Columbia University – Columbia Business School
Full-time MBA program – Interview Questions
In Singapore, Columbia offers interview with an alum. You are asked to choose an interviewer and contact them to schedule the interview. You should then pro-actively contact the interviewer to schedule the interview, introducing yourself, and sending your CV.
You should check out the profiles of the interviewer while “preparing” some small-talk to develop a rapport. Also think of specific questions to ask at the end of the interviews.
Some of the alumni who interview in Singapore are:
- Aaron Sim, International SOS
- Christopher Lim, Credit Suisse
- Foo Chun Chin, Wiser Asset Mgmt
- Lian Phua, XL Catlin
- Nupur Sadiwala, Goldman Sachs
- Ram Mannepalli, Golden Agri
- Rohan Dhanuka, McKinsey & Co
Choose your interviewer wisely. It may sound counter-intuitive, but it is generally better to choose the interviewer who is as different from you as possible. For one, you will be more interesting to someone different from you. Further, they are less likely to be comparing you to themselves, or the people they are surrounded with.
So, if you work in telecom, choose an interviewer who doesn’t. If you are an investment banker, choose an interviewer who isn’t. If you are Chinese, go with someone who’s not.
Columbia really, really cares about how interested you are in the school. In fact, the school asks its alumni to confirm your interest and commitment to Columbia. So, think really carefully about why Columbia. Also, think of a reason why you MUST go to New York City for your MBA.
Some commonly asked questions are:
- Walk me through your resume./ Walk me through your resume, but make sure you highlight just a couple of key achievements. / Tell me about yourself.
- What are your short-term goals? Long-term goals?
- In addition to applying for an MBA, what other steps have you taken toward your goal?
- What if your plans don’t pan out? What’s your backup plan?
- Why do you want an MBA? Why now?
- Why Columbia? What makes Columbia different for you?
- What other schools are you applying to? What criteria did you use when choosing schools to which to apply?
- What kind of specific lectures/fields are you interested in?
- What extra-curriculars/clubs are you interested in pursuing at CBS?
- What would be your contributions to Columbia?
- What makes you unique from other (financiers / salesmen / IT specialists, etc.) applying to Columbia?
- How do you work in teams? Have you ever been in a leadership role?
- What is your management/leader style? Give an example.
- Describe “leadership” for you with 3 key words.
- Tell me your 3 strengths and weaknesses.
- Tell me about a time when you made a major mistake and how you dealt with it.
- Tell me about a time when you led a team.
- Tell me about a time when you contributed to a team.
- Tell me about a time when you faced a challenging team/group situation.
- Tell me about a time when you faced an adversity/challenge and what you learned from it.
- Tell me about a time when you faced an ethical dilemma and what kind of lessons you learned.
- Tell me about a technology trend and how it will affect business.
- What do you do in your free time?
- What do you get excited about? What turns you on?
- Tell me something unique about yourself.
- What are 5 adjectives that describe your interpersonal skills and communication style?
- Is there any other thing you want to add?
- Are there any red flags you think the adcom will find in your candidacy?
- Do you have any questions for me?
Within a week following the interview, your interviewer should submit a report to the Admissions Office. Once the report is received, you will receive confirmation by e-mail and on your applicant status page.
We can help with your interview prep. Contact us:
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