Prior to interview I Googled all of my potential interviewers to determine the best option. One of the individuals was in the same industry as me and was in a position very similar to where I wanted to be after I complete my MBA, so I naturally chose him.
When I arrived for the interview I was told that Columbia never sent the interview materials. However, the interviewer said that he had done several interviews in the past and could just “wing it”. Interview was very conversational. This was my 6th round 1 interview and was by far the most conversational. I didn’t really get a chance to go through my rehearsed answers as he would interject when I said something that interested him. The questions he did ask me:
- Resume walk through?
- Why MBA?
- Why Columbia?
He asked a lot about the details of my business (I’m an entrepreneur). We discussed the details of his organization, his business model and his clients.
This interview was very different than any of my previous interviews. I believe there is a lot more variation in the types of interviews for Columbia because they are conducted by alumni. I recommend not only being prepared with your standard interview material, but also have at least a basic knowledge of the interviewer’s company or industry.
I got the admit three weeks later. I’m actually scheduled to present to his company in the coming weeks about opportunities for our organizations to work together.
Good luck to all.
