Navigating the SCMHRD Interview: How One Aspirant Conquered the General Discussion and Personal Interview

Candidate Profile

• Background: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Work Experience: 3 years in the Operations domain
• Academics:
  • 10th: 92%
  • 12th: 89%
  • Undergraduate CGPA: 8.4

Interview Overview

The interview at SCMHRD took place on 17th February 2022, starting at 10:30 AM. Candidates were asked to join two separate links—one for the Group Exercise (GE) and one for the Personal Interview (PI). The process started with a registration check where candidates had to verify their credentials by showing their Photo ID and Admit Card. After this, candidates watched a brief video explaining the legacy of Symbiosis before being directed to their respective GE panels.

Group Exercise (GE) Experience

In the GE, candidates were shown a picture of a paddy farm where four women were sowing rice in a waterlogged field. Each participant had 45 seconds to present their views on the image. The discussion was open for about 5–6 minutes, followed by a 2-minute compilation and conclusion.

Though there were some initial disagreements within the group, a consensus was eventually reached.

Personal Interview (PI) Experience

The PI panel had two interviewers: P1 (Male) and P2 (Female).

🔵 P1: Mentioned the candidate’s achievements and asked which one was the most significant.

Answer: The candidate spoke about a national-level event, the Ecokart Championship, highlighting its challenges and unique aspects.

🔵 P2: Asked for details on the various stages of the competition.

Answer: The candidate explained that the competition had three levels, including a dynamic round involving brake tests, acceleration tests, and a car race.

🔵 P2: Inquired about the event’s location and the number of participants.

Answer: Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida was mentioned, with 140+ teams initially participating, and 48 teams advancing to the next rounds.

🔵 P2: Asked about an instance where the candidate faced failure.

Answer: The candidate shared an example from work, detailing a repair project that took 52 hours instead of the planned 36 hours. This experience helped them learn about time management and resource allocation.

🔵 P1: What is your preferred MBA domain?

Answer: The candidate expressed a preference for Operations, linking it to their past work experience.

🔵 P1: If not Operations, what would your second choice be?

Answer: After a brief pause, Marketing was chosen.

🔵 P2: Discussed the candidate's previous election loss for General Secretary and the perceived importance of that position.

Answer: The candidate emphasized that their motivation wasn’t power but leadership experience gained as a School Captain, which prepared them for broader responsibilities.

🔵 P2: If your seniors were to describe you in three words, what would those be?

Answer: Enthusiastic, Team Player, Dependable.

🔵 P1: If a “staunch enemy” were to describe you, what would those three words be?

Answer: After a thoughtful pause, the candidate was asked to reflect on their weaknesses instead.

🔵 P2: Asked about starting a startup in the Operations domain.

Answer: The candidate shared a business idea based on their travel interests. They envisioned a safety mechanism for adventure activities in tourist spots, addressing gaps in standard safety protocols.

🔵 P2: Raised a scenario about a safety incident at the startup and the candidate’s accountability.

Answer: The candidate acknowledged the responsibility but emphasized having robust risk management and insurance protocols in place to mitigate such risks.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

• Stay composed during Group Exercises. Even if there are disagreements, aim to reach a mutual conclusion with respect for others’ viewpoints.
• Be clear and concise when discussing your achievements and experiences.
• Prepare for domain-specific questions. Know why you’re drawn to your preferred MBA specializations and how your background supports that choice.
• Reflect on past failures and highlight the lessons learned from those experiences.
• Be ready for hypothetical scenarios—answer with structured, practical solutions that align with your interests and strengths.