Embarking on Success: Interview Experience Sharing by DU, Mumbai University, NMIMS, NIRMA Students now pursuing International Masters in Business (IMB) at SDA Bocconi

But before we share the interview experiences, here are key highlights of SDA Bocconi Asia Center and IMB program.

• Ranked Amongst Top Global Schools: SDA Bocconi is ranked #1 Business School in Europe by Bloomberg BusinessWeek 2023, Ranked #6 in the world for full time MBA Rankings by Financial Times 2023.
• Internationally Accredited: SDA Bocconi is one of the few business schools worldwide to hold the triple crown accreditation - AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. 
• SDA Bocconi Asia Center Mumbai: A pan-Asian hub that has been delivering Executive Education and Postgraduate Programs and designed by SDA Bocconi School of Management since 2012. Professor David Bardolet is the Dean of SDA Bocconi Asia Center, Mumbai. 
• SDA Bocconi Asia Center Mumbai Placements 2023: A consistent 100% placement record. Placement 2023 has recorded an average salary of Rs.14.30 LPA and the highest salary of Rs. 39.24 LPA.
• SDA Bocconi International Master in Business (IMB) Program: IMB, the flagship MBA/PGDM equivalent program comprises of two 11-month modules, which includes a 4-month specialization semester spent at the Bocconi main campus in Milan. Upon completion of the program, participants are awarded a Diploma by SDA Bocconi in Italy.
• Scholarships: SDA Bocconi Asia Center offers up to 80% merit-based tuition waivers to the eligible candidates and also has Scholarship awards for Women in Leadership, Sports and Cultural Arts.
• Admissions 2024: Admissions for SDA Bocconi Asia Center International Master in Business (IMB) in Mumbai are currently open. Last Date to Apply is Jan 22, 2024.

As SDA Bocconi Asia Center selects candidates for its renowned International Master in Business Program through a Personal Interview process, we gain insights from diverse students and working executives like Anjalee Mairh, Yash Vir Rathore, Mihir Taya, Varun Malhotra, Hardik Chawla, and Sneha Sharma. From marketing enthusiasts to seasoned consultants and budding entrepreneurs, their stories unveil a tapestry of skills and ambitions. Continue reading for their complete Interview Experiences.

Interviewer: Can you walk me through your CV? 

Anjalee Mairh (AM): Sure. With a diverse background spanning marketing, public relations, content writing and business development, I’ve honed my skills in various facets of the professional world. Throughout my journey, I have been in leadership roles, from school to undergraduate and all my internship experiences. I have always been open to working in different types of organizations, be it at Pantaloons ABFRL, to Friday Fiction FIlms. Most of my internships have been in the Sales & Marketing field and I wish to pursue my career in the same area. I have even tried my hands at entrepreneurship through my own small business. I am a creative person and enjoy being in and leading teams.

Interviewer: You mentioned that you started your own venture. Can you tell me why you chose Entrepreneurship?

Anjalee: Definitely. I have long observed that I thrive when given the freedom to do things my own way. Stuck at home during COVID, I and one of my friends decided to venture out to explore the K-Pop and Anime market. What started as a passion project turned into a successful and profitable small business. Our product range included t-shirts, keychains, hats, standees and much more. Handling all aspects of the business from CRM to logistics, entrepreneurship came to me very organically and it has been one of my biggest learning experiences.

Interviewer: Tell me about a recent Marketing Campaign that you liked.

Anjalee: A marketing campaign I really enjoyed seeing was Maybelline’s Curl Bounce Mascara. Through AI, they managed to simulate the image of false eyelashes stuck on trains being curled by a Maybelline mascara at stations. It provided an entertaining narrative and built the hype for potential customers to actually check out the product and go ahead with the purchase decision. 

Interviewer: How do you plan to contribute to culture outside of academics at SDA Bocconi Asia Center?

Anjalee: Having been the coordinator of Thespians, the BBA Drama Club, I know how to keep people engaged and entertained! I am great at organizing stress-relief events. I wish to do the same at SDA Bocconi Asia Center.

Interviewer: So apart from the SDA Bocconi, what other MBA Colleges have you applied to?

Anjalee: I have applied to Symbiosis and ISB.

Interviewer: Do you have any questions for me?

Anjalee: Just one! Knowing that the college advocates internationalization, is there a cultural barrier that sometimes comes between the Indian Students and International Faculty?

Interviewer: We encourage collaboration and open communication. Faculty members bring global insights to the classroom, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Anjalee: That’s great to know. Thank you for the opportunity.

CAT 95.72 %, Verbal Ability 99% | BBA, Nirma University, Ahmedabad

Interviewer: Where are you from?

Yash Vir Rathore: I’m from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Interviewer: Wow! Can you tell me about the most famous dish of Lucknow and the founder?

Yash Vir: So, the most famous dish from Lucknow is Tundey ke Kebab but I don’t know the name of the founder.

Interviewer: So, tell me about yourself.

Yash Vir: My name is Yash Vir Rathore, born and brought up in Lucknow. I did my schooling from The Millennium School, Lucknow, where I had Humanities as my major in plus two. Because of my storytelling qualities and leadership, I was appointed as the President of the Drama class in class 12 and managed many events and activities during my time there. I have been a part of 4 Model United Nations (MUN) during my school time that helped me develop my soft skills.

After high school, I went to Mumbai to pursue my Graduation degree from NMIMS. I did my graduation in Business Administration with Marketing as my core subject. NMIMS taught me a lot in terms of Time management and other key components in life that functioned as a catalyst toward my goals. I was awarded the Student Ambassador award (Student of the year award) in my third year in college. After my graduation, I got an opportunity to work at The Economic Times for the duration of 5 months, where I learned how the media house functions.

Interviewer: So, can you elaborate on the two significant achievements that you have mentioned about on your CV?

Yash Vir: I wanted to get a position in The Cultural Committee of my College. The Apex body of the NMIMS Cultural Committee was the topmost Student governing body responsible for planning and execution of the biggest college fest of Navi Mumbai. It was a role, where I felt that I would fit in the most and be an asset to the Committee as well as the University and the managerial aspect of the position had a lot of networking, learning, and leadership opportunities that helped me brush up my skills and added value to my CV and made me a better professional. I got this opportunity at NMIMS.

The second Achievement was the Student Ambassador Award by the Dean of NMIMS for an outstanding performance in the academic & co-curricular during the program in a batch of 200 students. 

Interviewer: Can you name the 7 Ps of Marketing

Yash Vir: 7 Ps of Marketing are Product, Price Place, Promotion, People, Process, and Physical evidence.

Interviewer: After BBA, why do you wish to do an MBA?

Yash Vir: I did my graduation in Business Administration where I got an opportunity to learn about the various aspects of the business world, the subjects that were taught In my undergraduate degree made me want to deep dive into the world of business learning with the help of an MBA. Marketing has always been my area of interest and my time at The Economics Times, gave me an opportunity to learn different key components required in the marketing sector. That made me realize that an MBA degree in Marketing shall act as a catalyst for my professional knowledge in the marketing domain.

Interviewer: Any questions for us?

Yash Vir: I’d like to know about the extracurricular activities at SDA Bocconi Asia Center.

Interviewer: We have various clubs and committees at Bocconi that conduct activities throughout the year. We have internationally recognized events and student driven committees like TEDx, Hult Prize, 180 Degree Consulting etc.

Yash Vir: Okay, thank you so much.

Interviewer: So, tell me about yourself Mihir

Mihir Taya: Sure.  Born and brought up in Mumbai, I graduated with a bachelor’s in accounting and finance degree and since then I've been a Marketing trainee at Karexpert Technologies for the past year. The most important thing to know about me is that I have a strong passion for brand building and personal growth. I have a keen interest in reading, cycling and watching good movies. I strongly believe that giving back to society is the most noble thing any person can do.

Interviewer: What do you know about brand building?

Mihir: Brand building is the process of creating and establishing a strong and favorable brand identity in the minds of consumers. It involves various strategic activities and initiatives aimed at shaping how a brand is perceived and experienced by its target audience.

Interviewer: Which is your favourite brand and why?

Mihir: H&M. Because I completely connect and resonate with H&M’s fashion sense.

Interviewer: What do you have to say for the constant allegations put on these fashion brands for not being sustainable?

Mihir: H&M practices sustainability. In fact, H&M has a different line of clothing known as H&M Sustainability.

Interviewer: What is sustainability according to you?

Mihir: Sustainability is the practice any business adopts to use all of its resources efficiently and in a way which is suitable for the environment as well. It should not affect the environment in a harmful way.

Interviewer: That’s not complete… you’ve barely scratched the surface of this topic… 

Mihir: Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the needs of future generations. Sustainability often focuses on major environmental problems, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, land degradation, and air and water pollution.

Interviewer: Ok. Tell us about your favourite marketing campaign?

Mihir: I really loved the marketing campaign of Surf Excel. I believe it revolutionized the detergent industry marketing in India. Indian households used to wash clothes with hands only but surf excel changed this by its great marketing initiatives like ‘daag acche hote hai’.

Interviewer: So other than karate have you competed in any other sports activity?

Mihir: Yeah i have participated and successfully completed several 30 km cycling marathons, and have also represented TEDx Hinduja in a drama competition.

Interviewer: What is a TEDx Event?

Mihir: TEDx is an independent event held under the guidelines of TED. It is a forum where influential speakers come to share their knowledge on a particular topic.

Interviewer: What is the full form of TED?

Mihir: I am not sure about that, Sir. 

Interviewer: Okay, what is the motto of TED?

Mihir: TED’s motto is ‘Ideas worth spreading’.

Interviewer: What would you say your weaknesses are?

Mihir: A bad habit of Procrastination but I have come up with a mindset on how to deal with it. Other than that, I sometimes I shy away from giving bad news to someone knowing it would affect them badly.

Interviewer: Okay, thank you Mihir for coming. Do you have any questions for us?

Mihir: Yes sir. I wanted to ask how extensive is the alumni network at SDA Bocconi? If selected will I be part of it?

Interviewer: So, we have an alumni network which extends to about 130,000 alumni globally and you will be a part of it as soon as you graduate from the program. Alumni get access to internal portals to connect with each other and participate at chapter wise Alumni meets that happen regularly across the globe. Any other question?

Mihir: No sir, Thank you so much for this opportunity.

Interviewer: Can you walk me through your CV, start to end?

Varun Malhotra: I'm Varun Malhotra, a 22-year-old individual with a rich and varied background. My educational journey includes a Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Hons.) from Delhi University. In my professional roles, I've showcased my prowess in sales, consistently surpassing targets at ICICI Prudential. During my internships at KPMG and Inception Wave, I honed my data analytics skills and demonstrated leadership qualities. Holding roles like Operations Head and Secretary, I've been actively involved, and my achievements have been recognized, notably at a National Science Congress. I find joy in sports like football and cricket, as well as playing the keyboard.

Interviewer: Why do you want to pursue an MBA?

Varun: I possess an unwavering passion for commerce and a deep fascination with the intricacies of product development and sales strategies. My academic foundation from Delhi University and professional roles at ICICI Prudential and Parts Big Boss have finely honed my technical acumen.

Enrolling in the IMB Program at this esteemed institution is my pathway to cultivating comprehensive knowledge of marketing and sales. My ultimate aspiration is to harness my leadership and people management skills as a Senior Marketing Executive in a global industry leader. I am confident that an MBA from your esteemed institution will adeptly equip me for my forthcoming career journey.

Interviewer: Based on your background, goals and experience, what advice do you have about getting the most out of this MBA Programme?

Varun: I feel if you have an impressive academic background, diverse professional experience, and strong leadership qualities, you're well-equipped to excel in the International Master in Business (IMB) program at SDA Bocconi Asia Center. To make the most of this program, focus on leveraging your cross-functional skills gained from business development, sales, and analytics roles. Engage actively in class discussions, collaborate with a diverse cohort, and seek opportunities to apply your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios.

Interviewer: What are the common traits of successful students in MBA program?

Varun: A successful MBA student typically exhibits strong communication skills, both in written and verbal forms, enabling effective interaction and presentation. They are adept at critical thinking and problem-solving, dissecting complex issues to propose innovative solutions. Time management is crucial, as successful students balance coursework, group projects, and extracurriculars efficiently.

Interviewer: Tell us something about yourself which is not there on your CV?

Hardik Chawla: I come from a Punjabi family and my hometown is Gurgaon. I am an ardent football fan and like to watch movies & play video games in my free time. I have played many sports namely Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Pool, Football, Chess and Cricket, and also played for a local football academy during my school days. I also like to travel a lot especially road trips. Professionally, I like to read about emerging technologies and aim to become a leader in the Management Consulting industry going forward in my career.

Interviewer: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Hardik: I am a hard-working professional and possess strong communication, leadership & time management skills. I am diligent in my approach and like to study the aspects in depth. One trait I possess is attention to detail, which sometimes can be perceived as a weakness by the other person going by the thought that it may lead to extra time and effort required to achieve a task or it may impact the timeline. But I can say that it has always worked in my favour as it has helped me identify aspects which others could not.

Interviewer: Why do you want to go for an MBA when you’re already working at a Big 4 firm?

Hardik: My graduation, internships and professional work experience at EY has helped hone my Technical Skills. Now I would like to go for an MBA as it would help me gain Management Skills. As I aim to be a leader in the Management Consulting industry going forward in my career, a blend of technical and management skills is a must to achieve the same.

Interviewer: How has your growth been at EY as we see that you have been promoted twice consecutively and currently work as a Consultant?

Hardik: My journey at EY has been really great, both in terms of learning and career progression. Joining initially as an Associate Consultant in the ServiceNow – Technology Consulting arm of the firm, I got hands-on experience working as a team member on multiple client projects. I have performed at the highest level and got the highest rating for two consecutive years, and hence was promoted to Consultant.

Interviewer: Tell us more about your work portfolio at EY.

Hardik: I am working as a Consultant in the ServiceNow – Technology Consulting of EY. My work mainly revolves around looking after the QA & Compliance for the ServiceNow Projects being delivered to the clients, to ensure the application is bug free and is completely as per the client’s requirements. As part of QA Processes, I perform various activities such as Functional Testing, Regression Testing, Integration Testing, Preparation of Testing Documentation, Automation of Test Scripts, Bug Identification and Remediation, Identification of critical flaws in system design/ architecture and ensuring that the product being delivered to the client is exactly in line with the requirements & exceeds all the industry standards. I am currently working as overall Project Lead for a Managed Services Client Engagement, with the client being the largest gas & electric firm in US.

Interviewer: Why would you like to pursue IMB from SDA Bocconi Asia Center over other Indian colleges?

Hardik: I’ve always wanted to go for a Post Graduate Management Degree from a college which offers relevant international exposure and helps in understanding of business from a global perspective. The IMB offered at SDA Bocconi Asia Center perfectly fits into this space as it is dual campus course being taught in Mumbai and a compulsory semester in Milan at the SDA Bocconi School of Management. Also, it is one of the few B-Schools to hold a triple crown accreditation, with the subjects being taught by world’s finest professors hailing from the main campus at Milan. I consider these as points of differentiation which makes SDA Bocconi Asia Center unique and different from other Indian colleges.

Interviewer: Going by your profile, why would you not like to go for an MBA abroad as you have work experience as well.

Hardik: I had thought of going for an MBA abroad but my long term goal has always been to settle in India, as most of my family is here itself and it would enable me to take care of my parents. Hence, I thought that it would be great if I found a college in India which provides international exposure without the need to actually go abroad for full time.

Interviewer: What if you get rejected in this interview? What will be your backup plan?

Hardik: I’ll continue working at EY, as my journey here has been truly exceptional. I’ve found the firm to be great in all aspects with the employees being very helpful & supportive, and I’m happy with the career growth I’ve been able to achieve here. Meanwhile, I’ll start preparing for GMAT and would plan to go for an MBA abroad in near future.

Interviewer: Can you walk me through your CV, start to end?

Sneha Sharma: Hello, my name is Sneha Sharma, and I'm thrilled to share my journey with you. Starting with my internship at Oxper MarTech, I served as an Email Marketing Strategist, where I led a team in developing and executing email marketing strategies. Working with clients like Airtel, Mahindra, John Deere, and Stellar, I achieved a 25% increase in impressions and improved key metrics such as Open Rate, CTR, and Conversion Rate. At Chokore, I was the Event Campaign Strategy Manager, achieving a record-breaking Return on Advertising Spend (ROAS) of 23% and spearheading innovative campaigns targeting Gen-Z audiences. As a Founding Member and Head of Content at The Only Karma, I initiated projects during the Covid-19 pandemic and led content creation, achieving a peak of 44.6k organic impressions on an Instagram Reel. In addition to my professional experiences, I've held positions of responsibility, won awards, and earned certifications.

Interviewer: I can see you have your own startup. Can you tell me about it in detail?

Sneha: Certainly, I'd be happy to tell you about my startup – InCr, which stands for INNOVATE and CREATE. InCr is a pioneering platform that aims to bridge the gap between the world of AI and various industries. Our mission is rooted in the belief that AI should serve as a tool to enhance human potential rather than replace it. In the INNOVATE domain, we curate a comprehensive catalog of industry-specific AI tools. We understand the challenge of finding the right resources to leverage AI effectively, and that's why we've made it our mission to make this process simpler. Our platform empowers marketers, professionals, and enthusiasts by equipping them with the right tools, thus enabling them to reach their full potential.

Interviewer: Why would you want to go to college when you already have a startup?

Sneha: While I do have a startup, it's important to note that it's currently on a relatively small scale. My experiences with my startup have been incredibly valuable and have taught me a great deal. However, I recognize that there's still so much more to learn, especially in terms of industry knowledge and corporate exposure.

The field of international business is vast and complex, with constantly evolving dynamics. To contribute more efficiently to my startup and make it more successful, I believe it's crucial for me to acquire a deeper understanding of international business practices, strategies, and global market trends. This knowledge is not just about having dual skills but about enhancing and honing my existing skills.

Interviewer: What are your top 3 takeaways from operating a startup?

Sneha: Embracing Failure as a Path to Success: Running a startup has taught me to embrace failure as a natural part of the journey. Each setback is an opportunity to iterate, improve, and ultimately increase the odds of success. Failure isn't the end; it's a valuable lesson on the path to success.

Persistency in the Face of Challenges: Operating a startup often means navigating through a series of challenges and hardships. While there are moments of triumph and success, they can be relatively scarce compared to the hurdles encountered. My second key takeaway is the importance of persistence, especially during tough times

 Adaptability to Market Dynamics: In the context of my startup, which focuses on AI and creative design, adaptability to market dynamics has been a critical takeaway. The fast-paced nature of technology and design trends requires constant adaptation. Whether it's responding to shifts in customer preferences or staying ahead of technological advancements, being nimble and adaptable is key. This adaptability extends to both the products and strategies employed. By staying attuned to market changes and being willing to pivot when necessary, my startup has been able to remain relevant and innovative in a dynamic industry.

 These three takeaways have been foundational in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset and guiding my decisions in the world of startups.

Interviewer: Why do you want to choose SDA Bocconi Asia Center for pursuing your education?

Sneha: I have a strong desire to pursue my education at SDA Bocconi Asia Center for several compelling reasons. One of the most prominent aspects that attracted me to this prestigious business school is the unparalleled variety and depth of exposure it offers. First and foremost, the flexibility in choosing electives was a truly fascinating aspect of the program. It aligns perfectly with my aspiration to broaden my horizons and acquire a diverse skill set. Moreover, the prospect of the Milan semester adds an extra layer of excitement to my educational journey. Milan is renowned as a global hub for fashion, design, and business, and the opportunity to immerse myself in this vibrant and culturally rich environment is both exhilarating and educational. In summary, SDA Bocconi Asia Center offers an educational experience that aligns perfectly with my aspirations.

Interviewer: That’s all. You will hear from us shortly.

The candidates' narratives illustrate a common thread—each envisions the SDA Bocconi experience as a transformative bridge to their aspirations. As evident from their experiences, approaching your MBA interview with confidence and strategic preparation can significantly enhance your chances of success. Remember, the interview is not just an evaluation of your qualifications but an opportunity for you to convey your personality, goals, and fit within the program. Apply Now for SDA Bocconi Asia Center MBA Admissions

Best of luck on your MBA Admissions journey!