This is the real ISB interview experience of a candidate who has a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology and worked as a Marine Navigation Officer.
The ISB interview was conducted on February 16, 2016. As per the candidate’s information, there was an alumni and an admissions committee member in the interview panel. In his/her opinion, the interview was mainly focused on the commonly asked questions like ‘Why MBA’.
| Interview Date | 16th February, 2016 |
| Work Profile | Marine Navigation -Second Officer with Maersk Line ; BE Marine Technology BIT Mesra |
| Re-Applicant? | No |
| Interviewers’ Profile | P1- Alum P2- Adcom |
| Your Opinion on the approach of the interviewers and their key focus | Be prepared with Why MBA and provide examples of skills mentioned in essays. |
Qn: What do you do at work?
A: Told them about my core professional responsibilities of passage planning and navigation and additional responsibilities of safety and medical officer.
Qn: Tell us what you have done so far and why do you want to do an MBA?
A: Told them about my career progression, education sponsorship from Maersk and how I find my future growth to be unidirectional with limited exposure.
Followup Qn: But our question was why do you want to an MBA?
A: Told them about how I was exposed to the commercial side of the shipping industry, and how I realised my future growth opportunities to be limited, and the skills I have at present that I can leverage in my future career aspirations and the skills and exposure I wish to gain from MBA.
Qn: Tell us a situation where you had to demonstrate analysing and decision-making skills. Elaborate.
A: Told them about a close quarter near collision situation in Malacca Straits and how I handled it effectively.
Followup Qn: But how did you analyse data? In our opinion, it is more intuition-based which comes by experience.
A: Gave another long term example of voyage planning and how we collect data while being prepared for last-minute changes.
Qn: Tell us something about your extra-curricular activities.
A: Told them about my extra-curricular activities and how I was associated with a society. A brief discussion and minor cross-questioning.
Follow up Qn: Suppose you want to start an NGO in your hometown, how will you find the number of people suffering from that ailment?
A: Answered in realistic terms, through doctors, physiotherapists and yoga instructors.
Qn: Detailed discussion on my hobbies and reason behind each one of them
A: Elaborated the above.
Qn: Provide details about the current maritime and shipping industry scenario.
A: Elaborated with some facts and figures.
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