MBAUniverse.com organized the Session 2 of the Live Expert Chat on GD, PI and Essay Writing preparation on Wednesday, March 17, 2010. The expert of the day was Mr. Sai Kumar Swamy, Course Director, T.I.M.E. Mr. Swamy is an alumnus of IIM Bangalore and he has over seven years of experience in training students on management entrance exams.

MBA aspirants from across India asked questions on diverse issues related to GD, PI and Essay Writing. Mr. Swamy provided elaborate answers to the specific queries.

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

Q: Antony: If the GD topic is too abstract and nobody starts, how do we deal with it?

A: Give as many interpretations to the topic as possible and drive the group in those directions. Then discuss each of them in detail.

Q: Alok: What should be the minimum number of entries during a GD?

A: No less than eight to 10 times. The reason being that in the noise and commotion the points made by you might get 'lost' and the moderators might not be able to score a point against your name.

Q: Praveen: If the interviewer asks the question - How do you define yourself? What should be the order of my reply? What should be the points on priority?

A: This is a difficult one to answer for there is no 'specific' defined answer for the 'right' way of introducing yourself. Please note that repeating points from the Statement of Purpose (SOP) or application form submitted at the B-School would not be appropriate. Tell something that the panel doesn’t know about you and this answer should basically avoid specifics but goes into describing you as an individual.

Q: Arun: What should I answer for the question 'Why MBA?'

A: ‘Why MBA’ would mean different things for different people. However please ensure that you do NOT ever say that you want to get a good salary or a good position. Please focus on the need to do an MBA - like gaining specific skills or to change a career or cite the fact that you are pursuing an interest. The more specific it gets the better is the answer.

Q: Nikhil: What should be the position of my hands during PI?

A: Body should be erect with no stooping. The arms should be next to you lying on your legs. Do not fidget with your nails or keep moving your arms. Neither should you become immobile and make your arms stiff. Be natural.

Q: Prakash: I always want to start the GD but somebody else always takes the lead. How do I ensure that I can start?

A: Start is not always a great thing. It is a double edged sword - if you get the group started in the right direction then you score points but in case you fail or misunderstand the topic then it is a major negative. If you aren’t able to start, doesn’t matter. Let others’ start but ensure that you follow quickly into the discussion.

Q: Tamal: Please share some tips on before, during and post the PI round.

A: Prepare for your Academics, Current Affairs and also be ready to face questions on your performance in the GD or Essay round. Relax and stay cool - Anxiety is the main reason why people do not do well in interviews. Take two to three seconds before answering any question.

Q: Sruthi: If the panel asks me too general questions, does it mean I have little chance to get through?

A: No, it doesn’t mean that. Sometimes panelists are known to ask straightforward and routine questions.

Q: Sumit Kumar: I have more than two years of work experience and I don't remember much about my engineering studies. What do I do if they ask specific questions which I don’t remember?

A: Tell them politely that you don’t remember but make sure that think for a few seconds and convey the impression of trying before saying that you can’t recollect.

Q: Kamal: Please suggest some topics which would be given in Essay Writing.

A: Nobody can be certain of what 'would' be given in Essays. But one thing is sure that they will be similar to the GD topics that the IIMs have given over the last few years.

Q: Aditya Kumar: My graduation marks are poor. If I am asked in the interview about the reason, what shall I reply?

A: Tell them the truth and do not blame anybody else for the poor marks.

UPCOMING EXPERT LIVE CHAT
If you could not participate in the Live Expert Chat held on 17 March 2010, MBAUniverse.com is giving you more chances. Do register and login for the next Live Expert Chat on Saturday, March 20, 2010 that will be held 1 pm onwards.

The experts of the day would be Mr. R Shiva Kumar, Director, R & D, Career Launcher and Mr. Sidharth Balakrishna, Author of MBA preparation books and IIM Calcutta Alumnus.

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

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