Background: Mechanical Engineer, GEM Fresher
In my experience SJMSOM interview process was one of the best and definitely the most convenient. So now since that is out of the way, let me tell you why.
The institute provided us access to a video-calling virtual space that lets multiple people hold separate conversations in parallel, walking in and out of those conversations just as easily as they would in real life. All of the candidates had a unique avatar, through which they could explore the virtual campus of SJMSOM and interact with fellow applicants and our seniors
Fortunately, I did not have to stare at a blank screen in a zoom waiting room and anticipate my turn. Instead, I was given my queue number and the approximate time of start of my interview, which gave me ample time to get familiar with the platform and the various options it had.
Upon entering the virtual campus, we were put together in groups of 10, and each group was provided with a mentor who skillfully kept the candidates calm and collected before their interviews. All the team members and their mentors were being live streamed among themselves enabling lucid interactions.
And finally, the moment arrived and my name was called. I took a deep breath and entered the interview room. The interview itself was very structured and thorough. To break it down, there were 3 panelists, one was a faculty member of SJMSOM [P1], the second was an alumnus [P2] and the third was a Professor from the Engineering department at IIT Bombay [P3]. All of them sequentially asked their set of questions.
P1: He was the one to greet me and started the conversation with the pilot “small talk”, after which he proceeded to ask all the HR questions that candidates generally have pre-prepared. It felt more of a conversation to inquire about me and my interests.
(Lasted for around 7 to 8 minutes)
P2: The Alum was mostly interested in my extra-curricular activities and started asking me questions about the competitions I had participated in during college and my experiences with the same. This went on for a good 7 minutes, following which he asked me a couple of abstract questions, which don’t really have a wrong or a right answer but are asked to observe your thinking process.
(Lasted for around 10 minutes)
P3: He asked me questions from my undergrad discipline. Some were easy, some were tough but somehow, I managed to answer most of them. His second part of the questions were focused over general awareness and a few of them were on current topics.
(Lasted 10 minutes)
Overall, the entire process took a little over 30 minutes and went over almost every aspect of my profile. I really enjoyed the whole process. Although I was nervous thinking about the result but luckily, I made it through. I hope sharing my experience will help the future applicants to get an idea of what the interview process is like at SJMSOM.
VERDICT: Converted
