DURATION: 1 Hour
I interviewed on-campus as part of the “Super Saturday” to which local applicants are invited to interview with a second-year MBA student. At the appointed time I went to my assigned room and met my interviewer. He was friendly though not particularly extroverted. After some brief small talk, he asked me the following series of questions, which he was obviously reading from a prepared list:
“Tell me about yourself” — I walked him briefly through my career progression since college, making sure to spend adequate time on the choices I made rather than the responsibilities I had (which are summarized in my resume).
“Why an MBA?” — A crucial question. As a non-traditional applicant, I actually think my rationale for wanting an MBA is stronger than some applicants who merely need their “ticket punched,” so to speak. Regardless, whatever your background, make sure you have a reason. They won’t admit you otherwise.
“Why Columbia?” — Probably the other most crucial question. Research the school. If there are classes or professors that interest you, and you can genuinely convey that interest, do so. If not, have something to say about fit and how mutually beneficial your relationship with Columbia will be. This was easy for me.
“Give me an example of a time when you worked in a team or as a leader” — I would be prepared to answer both questions with different examples. As others have said, it’s a good idea to have multiple stories which you can relate from both the leadership and the teamwork angle just in case your interviewer is very curious about your behavioral / interpersonal skills.
“Discuss an ethical dilemma you have experienced” — Make sure this is truly an ethical dilemma in that there isn’t one really really obvious “right” way to behave. If you have an unambiguous example like, “I discovered an opportunity to embezzle $50,000 from the company, and I really struggled with the decision,” they’re going to think you’re thick at best and immoral or dangerous at worst. Also be prepared to answer how you learned from the experience and whether you would do anything differently if faced with it now.
“Talk about a time when you’ve faced adversity” — Luckily this can be personal or professional adversity, so you have a fair amount of latitude in your reply. Still, it’s not necessarily an easy question. No one wants to come off as seeking pity, but adversity builds character and to have lived a life free of struggle is to have lived a likely boring and privileged existence.
“What will you do if you can’t attend business school this year?” — Strike a balance between seeming too desperate for the MBA and seeming indifferent. Highlight your commitment to the program but show that you’re independent enough to forge your own path to achievement if necessary.
“Any questions?” — Have some. Be genuinely interested in the replies.
Finally, I would say: be alert but relaxed. Your interviewer is not a drinking buddy, but he’s not some hard-eyed Charon, either (for you mythology buffs). Know your story. Try to relate. Be gracious. And when it’s all over, have yourself a celebratory drink for making it this far. Literally thousands of other applicants were not so fortunate as you.
Good luck!
