Continuing with its unique initiative of providing answers to all the queries of candidates going to give the GD, PI and Essay writing rounds at leading B-schools via Live Expert Chat, MBAUniverse.com hosted on Saturday, 20 March Mr. R Shiva Kumar, Director (R & D), Career Launcher and Mr. Sidharth Balakrishna, Author of MBA preparation books, mentor and IIM Calcutta Alumnus.

We present to you the significant excerpts from the Live Expert Chat:

PERSONAL INTERVIEW

Q: Shubhadeep: What should I say if the interview panelists ask me about myself?

A: Prepare your answer based on the following:
1) The Work experience or Academic details that you would like to share with the panel
2) Personal details that could be of interest. Like where you stay/lived family details (that could lead to questions); your hobbies and interests, your successes/achievements etc.

Keep it to a minute at maximum; else you may be cut short before you finish.

Q: Sumit: I have more than 2 years of work experience? Is there any probability of the panelists to ask me questions on academics? I have almost forgotten them!

A: The focus of the Interview will probably be more on your work experience, rather than academics. Read as much about the industry in which your company operates as possible, latest developments in that industry etc.

ESSAY WRITING

Q: Sruthi: What should be the right pattern for writing the essay?

A: Your essay must adhere to the given word limit. Make sure that your essay has an introduction, main body and conclusion. Be analytical: focus on supporting your opinions with adequate logic, examples, data and facts.

Q: Ajay: What would be the length of essays? Can you please suggest few topics?

A: There is no word limit. It depends on you how you write in the given amount of time. It is pointless preparing for a specific topic.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Q: Arun: What can be topic for the GDs this year?

A: This year, the topics are likely to be pertaining to the environment and climate change, the Telangana issue, gender equality and the women's reservation Bill, IPL, Indian hockey, the Commonwealth Games. Social issues will be important. Try and make notes for these.

Q: Shipra: What should I do if am not aware of the topic presented?

A: In such a situation, the best solution is to listen. Clarify with the group. I am sure this process will itself generate ideas for you. Normally you are unlikely to come across topics that you would be totally unaware of!

Q: Nikhil: Is it possible to maintain a calm and quiet attitude even during a heated GD?

A: Of course! It is your state of mind. You can control it. In my decade old experience I have seen many calm and composed students making tremendous impact in GDs.

Q: Sujeet: What to do if a topic is controversial? How should I make my stand?

A: State your point of view. As long as you are seen as ‘reasonable’ and sound logic and facts, it really does not matter. But if you are biased without any data to back up you would end up in a soup. It is OK to be diplomatic too, which means you appreciate the counter views as well.

Q: Alok: If I am cutting someone’s point, shall I maintain eye contact only with that person or everyone in the group?

A: You can start by looking at him and then move to the group.

Q: Sumit: How to interject during a heated GD?

A: It is better not to interject when the GD is too noisy as your voice may not be heard. Try and speak when somebody is about to complete his point; he is more likely to allow you to interrupt him. You may raise your voice in a loud GD and be assertive, but do not shout or make aggressive gestures.

Q: Aditya: Is it compulsory to maintain a particular stand during a GD? What if the topic is controversial?

A: The focus is on the analysis of the topic, not your stand. What is seen is how you argue your point by giving adequate logic, data, facts etc. Whether you agree or disagree with a particular point of view (whether it is controversial or not) is not as important as the manner in which you make your point: be analytical and not emotional.

UPCOMING LIVE EXPERT CHAT

If you could not participate in the Live Expert Chat held on March 20, 2010, MBAUniverse.com is giving you more chances. Do register and login for the next Live Expert Chat on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, which will be held 5 pm onwards.

The expert of the day would be Mr. Srijan Pal Singh, Knowledge Advisor, PT Education.

To read the excerpts of the previous Live Expert Chats, click on the following links:
http://www.mbauniverse.com/mbaexam/mbaexamfullstory.php?id=3008

http://www.mbauniverse.com/campusinner-id-3021.htm

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more on Live Expert Chat!