The IIM Interviews.. An experience that changed everything (IIM - Bangalore)

IIM - Bangalore (18th March, 2010 First day, first show)

The GD round has been replaced by the essay writing. Wrote the essay and was waiting for the interview. My name ended up being last on the list and had to wait quite a long time before my turn arrived. Was completely excited and charged up as I walked into the room to attend my Personal Interview. I was asked the question what do i do at work. I replied promptly. Then the real twist in destiny began.

Int-1: So you are a DSP Engineer
Me: Yes Sir

Int-1: I would like to ask you a question regarding fourier transforms. How do you represent fourier transform in terms of inverse laplace transform.. (Don't remember the question properly)
Me: (Completely taken back by the question) No idea sir. Worked on system development of past 3 years. Don't remember any of it.

Int-1: Ok then let talk about your work. If you were to explain a simple audio system in terms of encoders, decoders etc to your grandmother. How would you do it.
Me: Took modern day telephone system as an example and explained the same. (Don't know how good it was.)

Int-2: I still dont understand why you want to do an MBA?
Me: I told the truth why i wanted to do an MBA. It was what i wanted to do.

I still don't know how the panelist would be able to judge whether someone really wants to do an MBA. With proper training anyone could just put in a lot of assertion into their words to get things communicated. A genuine person on the other hand would have really simple reasons why he wants to do an MBA

Int-2: I am still not convinced why you want to do an MBA.

I was somehow expecting this.. I hadn't put in exotic things as examples to convey my points. I was too straight forward in approach.

Int-1: Tell me something about you job. Do you love your Job?
Me: (Told everything i did at office). I Like my job sir.

Int-3: Are you frustrated with your job?
Me: No sir.

My excitement of attending the first interview seems to have translated into frustration for them. I was just excited with getting through and may be it gave them the wrong impression

Int-2: Has your work at the company influenced the decision making of the company

I did tell genuinely how my work did influence a few decisions. They didn't seem to be too much interested in it (May be because it was genuine)


Int-1: Let me have a look at your references.. You seem to be pretty low on scores in your references. What do you have to say about it?
Me: The evaluation has been fair sir. We are a company of 200 hundred people, each on selected from about 500 shortlisted resumes. I wouldn't be surprised if i even turned out in the bottom 50 % of the people working in the company.

Int-3: Can you throw me some light into the woman's reservation bill.. Or .. ok .. Just give me 3 good points for and against the Woman's reservation bill.
Me: I only have a few points for the bill but i do have quite a lot of points against the bill.

Int-2: Ok then you can give me 10 points against the Woman's reservation bill

I did present a few points but couldn't put out 10 points

Int-3: Why do you think the percentage of women is less at IIM's
Me: a. Percentage of Girls taking the test is low.
       b. Guys tend to fare better in CAT

Int-2: That's it... Thanks for turning up
Me: Thank you sir

Think i answered totally out of my mind.  

Did not get through anyway...