How to join best B-Schools

The scary CAT exams are over and its time to get ready to crack the next level which includes the group discussion and final interview. The student's task is to offer a value proposition and convince the panel on his suitability for the management program. Taking the seller-buyer portal forward, the student is able to sell his profile better if he has a connect with the objective of a management program and the personality traits of students previously selected in top B-schools.

Students thus need to appreciate that the selection process aims to evaluate them on interpersonal skills, social responsibility, leadership qualities, motivational prowess, team work and an ethical code of conduct. Besides, qualities like high levels of initiative and energy, strong task orientation, capacity for hard work, willingness to learn and a temperament suitable for team work always help one get through the process.

Group Discussion
In this activity the marketing challenge is to balance the zeal for individual excellence and ability to contribute effectively to the group. The basics of group dynamics need to be upheld, along with an overall demonstration of initiative, clarity of thought, analytical ability and composure.

Strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, enable to have a better connect with the group. While verbal communication skills are measured on parameters like articulation (clarity of speech), fluency (continuity of speech) and modulation (flavor of speech), non verbal skills are evaluated on positive body language, appropriate levels of gesticulation and an overall poised conduct.

Personal Interview
The "marketing pitch" intensifies in this round as it requires a personal interface with the panel.u00a0 Your ability to prioritise desirable traits of your candidature and drop innocuous teasers determines your skill to lead the panel and get them onto a predictable set of questions.u00a0

Questions on current affairs assess your overall environmental sensitivity, a trait which is a must for managers operating in the constantly changing business scenario. Key events in the political, economic, business and socio-cultural sectors need to be appreciated, with an ability to form opinions .

(Tips by Vinayak KudvaProduct Head,IMS Learning Resources Pvt. Ltd)