The small talk at the beginning of an MBA admission interview set the tone for the interaction. After learning about the family, upbringing, and education, the interviewer quickly shifts the subject of the conversation to one topic- professional experience. Two sub-topics emerge in this conversation - industry and role.
MBA Admission Interview - Industry
The easiest way to find out whether MBA candidates are functional superheroes with limited knowledge about the industry is through questions related to the latest trends in the industry. It can be about emerging technologies, changes in consumer behavior, challenges faced by the industry, and cultural and environmental challenges of expansion. Business Schools are looking for candidates who have the aptitude for a career in management.
How can MBA candidates prepare for questions related to the Industry?
The interest cannot be forced. But candidates who are interested in a career in Management should start reading industry publications, leading newspapers and expert blogs to update themselves about the latest in the industry. This habit cannot be developed in 1-2 weeks before the interview. Candidates should make an effort to spend 1-2 hours every day reading about the latest events, developments, and partnerships that would change the competitive landscape of the industry.
For candidates, it becomes easier to articulate trends, partnerships and industry growth scenarios when they are exposed to data about the industry on a continuous basis. Here are some useful resources for MBA candidates:
Finance & Economics (Blogs , Opinion & Resources)
1. The Library of Economics and Liberty - http://www.econlib.org/index.html
2. Calculated Risk by Bill McBride- http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/
3. Felix Salmon - http://blogs.reuters.com/felix-salmon/
Finance & Economics (News)
1. Wall Street Journal – http://www.wsj.com
2. Financial Times – http://www.ft.com
3. The Economist -http://www.economist.com/
Consulting
1. Management Consulted ...
.....
.....