Interview Questions for NUS Business School MSc Finance Program
Candidate Profile:
- Name: Niya Mehta
- Background: Bachelor’s in Economics, 3 years of experience in corporate finance at a multinational bank.
Set 1 Questions:
- Why are you interested in pursuing an MSc in Finance at NUS Business School?
- Given your background in corporate finance, how do you think this program will complement your skills and career goals?
- Why do you think Singapore is an ideal location for studying finance compared to other global financial centers?
- What do you perceive as the advantages and challenges of doing business in Singapore versus China?
- Can you share an example of a professional setback you faced? How did you overcome it and what did you learn?
- What was the most rewarding experience you had while managing client relationships in your current role?
- How do you typically spend your spare time, and how do these activities contribute to your personal growth?
Set 2 Questions:
- Why are you pursuing an MSc in Finance now, and why specifically from NUS?
- What are your long-term career goals, and how do you envision this program helping you achieve them?
- Can you name a leader in the finance industry who inspires you, and why?
- Do you believe an MBA is necessary to achieve your career goals, or could you pursue them without one?
- As a consultant to BCCI, what strategy would you propose to mitigate losses from moving IPL matches out of India to South Africa?
- Imagine yourself 20 years from now giving a commencement speech at NUS. How would you introduce yourself and reflect on your journey?
Set 3 Questions:
- Walk us through your background and what led you to pursue a career in finance.
- What are your specific career goals, and what steps have you taken to work towards them?
- If you could invite any technology leader to speak at NUS, who would it be and why?
- Why do you believe a consulting firm would find you valuable, especially given your IT background?
- Can you describe a project you led that you are particularly proud of, and how did you ensure its successful completion?
Set 4 Questions:
- Reflecting on your previous application, what improvements have you made since then?
- Can you provide an elevator pitch for your startup, and how do you plan to manage it alongside your MBA studies?
- What are your thoughts on recent international events, such as the Paris attacks, and the role of media in reporting them?
- Is there a business leader you admire and would like to meet for a casual conversation over coffee?
- Where would you ideally like to work after completing your MSc in Finance?
- How did you prepare for the GMAT, and what did you learn from the experience?
Set 5 Questions:
- Why do you want to pursue an MBA, and why have you chosen NUS over other business schools?
- Have you applied to other schools, and how does NUS compare to your other choices?
- What is your backup plan if you do not attend business school this year?
- How did you first learn about NUS Business School and what attracted you to the program?
Conclusion on Preparation:
- Research: Familiarize yourself with NUS’s faculty, programs, and the Singaporean financial ecosystem.
- Self-reflection: Be ready to discuss your career goals, strengths, weaknesses, and experiences.
- Current Affairs: Stay informed about global business trends and events relevant to finance.
- Mock Interviews: Practice answering similar questions concisely and confidently.
Preparing well ensures you can articulate your motivations clearly and align your goals with what NUS Business School has to offer, making a strong case for your candidacy.