NUS Business School Interview for their MSc Finance program

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:

1. Why are you interested in pursuing an MSc in Finance at NUS Business School?
2. Given your background in corporate finance, how do you think this program will complement your skills and career goals?
3. Why do you think Singapore is an ideal location for studying finance compared to other global financial centers?
4. What do you perceive as the advantages and challenges of doing business in Singapore versus China?
5. Can you share an example of a professional setback you faced? How did you overcome it and what did you learn?
6. What was the most rewarding experience you had while managing client relationships in your current role?
7. How do you typically spend your spare time, and how do these activities contribute to your personal growth?

Set 2 Questions:

1. Why are you pursuing an MSc in Finance now, and why specifically from NUS?
2. What are your long-term career goals, and how do you envision this program helping you achieve them?
3. Can you name a leader in the finance industry who inspires you, and why?
4. Do you believe an MBA is necessary to achieve your career goals, or could you pursue them without one?
5. As a consultant to BCCI, what strategy would you propose to mitigate losses from moving IPL matches out of India to South Africa?
6. 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:

1. Walk us through your background and what led you to pursue a career in finance.
2. What are your specific career goals, and what steps have you taken to work towards them?
3. If you could invite any technology leader to speak at NUS, who would it be and why?
4. Why do you believe a consulting firm would find you valuable, especially given your IT background?
5. Can you describe a project you led that you are particularly proud of, and how did you ensure its successful completion?

Set 4 Questions:

1. Reflecting on your previous application, what improvements have you made since then?
2. Can you provide an elevator pitch for your startup, and how do you plan to manage it alongside your MBA studies?
3. What are your thoughts on recent international events, such as the Paris attacks, and the role of media in reporting them?
4. Is there a business leader you admire and would like to meet for a casual conversation over coffee?
5. Where would you ideally like to work after completing your MSc in Finance?
6. How did you prepare for the GMAT, and what did you learn from the experience?

Set 5 Questions:

1. Why do you want to pursue an MBA, and why have you chosen NUS over other business schools?
2. Have you applied to other schools, and how does NUS compare to your other choices?
3. What is your backup plan if you do not attend business school this year?
4. 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.