Breaking Down Finance: A B.Com Grad's Friendly Interview Experience at GIM
Candidate Profile
- Background: Bachelor’s in Commerce (B.Com)
- Work Experience: 7 months in a finance-related role
- Academics:
- 10th Grade: ~89%
- 12th Grade: ~92%
- Undergraduate CGPA: ~7.8
- Interview Panel: 2 Interviewers (1 Male, early 30s; 1 Female, late 30s)
- Interview Mode: Online
Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach
1. Icebreaker & Profile-Related Questions
🔵 F1: From which part of the country are you logging in?
📌 Tip: A simple opener—keep it conversational, and don’t forget to smile!
🔵 F1: What was your stream in graduation?
📌 Tip: Use this as a gateway to talk briefly about why you chose commerce and how it has shaped your interests.
🔵 F1: Are you still associated with your firm?
📌 Tip: If yes, explain your current role and what keeps you engaged. If not, focus on what you’ve learned and what you’re doing now.
🔵 F1: What does your usual day at the office look like?
📌 Tip: Give a structured overview—start with your tasks, tools used, any client interactions, and end with what you’re learning.
2. Finance Concepts & Preferences
🔵 F1: Which was your favourite subject in college?
📌 Tip: Pick one that aligns with MBA or your goals (e.g., financial management, economics) and explain why.
🔵 F1: Choose between Financial Institutions and Investments.
📌 Tip: There’s no wrong answer—just back your choice with reasoning about interest, career goals, or prior exposure.
🔵 F1: What are non-financial institutions? Name one in India.
📌 Tip: Prepare for sector-specific questions—examples include NABARD or SIDBI.
🔵 F1: What is a commercial paper?
📌 Tip: Know the basics—short-term debt instruments used by companies for raising capital.
3. Business Ethics & Awareness
🔵 M1: What is a Ponzi scheme?
📌 Tip: Explain clearly—investment fraud where returns are paid using funds from new investors rather than profit.
🔵 M1: How long do these schemes usually last?
📌 Tip: They usually collapse when the operator cannot recruit enough new investors to pay returns to earlier ones.
🔵 M1: Name a non-banking, non-financial institution in India involved in Ponzi schemes.
📌 Tip: If you’re unsure, take a moment to think. Saradha Group or Rose Valley could be examples.
🔵 M1: Any extracurricular activities?
📌 Tip: Highlight involvement in college societies, volunteer work, sports, or anything unique—even hobbies with depth count.
🔵 M1: Asked a counter-question (possibly to check authenticity or dig deeper).
📌 Tip: Be honest and consistent—prepare for follow-ups on any claims.
🔵 M1: What other B-school calls do you have?
📌 Tip: Share honestly—don’t downplay other calls. It shows your competitiveness.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Expect basic but conceptual finance questions—revise core topics from undergrad.
- ✅ Don’t be afraid to pause and think—interviewers appreciate honesty over guesswork.
- ✅ Have a structured answer ready for your daily work routine and job role.
- ✅ Keep the conversation two-way—engage with the panel if they’re being friendly.
- ✅ Know a few real-life financial scandals or scams for awareness-based questions.
📢 Disclaimer: The above interview experience is based on real candidate interactions collected from various sources. To ensure privacy, some details such as location, industry specifics, and numerical figures have been altered. However, the core questions and insights remain authentic. These stories are intended for educational purposes and do not claim to represent official views of any institution. Any resemblance to actual individuals is purely coincidental. 📢 Stay tuned for more B-school interview breakdowns and prep tips!
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