Pratham Mani recalls his IIM Ahmedabad interview

With the declaration of CAT 2016 result, aspirants who had scored well in the exam had to gear up to clear the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds. Pratham Mani too appeared in CAT 2016 and when he received a call from IIM Ahmedabad, he was determined to make it to the top B-school.

The interview was scheduled for March 10, 2017 in the evening slot. Shiksha got in touch with Pratham to know about his WAT-GD-PI experience. Here is what he shared: 

WAT Topic:

Analysis of an argument of the author who states that 24*7 channels don't have much content, so there is lack of quality, older times were better. 

I took up the author’s arguments, discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments, taking no sides personally. Later, I ended with what I feel about the present channels and how shifting won’t help, and how can we modify present channels for the better.  

Next to follow was the Personal Interview round. The panelist consisted of 2 Male Profs., both of around 50 years or more. I was the 4^th candidate to attend the PI round. 

They were eating at that point, offered me if I would have something.

Me: Smiled and said “No Sir, I am fine.” 

P1: Tell us something about yourself.

Me: Gave a very basic introduction regarding birthplace, school, college, etc. 

P1: So, you are a Bengalee. How come? We thought you were from South (because of my surname).

Me: Told about my lineage from East Bengal. 

P2: So do you have any final year project at JU?

Me: Yes Sir, then went on to explain. P1 stopped me in the middle, and told me, we are not electrical engineers, explain it to us like a layman.

I explained the function of each component, like MOSFET, 555 timer, clock, oscilloscope, flyback transformer in basic terms, and what role they play in the project.

Further questions followed on its applications, what other methods are there, what are its advantages, how we are planning to improve it this semester, etc. I answered most of them and felt they were convinced. 

P1: Did you have any placement?

Me: Yes Sir, Placed at PricewaterHouseCoopers. 

P1:  What is the role?

Me: Sir, I haven't received my offer letter yet. Hence, I don't know about my profile. But most of our seniors have been placed as Technology Consultants. There are IT consulting roles, Data Analyst roles. Given that I don't know much coding, and I had mentioned that in my interview, I should be placed as a Data Analyst. 

P1: By the way, don't core companies in Electrical Engineering come to your campus? Why didn't you opt for them? Don’t you like EE?

Me: Yes Sir, I like EE, but the core companies came later and I was placed quite early. And the placement scenario isn't so great that we can afford to wait. 

P2: So the damage has been done, right? You preferred a core one?

Me: Sir, I would be happy with both. 

P2: Don't you think you are a bit too flexible?

Me: Sir, I think flexibility isn't bad at this point in my career, and I just have some basic knowledge in the technology domain. A consultant’s job at PwC will provide me with experience across various industries, and I will learn the other aspects of this job, which will benefit me later. Moreover, PwC is working with a no. of firms in the energy sector and I can use my technical knowledge there if I get a chance to work in those projects.

P1: Well, we can understand, you want a good white collar job. (Smiles). So, will you join PwC?

Me: Well Sir, if I don't convert any of my calls, I will. 

P2: Of course, that's understandable. 

P1: So, what do u do, except for studying and dreaming about PwC??

Me: Told about football, fantasy premier league. 

P1: What's that?

Me: Told that it’s a strategy game based on EPL, went into details. I stressed on how watching EPL matches closely, being thorough with the players, optimizing between players’ quality and budget, and good understanding of the points system has helped me develop my analytical skills. I also told about my good finishing position in my leagues and on a global scale. 

P2: So whose league is it?

Me: To my dismay, I just couldn’t remember the name initially. Blurted out EA Sports when he was just about to ask the new question. 

P1: Ok, how do you think it helps them?

Me: Told about their video games, increasing fan base, how several people participate all over the world, how it helps them get sponsors, etc. 

P1: So, whom do you play for?

Me: Sir, for my department. (Lies) 

P1: You don't play for the University team?

Me: I am not that good, Sir. 

P1: I see. By the way, what’s the case with JU, that movement and all?

Me: Told it in detail 

P1, P2: Further questions on whose fault it was, the role of media, why VC did such a thing, my opinion on the issue, etc.

P1: Ok you like Maths?

Me: Yes Sir (Wishing he would ask me one) 

P2: Well, that I could see, you finished the paper within 3 mins. 

P1: Ok we are done, please take a Polo. 

Me: Took one, and left. 

Verdict: Converted!

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