Interview was conducted via Zoom and it was very conversational. I had an issue with my internet and with the browser sound settings, so it took me 2/3 minutes to reset everything again and I was nervous that it might leave a bad impression (in my defense, I use Zoom and nothing like that ever happened before). I finally got an admit with a scholarship for the 1 yr program, so I would say they were pragmatic about it. Interview Qs:
1. Please introduce yourself.
2. Follow up Q from the answer I gave for (1) and on how I handled a particular situation that I mentioned in my previous answer. (It was a crisis situation which I had to manage).
3. Why SMU and why MBA now?
4. Target company/sector and reasons (I have 15 yrs of experience so that clarity is expected)
5. Backup plans if (4) does not materialize.
6. Tell me about a the feedback you received from a Senior with which you did not agree and why?
7. Tell me about a time where you failed a task or things didn’t go according to plan.
8. I was given the opportunity to ask Qs, I had 2/3 ready. Had a detailed discussion on the career management works with international students.
9. What surprised my was an honest and candid assessment of my own particular profile and how it could be both a strength or a weakness? So no sugar coating, I was impressed.
What I really liked about SMU Cox is that they are serious about the post-MBA career of their students and that is why the 2nd round is conducted by the career management team. They are really trying to see that if the student is mature and rational and has some sense of where he/she wants to land up. One really big advantage that they have is the location.
