Internship Newsletter by Sagnik Chakraborty

Mayur Lalchand Dept of E&ECE Company: Goldman Sachs Selection Process – An Aptitude test, followed by a write up, a GD, and & interviews. 1. Basic Do’s and Don’ts of a GD? Ans. Never be too aggressive. Be polite. 2. What was the topic of your GD? Ans. China and India. We spoke about their policies, and administration. 3. How much time were you given to think? Ans. 6 – 7 minutes. The GD went for another 15 – 20 minutes. 4. Do you think speaking first matters in a GD? Ans. It shows the character of taking chrge, but don’t start the discussion, if you don’t have much content. 5. In a GD which is given more importance –fluency or presentation? An. Presentation matters more than fluency. 6. Is it advisable to interrupt someone in a GD? Ans. No. 7. If the topic of the GD is against your personal beliefs should you stick to the topic or voice your opinion? Ans. Keep your point and listen. But ensure that you are visible, thus, do not be quiet. Speak up. 8. Any other topics of GD, which your friends got? Ans. Some of my friends told me of a GD where they discussed, ‘10 things they’d privatize in an island, of they where trapped in one’. A smart friend of mine said he would choose alcohol on the first place, as it has many uses, like drinking, antiseptic, inflammable liquid etc. 9. Do you think one must be completely honest in a PI? Ans. Yes, it's important. 10. What are the basic dos and don’ts in a PI? Ans. Don't get psyched. If you don't know an answer, don't say a direct no. Try to think of an answer. 11. How important in a PI is maintaining eye contact?

Ans. Very important. It shows your confidence. 12. How must one respond if the interviewer hints that your performance is not satisfactory? Ans. Give your best, and say. "I'll try to improve my short comings". Don't get psyched. 13. What should be done if one realises that the interviewer has misunderstood his statement? Ans. Explain your point again, and be polite. 14. How do you convince the interviewer that you are fit for the job if he speaks of another interviewee with better credentials? Ans. Emphasize on your strengths, and try to show why you are different and better. 15. Does taking time to answer a question go against you even if the answer is a good one? Ans. Take your time. For questions which are technical, you can take more time, but for questions other than these, be spontaneous and logical if possible. 16. Should one admit his mistake if pointed out or justify what he has said? Ans. See, if you can justify that. They sometimes try to see how much you stand for yourself. So if possible, try to take a stand if you think you can carry it through. Learn how to tackle through. 17. Were you asked any technical questions (related to academics) in your interview? Ans. Yes. questions were related to the projects and skills I wrote in my CV. I was asked about probability, as that was required in the work I would get. So, you should know what you did in your project and skills, and must have a good knowledge about them. Therefore, you should never lie, as they will catch yours. 18. What should we focus more on pi/gd? Ans. If you can speak freely in person, PI won't be that big a trouble. If you feel conscious in the group and can't keep your point in the group, then work on GD. Therefore, the answer depends for person to person. 19. Is there any advantage of applying early? Ans. Yes, in some places, you get an advantage. do not necessarily apply very early, but don't be the last ones. This matters in a few cases. BARCAP was very particular about this. And make sure why are you applying? 20. How to approach the matter of intern compensation. Ans. Nobody discusses that if he is applying through the TnP. 21. What do you think the company was looking for in each of its candidates?

Ans. I can say that technical skills were not that important. The answer depends from company to company. So, make sure you know about the company and try to know what they might be looking for. This is important for sure. 22. How did you answer this question, "What do you know about our organization?" Ans. I knew about the company, so I complimented about their fame, work environment and achievements. It's important to know the company where you are applying. 23.Why do you want to work for us? Ans. For such a question, one must try to relate his interests and qualities with the working of the company.He must show that working with them is good for both of the sides, and can also speak of the exposure and experience he will achieve working with the company. 24. What is the toughest decision you have ever had to make? Ans. One must always be prepared for such kind of questions. For this question in particular, one must show his moral character and strength. And, he should not sound stupid. 25. How sensitive are you to criticism? Ans. I am open to criticism, and accept it healthily. One must show this in his interview too- i.e., one should take criticism healthily in his interview. 26. Any tips which you would give to our readers? Ans. Be prepared to answer HR type of questions such as – ‘Why should we take you?’ And. The CV we present should be full proof and concrete.

QUESTIONNAIRE Rasna Goenka (Electrical Engg.)Goldman Sachs (Received a PPO from the same company) GD & PI 1.

What is the dress code for GD/PI?

Ans. Comfortable clothes, preferably covered shoes, light coloured clothes.

What is the importance of body language in a GD/PI?

Ans.Body language should be positive, sound and look confident, do not argue with others, show interest.

Group Discussion 3.

What were the topics of the GD?

Ans.Compare the economic model of India versus China. Discuss the advantages & disadvantages. 4.

What are the basic dos and don’ts in a GD?

Ans. If you are confident enough, start the GD. Best move. Don’t speak all the time, give the others opportunity to talk, don’t repeat your points. Listen to others, say whether you agree or not… Go on adding your views. Don’t quarrel, keep a track of all major points discussed, sum up the GD. 5.

How much time were you given to think?

Ans.2 minutes. 6.

Do you think speaking first matters in a GD?

Ans. Yes, but don’t speak unless you have a strong point. 7.

In a GD which is given more importance – content or fluency and presentation?

Ans.All 3. Listening is also important. 8.

Is it advisable to interrupt someone in a GD?

Ans. No, although you can disagree politely. It is always advisable to be a good listener. 9. If the topic of the GD is against your personal beliefs should you stick to the topic or voice your opinion? Ans.You should voice your opinion, make it clear that you are speaking what you believe, even if it is controversial. 10.

How do you respond if someone contradicts you convincingly during the GD?

Ans. If you are convinced, say ok.

Personal Interview 11.

Do you think one must be completely honest in a PI?

Ans. No. Check out their website to find out what they are looking for. Lie properly. 12.

What are the basic dos and don’ts in a PI?

Ans.Go through your CV, and make sure that it is completely true. Revise your projects, etc that you have mentioned in your CV, go prepared with details of the company, watch their ppt presentation, don’t give stupid answers, you would do better to keep quiet. 13.

How important in a PI is maintaining eye contact?

Ans. Very important. It reflects your confidence. Don’t look down, look around. Maintain eye contact. 14. satisfactory?

How must one respond if the interviewer hints that your performance is not

Ans.You will get an idea beforehand.

16. How do you convince the interviewer that you are fit for the job if he speaks of another interviewee with better credentials? Ans.Lie a bit. Sell yourself by saying that you are more interested, equally capable. 17. good one?

Does taking time to answer a question go against you even if the answer is a

Ans. If the answer is good enough, it does not matter. But if the company wants quick witted people, then you should try to answer quickly. 18.

Should one admit his mistake if pointed out or justify what he has said?

Ans. Justify if possible.