Interviewee: 2nd-year MBA Student
Interview Duration: 45 minutes
Start: The interviewer began by outlining the agenda and introducing himself. The interview followed a conversational style with a blend of structured answers, primarily focused on behavioral questions.
Interview Questions and Responses
1. Introduce yourself (2 minutes)
2. Why Haas? (Shared long-term goals. Explained why an MBA is relevant now. Concluded with reasons for choosing Haas, tying program aspects to personal aspirations.)
3. Describe your experience in DEI and how you can contribute to diversity at Haas. (Discussed a diverse background, including experiences working in various countries. Provided two examples of diversity-related experiences, one workplace-related and the other community-focused.)
4. Describe a time during your leadership experience when there was no consensus in the team and how you resolved it to reach an outcome.
5. Tell me a time when humility in the workplace facilitated an outcome and how you reacted.
6. Is there anything else we didn’t cover or you would like to share? (Highlighted a unique background in computer science, cryptocurrency, and venture capital to reinforce the distinctive perspective they bring to the classroom.)
These six questions were completed in the first 32 minutes. The remainder of the interview included informal conversation, which allowed for further insights into the Haas experience and the applicant’s unique qualifications. I asked 2 questions to my interviewer:
1. How is the exchange program with CBS? (The interviewer was currently participating in this exchange program and provided detailed insights.)
2. How has the transition been from industry to business school? What challenges did you face as an international student? (The interviewer, an international student, offered a perspective on common challenges, including academic, professional, and personal adjustments.)
