Emory Interview Experiences

1. Tell me how u progressed in your career?

• I answered with one line about my graduation moving on to joining abc company - joined as trainee, excelled in assignments, how I progressed in my career, moved on handling additional responsibilities and currently leading the growth of a BU. Recognition for success etc.

Reaction: Great!

2. Why would you want to do an MBA? 

• Wide experience in sales, effectively led a team, devised sales strategies, helped customer solve problems. Now with need to expand my horizons, I want to appreciate the other business functions as well. I explained my ST/LT goals and explained how MBA is relevant to my goals and why particularly Emory for my goals.

3. Whether you want to work in India/abroad post MBA and Why ?

• Work in the US; understand the way business operates in developed economy like US
• Also explained why and how would working in US further my career aspirations.

4a. An experience of leadership-

• I had just been given new responsibility
• Explained in the following manner: current situation, the tasks ahead, followed by my own contribution and the team effort which I drove. Concluded with the spectacular results which I achieved as a result of the actions and explained how the situation improved because of my teams efforts driven by me.

4b. Would your company allow you to take independent decisions like taking trial orders and organizing outbound trips?

• Yes. Thats unique about my company
• They allow us to take decisions, even if we make mistakes, we are encouraged to try new ideas and learn from the experience.

5. What is your leadership style and what do you thing needs to be changed in that?

• Current style - More of a consulative leadership; taking opinions of team members, convincing them before i take a decision
• Want to learn how to take critical decision in cases of ambiguity with imperfect data in hand and when taking quick decisions is important

6. Any mistakes you made in life/career?

• One recent order that I had won, and how I messed it all because of mis-communication, a total lapse from my side and this led to mis-managing resources. I also explained how I learnt from the experience and followed it up with a better and more effective approach in business.

7. What do i look for in a Bschool?

• Leadership experience, team activities, specific courses, certain clubs which really appeal to me (mentioned a few)

8. Any questions about the Application procedure/school?

• Most of the things are clear in website abt the procedure, I interacted with Alumni - learnt abt strong closed-knit community- more opportunities to take initiatives and take leadership roles; asked about what mgmt practice is all about and how is it impemented (she explained in details)

9. What do you want me to tell in particular about you to Adcom when i go back? (HERE I MESSED UP A BIT) -

• That I have an excellent academic background and wide experience with a passion to excel in whatever i take up; Self-motivation and focus

Cheers!