IIM Shillong Interview Experience: From Economics Enthusiast to MBA Aspirant

Candidate Profile

• Background: Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a strong inclination towards Microeconomics
• Work Experience: 1 year as a research analyst in a consulting firm specializing in market behavior analysis
• Academics:
  • 10th Grade: 94%
  • 12th Grade: 95.2%
  • Undergraduate CGPA: 8.6

Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach

Icebreaker & General Questions

• 🟢 Panelist: Why MBA after Economics?
• 📌 Tip: Link your academic foundation with your career aspirations. Explain how an MBA complements your analytical skills and opens avenues for leadership and strategic roles.
• 🟢 Panelist: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years (not MBA specific only)?
• 📌 Tip: Offer a balanced vision that reflects both personal growth and professional ambitions. Show clarity of thought without being overly rigid.

Academic & Technical Questions

• 🟢 Panelist: Why do you like Microeconomics more than Macroeconomics?
• 📌 Tip: Be genuine. Discuss specific concepts or real-world applications that fascinate you. Show passion and clarity in your interest.
• 🟢 Panelist: Questions on undergraduate subjects, especially from the first semester
• 📌 Tip: Brush up on early coursework. Panelists often test fundamentals to check conceptual clarity.
• 🟢 Panelist: Name three behavioral economists who have won the Nobel Prize.
• 📌 Tip: Know key figures like Daniel Kahneman, Richard Thaler, and Robert Shiller. Understand their major contributions.
• 🟢 Panelist: For what have they won? Explain their theory and conclusion.
• 📌 Tip: Prepare concise yet insightful summaries of major theories. Focus on how they changed traditional economic thinking.

Leadership & Situational Questions

• 🟢 Panelist: What changes will you bring to a company if you are the CEO?
• 📌 Tip: Speak with structure—mention innovation, workplace culture, stakeholder value, and adaptability.

Hobby & Personal Interest Questions

• 🟢 Panelist: Hobby-related questions — world champions, why these hobbies, playing styles, etc.
• 📌 Tip: Know recent winners, basic rules, strategies, and why the hobby inspires you. This reflects commitment and depth.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

• ✅ Be clear about your transition story—why MBA after a non-management background.
• ✅ Revise core academic concepts, especially from initial semesters.
• ✅ Stay informed about Nobel laureates and major contributions in your field.
• ✅ Prepare for situational and leadership-based questions with structured thinking.
• ✅ Know your hobbies well—it’s a window into your personality beyond academics.

Disclaimer