer until now): Why should we take you?

Me: Explained in what ways my profile is unique even though I am one among the many IT male applicants. This followed some cross-questioning, but I think I managed to stand my ground.

After a serious discussion towards the end, they asked me if I had anything to ask them.

My question was regarding the relatively low awareness about the EPGP course vis-à-vis the flagship PGP course, the reasons behind it, and the future outlook for this course in terms of popularity and relevance in India.

P2 answered with a smile. I thanked them all and left the room.

The entire interview completed within 20 minutes. As with most of the other experiences shared here, I have no clue if the panel was pleased with my answers. Now begins the wait for the announcement of results.

204

Hey Guys , Done with interview today 9AM .

profile : 2 years automotive . 3.5 years networking

essay: how to make health care cost effective (sth in this line)

Slotted 7th was called in for interview around 11:45 .

Crew:3 Guys , 2 profs and 1 alum .

Highly cordial and friendly group.

Started with the intro question :

answered.

Q2:why NIT , why not BITS or IIT . ( had offers from both) .

Answered ( interest in electronics , wasnt offered elec in either 2)

Q3:Future of automotives in India .

explained.

Q4 :

for a city like bangalore where speed is restricted to 20kmph , do we need these tech ?

Answered ( we were arguing for a while)

Q5:

what do you want to do after MBA ?

Answered

Q6 :

Why should we pick you ?

Answered .

Q7:

What is SDN ? How does it affect XXXX ?current employer)

answered.

Q8.

what are the challenges for implementing SDN ? Is indian infra scalable to this ?

Answered.( tried explaining. not sure if it was effectively conveyed)

Q9.

what do you wish to gain from the mba?

answered.

Q10.

what are the plans if you dont get into product managemet?( my aspiration after mba).

Answered i am confident that i will get prod mgmt. no back up plans 😉 .

lastly.

do you have questions for us .

interview lasted between 15-20 mins . ( usual trend first interview 40 mins , 2nd 30 , 3rd 20 .. and stays at 20 )