Interviewer: Dr Rav Singh
Topper: Shriyas (Christ University Alumnus, Google Intern)
Background and The Mock Strategy
Dr Rav Singh: Hi guys! Today we have a live example from a story of a guy who gives mocks every day and converts to a Google story. Shriyas, you achieved this while being one of the last people to get the call at approximately 98 percentile. How did you convert SCMHRD despite that late call and a gap year?
Shriyas: Sir, I’m from Bangalore and pursued my graduation from Christ University. The focus towards SNAP shifted right after CAT. I knew I had to work harder because of my percentile.
Dr Rav Singh: You had a gap year, but you were preparing full-time. When do you think is the optimal time to start preparing for SNAP?
Shriyas: Optimal time would be September. I started before CAT, giving roughly three mocks per week alongside CAT. After CAT, I immediately shifted my strategy: one mock per day in the morning and analysis in the evening. Increasing that frequency is very optimal for boosting your score.
Dr Rav Singh: The gap between 99%ile and 98%ile is often minimal. How did you cover that small gap?
Shriyas: I knew I was around the fag end of the cutoffs, but 50% of weightage is towards the GEPI process. I had faith in my preparation there. You can definitely work hard and cover the gap because hygiene factors like communication skills and how you are as a person come into play.
Dr Rav Singh: How did Shriyas manage balancing the preparation for CAT (a Test Match) and SNAP (a T20 Match)?
Shriyas: Because I was doing full-time preparation, I was able to divide my day: three-fourths on CAT and one-fourth on OMETs. I knew I did not want to shoulder the entire responsibility of my career on one exam, which is why I focused on omads as well.
GDPI Preparation and Interview Hacks
Dr Rav Singh: You had a gap year and a lower percentile call. Were you insecure about your profile?
Shriyas: Definitely, there was insecurity, but I had faith in my preparation for the GE and PI rounds. I was well versed with current affairs, and I had practiced speaking in the mirror multiple times. I also gave a lot of mock GDs at my coaching institute, which made the actual GD feel like a usual practice session.
Dr Rav Singh: What is the minimum advice for an aspirant right after their last exam?
Shriyas: Bring your focus immediately towards GDPI. Reading the newspaper every day in the morning must be a simple 30-minute task. That is what makes the difference.
The Google Internship Success
Dr Rav Singh: Shriyas, once you joined the college, what extra did you do to land an internship at Google? That’s a dream company for everyone.
Shriyas: I pursued my summer internship at Google in Hyderabad in Recruitment (Tech Hiring). They expected three key things:
- Domain Knowledge: A strong understanding of the basics of HR, as it was an HR internship.
- Core Values Alignment: Alignment with Google’s core values.
- On-the-Spot Ideas: The ability to come up with new ideas immediately. I prepared for all these aspects, ensuring I was well-versed in the domain and their culture.
Dr Rav Singh: What is your final, holistic advice for future aspirants?
Shriyas: I have three key pieces of advice:
- Switch Off Distractions: While preparing, stay off social media for at least three to four months before the exams.
- Communication is Power: Do not undermine the power of communication. Once you enter a B-school, everything depends on it.
- Be a Well-Rounded Individual: Don’t be just academically oriented. Participate in case competitions, corporate competitions, and give time to committees and clubs. Ensure your entire experience is very holistic.
