Interviewer: Dr Rav Singh
Topper: Saloni Goyal (SIBM Pune)
Dr Rav Singh: True, true, true. So then you got a call from SIBM. What was the interview look like? Because what I have heard or what I have seen, SIBM interview is the most difficult to crack. So what was the interview topic and interview phase?
Saloni Goyal: So the SIBM process is completely different from other exams that I have seen. I got a call and I think within a matter of 15 days, they give only 15 days time to prepare. So basically they don’t want you to prepare. My process was very different. It was a group exercise leading to my PI. It was all online because I was going through the COVID period.
Dr Rav Singh: So for Saloni Goyal, the process was online.
Saloni Goyal: Yes. The online process was as fun as the offline one. My process was very different. It was a group exercise where it was all through pictures and I had twelve other members in my panel and it was very fun. The panel and the faculty were amazing. They were very calm and composed throughout. It was not a grilling session for me and they just want to learn more about you.
Dr Rav Singh: What should be the focus for the students?
Saloni Goyal: Just keep your CV points very crisp and keep a pointer that why do you want to do an MBA. Also revolve around why MBA and also focus more on specializations, because we choose our specializations early in the first year. It is important that what specialization do you want to be a part of should be in your mind.
Dr Rav Singh: So the interview was more of a typical interview, a stress interview, or was it what they are trying to learn more about you?
Saloni Goyal: It was the third option that they want to learn more about you and they are interested in you as a candidate.
Dr Rav Singh: And that’s why they don’t give time to prepare for that because they want to be as natural as possible. How much time ratio is a normal interview?
Saloni Goyal: My interview lasted about 30 minutes or so because I think they were more interested in knowing me and what I had done beforehand and how was I thorough with my current affairs and my GK and my subject knowledge as well.
Dr Rav Singh: You had any work experience before you joined?
Saloni Goyal: No, no, I am a fresher. I think with freshers, they focus more on extracurriculars and what you had done in your undergrad college, what clubs and committees you are a part of. If you don’t have a work experience, they focus more on those.
Dr Rav Singh: You met students who have left IIM’s and joined this college?
Saloni Goyal: Yes. I was working alongside the people who have been into IIM’s ABC. And being there in the same position as them working on the dynamic projects gave me a hope that yes, if you get into SIBM, it’s the place to be.
Dr Rav Singh: Great. Thank you.
Saloni Goyal: Thank you.
