Navigating the IIM C CAT 2016 Interview: A WAT-PI Journey

Preparing for the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) CAT 2016, my path leading to the admission process was filled with a series of challenges, from clearing the written aptitude test (WAT-PI) to facing the interview panel. This article delves into my experience, particularly the Written Assessment and Personal Interview (WAT-PI), and shares the key lessons learned.

The WAT-PI Process

The Written Assessment and Personal Interview (WAT-PI) is a crucial part of the IIM C admission process, designed to evaluate a candidate's analytical, communication, and decision-making skills. For the WAT, I was given the topic: 'Freedom of Speech is important in a democratic nation. How does a corrupt media impact your take on this?'

Preparation

My preparation regimen involved thorough research on the topic, including reading various articles and editorials in newspapers. I also questioned myself deeply to form a personal perspective on the issue. The key here was to present a balanced view while underscoring the importance of freedom of speech in a democratic society.

Approach During the WAT

I structured my essay in three parts: the importance of freedom of speech, the role of a corrupt media, and my personal take on the matter. My essay was on the topic for about 200 words, leveraging examples from real-life situations.

Interview Experience

My interview at IIM C was a series of questions from three interviewers - an older male, a younger male, and a female member. Below are the key points from that interview:

Introduction and Background

Interviewer F started by asking me about my background. This was straightforward, and I could easily respond as I had shared my career path and work experience with Nestle. They inquired about the Maggi crisis and how Nestle handled it. Here, I gave a detailed response, providing context and my perspective. It was essential to be fully prepared for such inside details, which could be crucial in evaluating my responses.

Workplace Challenges

Next, I was asked about a situation I faced at work, which led to a discussion on the impact of purchase team delays on plant operations. This required a quick thinking and strategic approach to navigate the discussion.

Academic Performance

One of the more challenging aspects was when the interview panel asked about my academic performance, specifically the drop in grades in the second year, particularly in economics and management courses. I handled this by explaining that grades might not reflect one’s knowledge and provided an optimistic view on the importance of B grades (which represent a decent score).

Personal Interests and Hobbies

I was quizzed about my personal interests, particularly photography and cooking. While I was somewhat prepared for the photography query, the unplanned questions on cooking took me by surprise. Nevertheless, I used my knowledge of physics to suggest the best angle for taking a better photo. My love for cooking and the reason I picked cooking as a hobby in the application form led to a lively discussion.

Final Questions and Closure

The interview concluded with queries on the energy efficiency of my plant and my current residence in Goa. These questions seemed more friendly and helped alleviate some of the tension. The interviewers awarded me a cookie for the journey, symbolizing their recognition of my effort and preparation.

Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned

1. **Preparation is Key**: Knowledge about the organization, industry, and the institute is crucial. Anticipate various topics and be ready to discuss them with confidence.

2. **Adaptability**: Be ready to handle unexpected questions and be flexible in your approach. Use your creativity and rational thinking to respond effectively.

3. **Confidence and Composure**: Projecting confidence goes a long way in a personal interview. Stay composed and answer questions politely and respectfully.

Overall, the journey through the WAT-PI process was challenging but rewarding. The experience solidified my candidacy for IIM C and showcased my readiness to contribute to the diverse and vibrant student community at the institute.