Original published by http://www.offcourse.wordpress.com
This week I had the first of my two INSEAD interviews. My interviewer was an INSEAD alumnus who graduated some years ago and the interview took place in the company where he works.
I think the interview went well, despite the fact that it was a little short. It turns out that his company was just in the middle of a big acquisition… So, the interview lasted about 30 or 40 minutes. Or perhaps this is just the standard time for an interview… Guess I will have to wait until my second interview to have an answer.
Anyhow, the interview went like this:
First, he asked me to walk him trought my professional career. We spent some time on this issue, as he wanted me to explain clearly every move I made since I left college. I also had to explain my job functions (he focused particularly on leadership experience).
Of course, he also made the obvious question of why is a pharmacist applying to a B-school. He agreed that INSEAD is a great B-school for someone without a business background.
Afterwards, he made the standard questions – Why INSEAD and why now. I advise everyone who is going to interviews to prepare very well this responses. He liked the fact that I have very specific and rational reasons to join INSEAD and that I was very motivated. The latter was not difficult, as I am indeed very motivated and it is hard not to show!
We also talked about the Singapore campus (why do I want to go there) and the period after INSEAD – if I’m thinking to return home or stay abroad.
And that was it. 30 minutes flown by and I left the interview with a good feeling. I just hope my interviewer felt the same way!
My next interview will probably be next week. This time it won’t be in a professional environment, so I think it will be a little different and, perhaps, longer. This way I could ask some questions that I have in mind.
