CAT Exam- Personal Interview

Dear LinkedIn Community,

Allow me to share a personal journey through the lens of CAT interviews – a narrative filled with lessons and insights that I've gained over the years. As a member on this platform, it's a privilege to impart these experiences to those embarking on their own paths of higher education and career growth.

Picture this: A candidate, eager and slightly anxious, who has no idea or previous experience of CAT-PI stands at the threshold of a CAT interview. The panel, a group of seasoned professionals (IIM Professor, PhD students, and/or TA), poses twelve questions that, as the candidate soon discovers, serve as gateways to understanding their academic prowess and the essence of their character and aspirations.

1. Introduce Yourself:

In the early chapters of my story, I faced the classic "Tell me something about yourself." Instead of a recitation of my resume, I saw an opportunity to craft a narrative that went beyond the bullet points, showcasing the unique blend of experiences that defined me. I leveraged my diverse background to show what I am rather than who I am.

2. Discuss the Contents of Your CV:

Each entry in my CV became a plot point in my story. Knowing every detail, every twist and turn in my professional journey, was not just a formality but a way to demonstrate authenticity and self-awareness. Here, practice makes a man perfect.

3. What Did You Learn During Your Graduation?

My academic journey, the classrooms, the late-night study sessions – they were the foundations of my story. Revisiting those chapters, even briefly, brought a richness to my responses that went beyond mere academic achievements. As an engineering graduate, I put emphasis on my final year project and how it challenged me and what I did to overcome it.

4. Strengths and Weaknesses:

The examination of self, assessing strengths and weaknesses, felt like a character development arc. It wasn't about perfection but about growth and the commitment to continuous improvement. I didn't create any false narrative but was upfront about my weaknesses. I presented my weaknesses as opportunities to grow rather than to worry about.

5. Why Pursue an MBA, and Why Now?

This question opened a chapter that connected the dots between my past experiences and future aspirations. It was a narrative thread that wove together the various elements of my story into a coherent whole. It became a link between my past horizon to my future horizon.

6. How Does Your Academic Background Align With Your Goals?

Here, I explored the synergy between my educational journey and the ambitions that fueled my story. It wasn't just about degrees; it was about how each lesson, each challenge, contributed to the protagonist I had become. I talked about a few of my favorite subjects and how they are about what I want to achieve.

7. Why Is This Specific Business School Suitable for You?

The research on the business school became a critical plot point. Each specialization, each unique feature of the institution, was seamlessly integrated into my story, reflecting a genuine desire to be part of that narrative. (Be humble, not desperate)

8. How Will You Fit Into Our Program, and What Will You Contribute?

This question felt like a pivotal moment in the narrative. It wasn't just about fitting in but about adding a distinctive chapter to the program's story – a chapter written with the ink of my experiences and skills.

9. Why Do You Think Your Chosen Area of Study is Suitable for You?

Here, I delved into a reflective monologue, analyzing the qualities required for my chosen field. It was a moment of introspection that added depth to my character's motivations.

10. What Did You Learn During Your Summer Internship?

The internship became a subplot, a tale of challenges faced and lessons learned. Navigating through this part of my story, I showcased not just what I did but who I became in the process.

11. What Do You Do in Your Free Time/What Are Your Hobbies?

(Automatically my voice had a passionate tone) I explained that the hobbies and activities I engaged in were the lighter, more colorful chapters of my story. They added layers to my character, showcasing a balance between work and play.

12. If You Were a Working Professional:

The final question was a flashback to previous chapters, a reflection on the experiences that shaped my professional self. It was an acknowledgment of the journey that brought me to this moment.

In concluding this personal story, I extend my best wishes to those about to script their own narratives in CAT interviews. Embrace each question as a plot twist, a chance to reveal a new facet of your story. May your interviews be a chapter of growth, learning, and success.

For any help-DM!