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MBA INTERVIEWS:. Mingshen Chen, Professor Department of Finance, National Taiwan University. Why MBA (or other) programs interview?. To verify candidates’ credentials, To look at candidates’ qualitative characteristics, and
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MBA INTERVIEWS: Mingshen Chen, Professor Department of Finance, National Taiwan University
Why MBA (or other) programs interview? • To verify candidates’ credentials, • To look at candidates’ qualitative characteristics, and • To verify candidates’ communication skills, especially English proficiency for international students.
MBA INTERVIEWS: • For some schools, you can choose whether you want to be interviewed. • Who Should decide to take Interview? • For some schools, you can choose to be Interviewed by an admissions officer or by an alumnus.
Who will conduct MBA interviews and how? • On campus interview, such as UNC. • Admission Officers conduct Interviews in Asia, such as MIT does it in HK. • Interviews with an Alumnus in Taiwan, foreigners or locals, U Penn and Indiana. • Phone Interviewsfor international students.
Typical Interview Questions • Phase 1 - Your Upbringing and Undergraduate Experience • Phase 2 - Work Experience Since Leaving College • Phase 3 - Career Goals & MBA Plans • Phase 4 - Your Turn to Ask Questions
Phase 1 - Your Upbringing and Undergraduate Experience • What was your major? Did you like it? • Do you think your grades are an accurate reflection of your ability? • Did you work as an undergrad? (This is important because it may help to explain why your GPA isn't 4.0) • What was your biggest achievement in college? • How were your activity records and volunteer work during your college time?
Phase 2 - Work Experience Since Leaving College • What was your first job out of undergrad? • Have you been promoted? • Have you ever supervised employees? • Have you switched firms? If so, why? • What was your biggest achievement, or biggest setback at work?
Phase 3 - Career Goals & MBA Plans • Be sure to mention a career goal that actually requires (or benefits from) an MBA. • Be able to answer the question, "Why do you need an MBA at the current stage of your career?" • Be able to answer the question, "Why do you need an MBA from this school?“ • Be able to provide a specific and meaningful career path after MBA. Don’t say something like I will contribute what I learn to my country.
Phase 4 - Your Turn to Ask Questions • Prove that you are serious in getting into the program. • Prove that you know what you are applying. • Prove that you have done your research on their program.
A Few Tips on the MBA Interviews • 1. Prepare your answers ahead of time. • 2. Dress formally. • 3. Be serious, but humorous. • 4. Whenever possible, interview with someone of the opposite sex. • 5. Get to know what is the mascot or nickname of the school.
Final Reminders • Do your research, be familiar with the program, be familiar with the campus environment and activities. • Talk to someone from the university, get to know what is important for the university. • After the interview, don’t forget to write a thank-you note, to refresh his/her memory.