Tunnels, Graphs, and MBA Dreams: A Civil Engineer's IIM Visakhapatnam Interview
Candidate Profile
- Background: Civil Engineering graduate
- Experience: 1 year in infrastructure and project valuation
- Academics:
- 10th Grade: 91%
- 12th Grade: 89%
- Undergraduate CGPA: 7.5
Interview Panel
- Composition: 2 Panelists (Both Male)
- Mode: Online Interview
Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach
Icebreaker & Work Experience
🔵 M1: Tell me about yourself.
📌 Tip: Use this to summarize your academic background, professional experience, and motivation for MBA. Keep it concise and confident.
🔵 M1: So you are a civil engineer—what kind of work did you do? What is valuation and estimation?
📌 Tip: Be specific about your job role. Explain technical concepts like valuation and estimation in layman terms, especially if your panel isn’t from the same background.
🔵 M1: Why did you leave your job?
📌 Tip: Highlight your career goals. Make it clear that the decision was thoughtful and aligned with your long-term ambitions.
Technical & Engineering Concepts
🔵 M1: How are underwater tunnels built?
📌 Tip: Mention techniques like Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), immersed tube methods, and waterproofing.
🔵 M1: What is the difference between a bridge on land and an underground bridge?
📌 Tip: Focus on structural differences, environmental challenges, and usage.
🔵 M1: What materials are best for such construction?
📌 Tip: Talk about concrete grades, steel reinforcements, waterproof membranes, and durability considerations.
🔵 M1: Tell me about some famous Indian engineering marvels.
📌 Tip: Mention structures like Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Pamban Bridge, Chenab Bridge, and metro tunnels in Delhi and Mumbai.
Career Goals
🔵 M1: Post-MBA, which companies do you want to join?
📌 Tip: Name a mix of consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG), infrastructure giants (L&T, Tata Projects), or real estate investment firms. Explain how an MBA bridges your technical and managerial interests.
Analytical & Logical Thinking
🔵 M2: Do you have a pen and paper? Can you draw a graph of y = x²?
📌 Tip: Be prepared to sketch and explain basic mathematical functions—this tests clarity in concept explanation.
🔵 M2: You have 5L and 3L glasses. How would you measure exactly 1L?
📌 Tip: A classic puzzle. Think practically and describe step-by-step how to pour and transfer to isolate 1L.
🔵 M2: What do you understand by positive and negative correlation? How are demand and supply correlated?
📌 Tip: Know basic statistical and economic terms. Correlation is about directionality—positive moves together, negative moves oppositely.
🔵 M2: Is x + y = 1 a positive or negative correlation?
📌 Tip: This implies a negative correlation—if x increases, y must decrease to maintain the sum at 1.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Prepare for graph interpretation and basic puzzles—keep paper and pen handy
- ✅ Be able to explain technical concepts in simple terms
- ✅ Know a few iconic engineering examples to reference
- ✅ Think logically and stay calm under problem-solving questions
- ✅ Align your past work and MBA goals for a cohesive narrative
📢 Disclaimer: Real Stories, Modified for Privacy
🔍 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.
🔍 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.
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