KJ Somaiya – From NGOs to GDP Debates: A Unique MBA Interview Experience
Candidate Profile
- Background: Bachelor’s in Commerce with a keen interest in developmental economics and public policy.
- Work Experience: Interned at an NGO working on urban poverty issues; no full-time corporate experience prior to MBA.
- Academics:
- 10th Grade: 88%
- 12th Grade: 90.2%
- Undergraduate CGPA: 8.1
Interview Questions & Candidate's Approach
Icebreakers & Personal Motivation
🟢 Panelist: "Tell us about the NGO you mentioned in your introduction."
📌 Tip: When discussing past experiences, especially volunteer work or internships, emphasize impact and your personal learning. Show how it shaped your goals.
🟢 Panelist: "Which specialisation are you looking to pursue?"
📌 Tip: Have clarity about your goals. Align your specialisation with your long-term aspirations, and back it up with relevant academic or real-life exposure.
🟢 Panelist: "Why don’t you want to work first and then pursue an MBA?"
📌 Tip: This is a common question for freshers. Talk about how an MBA will complement your academic foundation and fast-track your entry into roles that align with your vision.
General Awareness & Economics
🟢 Panelist: "What are your thoughts on slum regularisation versus slum relocation?"
📌 Tip: Frame your answer with a policy perspective. Show awareness of urban planning debates, cite examples (like Dharavi redevelopment), and explain pros and cons.
🟢 Panelist: "What is GDP? Can you explain the concept of diminishing marginal utility?"
📌 Tip: Expect basic economic concepts to be tested. Keep your explanation simple, structured, and use relatable examples—humor can help if used appropriately. In this case, the panelist joked, “I can watch a movie of my favorite actress again and again, and still enjoy it—so where’s the diminishing utility?” Be ready to respond gracefully and bring the discussion back on track.
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- ✅ Highlight meaningful internship or volunteer experiences, especially if you’re a fresher.
- ✅ Brush up on core economics and business concepts.
- ✅ Be ready for light-hearted or humorous comments—stay composed and professional.
- ✅ Demonstrate clarity in your specialisation choice and MBA motivation.
- ✅ Urban policy and development topics can come up—have a balanced, informed viewpoint.
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 authentic B-school interview journeys and expert insights!
📢 Stay tuned for more authentic B-school interview journeys and expert insights!
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