Arrival and Initial Interactions
I arrived at FMS Delhi around 8:30 AM for my interview scheduled at 10 AM. The campus was bustling with activity, with candidates exchanging nervous smiles and polite introductions. I spoke to a few fellow aspirants, including professionals from diverse fields such as finance, marketing, and operations. These interactions helped ease my anxiety and provided valuable insights into the varied backgrounds of the candidates.
Group Discussion
The topic for the Group Discussion was “What makes you stand out in a crowd of people?” The discussion was engaging, with each participant bringing unique perspectives. I focused on the importance of personal branding, continuous learning, and leveraging one’s unique experiences to stand out.
Panel Composition
The interview panel consisted of four members: two professors (one from marketing and one from finance), a corporate executive from an FMCG company, and an HR professional. Their diverse backgrounds suggested a comprehensive evaluation approach.
Detailed List of Interview Questions and Answers
Introduction and Ice-Breaker:
P1 (Marketing Professor): “Good morning. Please introduce yourself briefly.”
Me: “Good morning. I am [Your Name], an engineer with over three years of experience in the software industry. I have worked extensively in project management and data analysis, and I am passionate about leveraging technology to drive business growth.”
Professional Experience-Related Questions:
P2 (Finance Professor): “Tell us about the internship you mentioned on your resume.”
Me: “During my internship at [Company Name], I worked on a data science project where we developed predictive models to optimize supply chain operations. This experience honed my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of machine learning algorithms.”
P3 (Corporate Executive): “What type of companies and sectors are you interested in working with post-MBA, and why?”
Me: “I am particularly interested in working with technology firms and consulting companies. These sectors align with my background and offer dynamic environments where I can apply my technical and managerial skills to solve complex problems.”
P2: “What is the difference between oligopoly and monopolistic competition?”
Me: “In an oligopoly, a few firms dominate the market, and their decisions are interdependent, often leading to collusion or competitive strategies. In monopolistic competition, many firms exist, each offering differentiated products, leading to competition based on product features, branding, and pricing.”
Why FMS and Career Goals:
P1: “Why do you want to pursue an MBA at FMS, and why FMS over other calls?”
Me: “FMS Delhi’s robust curriculum, esteemed faculty, and strong industry connections make it an ideal place for my MBA. Additionally, the diverse peer group and the emphasis on practical learning at FMS align perfectly with my career aspirations. FMS’s strategic location in Delhi also offers excellent networking opportunities.”
Personal Qualities and Interpersonal Skills:
P4 (HR Professional): “Tell us something that is not in your application form.”
Me: “Apart from my professional experience, I am an avid reader and a marathon runner. These activities have taught me perseverance, discipline, and the importance of a balanced lifestyle.”
P1: “For your extempore, your topic is ‘Importance of being a good listener.'”
Me: [After a brief pause] “Being a good listener is crucial for effective communication. It fosters trust, minimizes misunderstandings, and builds strong relationships. In my experience, listening attentively has helped me understand my team’s concerns better and address them effectively.”
P1: “Do you consider yourself a good listener? If yes, why?”
Me: “Yes, I do. Friends and colleagues often confide in me because they know I listen patiently and offer thoughtful advice. This has helped me build strong professional and personal relationships.”
Situational & Behavioral Questions:
P2: “Apart from being a good listener, what other interpersonal skills are important for effective management?”
Me: “Leadership, empathy, and teamwork are vital. Effective managers inspire their teams, understand their needs, and collaborate to achieve common goals.”
Current Affairs and General Knowledge:
P3: “What are your thoughts on electric vehicles (EVs) and their future in India?”
Me: “I am optimistic about the future of EVs in India. They can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, lower the import bill, and help achieve our climate goals. However, challenges such as infrastructure development and battery technology need to be addressed.”
P3: “What is India’s net zero target?”
Me: “India aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.”
P3: “What are the challenges on the road to achieving net zero?”
Me: “Key challenges include balancing development needs with sustainability, ensuring access to affordable clean energy, and advancing climate technology and finance.”
Personal and Career Aspirations:
P4: “Why did you initially aspire for UPSC, and why the shift towards pursuing an MBA now?”
Me: “My initial aspiration for UPSC stemmed from a desire to contribute to public service. However, over time, I realized that my strengths and interests align more with the corporate world, where I can drive change through strategic management and innovation.”
P1: “What qualities do you think overlap between a good bureaucrat and a good manager?”
Me: “Both roles require effective stakeholder management, critical thinking, and the ability to align individual efforts with organizational objectives.”
Technical Knowledge
P2: “Could you explain the difference between AI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning? Also, could you draw a Venn diagram about the same?”
Me: Explained the differences and drew the Venn diagram] “AI is the broader concept of machines being able to carry out tasks in a smart way. Machine Learning is a subset of AI that allows systems to learn and improve from experience. Deep Learning is a subset of Machine Learning that uses neural networks to analyze various factors of data.”
Conclusion and Final Impressions:
P1: “What other interview calls do you have?”
Me: “I have interview calls from IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Lucknow.”
Learning from the Interview:
The interview process at FMS Delhi emphasized clarity of thought, self-awareness, and the ability to articulate one’s experiences and aspirations effectively. The panel valued both professional achievements and personal attributes, indicating a holistic approach to evaluating candidates.
What the Panel Looks for in a Candidate:
The panel looked for candidates who demonstrate leadership potential, have clear career goals, and can contribute meaningfully to the program. They valued interpersonal skills, the ability to handle stress, and a genuine interest in the MBA program.
FMS Delhi MBA Frequently Asked Interview Questions
Professional Experience-Related Questions:
- Tell me about the internship you mentioned on your resume.
- What type of companies and sectors are you interested in working with post-MBA, and why?
- Explain the difference between oligopoly and monopolistic competition.
Why FMS and Career Goals
- Why do you want to pursue an MBA at FMS, and why FMS over other calls?
- What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
Personal Qualities and Interpersonal Skills:
- Tell us something that is not in your application form.
- For your extempore, your topic is ‘Importance of being a good listener.’
- Do you consider yourself a good listener? If yes, why?
- Apart from being a good listener, what other interpersonal skills are important for effective management?
Situational & Behavioral Questions:
- Describe a time when you faced a conflict. How did you handle it?
- What is your greatest achievement to date?
- Give me an example of a time you failed.
Current Affairs and General Knowledge:
- What are your thoughts on electric vehicles (EVs) and their future in India?
- What is India’s net zero target?
- What are the challenges on the road to achieving net zero?
Personal and Career Aspirations:
- Why did you initially aspire for UPSC, and why the shift towards pursuing an MBA now?
- What qualities do you think overlap between a good bureaucrat and a good manager?
Technical Knowledge:
- Explain the difference between AI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. Could you draw a Venn diagram about the same?
- Describe a technical project you have worked on and your role in it.
Conclusion:
- What other interview calls do you have?
- Do you have any questions for us?
