Whether it is the IIMs, XLRI, MICA or any other Business School, one interview question you are unlike to escape goes like this:
" Why MBA? "
It is surprising how many b-school aspirants, whether in India, US or UK go wrong with this simplest of all interview questions. Future MBAs just don't seem to realize the importance of this question - they get so embroiled in more difficult facts and figures that the most expected questions escape them; there can be no other explanation for this failure.
The fact is - most interview candidates have no clue why they want to do an MBA. For a majority of them, the sad reality is that they are here because MBA was the only option seemingly left for them. The B-School has become the last refuge for many!! But obviously the interview panel doesn't want to hear your sob story. They genuinely want to know why you want to do what you are saying what you want to do. So it makes a lot of sense to be ready for this 'stumper'.
Let's analyze the possible answers to this question.
1. The corporate world fascinates you - you want to be the next big CEO.
2. Besides cricket, bollywood and big-ticket politics an MBA seems to be the best path to big money. Since the doors to the other three look pretty darn closed, hence IIM!
3. You are already doing business management - pursuing a BBS from the Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Delhi University / Symbiosis, Pune / one of the many IP University colleges offering a BBA programme / Manipal / Bangalore / Mumbai University... and think that you have chosen the right path, and want to continue on it.
4. HeadBoy in school, the President of numerous college bodies, active in the local clubs - leadership comes naturally to you. So why not become a business leader.
5. Dad insists on MBA.
6. ....
7. ..........
In our next post, we will discuss how you should go about formulating your 'own' and 'correct' answer to the all important b-school interview question. Till then, don't forget to mull over it.
" Why MBA? "
It is surprising how many b-school aspirants, whether in India, US or UK go wrong with this simplest of all interview questions. Future MBAs just don't seem to realize the importance of this question - they get so embroiled in more difficult facts and figures that the most expected questions escape them; there can be no other explanation for this failure.
The fact is - most interview candidates have no clue why they want to do an MBA. For a majority of them, the sad reality is that they are here because MBA was the only option seemingly left for them. The B-School has become the last refuge for many!! But obviously the interview panel doesn't want to hear your sob story. They genuinely want to know why you want to do what you are saying what you want to do. So it makes a lot of sense to be ready for this 'stumper'.
Let's analyze the possible answers to this question.
1. The corporate world fascinates you - you want to be the next big CEO.
2. Besides cricket, bollywood and big-ticket politics an MBA seems to be the best path to big money. Since the doors to the other three look pretty darn closed, hence IIM!
3. You are already doing business management - pursuing a BBS from the Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Delhi University / Symbiosis, Pune / one of the many IP University colleges offering a BBA programme / Manipal / Bangalore / Mumbai University... and think that you have chosen the right path, and want to continue on it.
4. HeadBoy in school, the President of numerous college bodies, active in the local clubs - leadership comes naturally to you. So why not become a business leader.
5. Dad insists on MBA.
6. ....
7. ..........
In our next post, we will discuss how you should go about formulating your 'own' and 'correct' answer to the all important b-school interview question. Till then, don't forget to mull over it.
