After students are done with the written aptitude test of CAT, the next ladder that lies ahead is the GD or WAT and PI rounds to take. It is equally essential for takers to perform well in these rounds to reach their dream college.
Different B-schools have different ways of conducting GDPI rounds. Some inculcate GD and Personal Interview while others WAT and interview, on the other hand some take a combination of group tasks, extempore, speeches along with the interview. No matter what rounds are decided by different B-schools, applicants require well planned preparation for all of these so that no stone is left unturned.
HOW DO THESE ROUNDS ASSESS CANDIDATES?
If we largely look at these sections it is a wider approach to assess the entire personality of the applicant. The candidate not only needs to possess the required knowledge but must have good communication, leadership skills and behavioural dimensions. MBA as we know is a practical approach to refine young minds in different speres of management so it really calls for knowledge as well the inclination and the ability to apply the knowledge for the furtherance of one's career. So it is clear that candidates who aspire to be successful in these rounds will have to exhibit required knowledge, a balanced frame of mind, willingness to learn and more importantly a clear cut goal orientation.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THESE ROUNDS?
GWPI is an important part of selection process and it requires a detailed preparation by the candidates. Both speaking and writing skills are to be honed over time to excel in these rounds. Ideally the right way to prepare is individually as well in group.
Individually one should first work to strengthen knowledge by staying updated of what is happening around nationally and internationally. One should be acquainted with Economics, Politics, Social, Sports, IT & Entertainment. Along with attaining knowledge, one should practically be aware of oneself well and one's own surrounding. Clarity of mind and sound knowledge is what is looked for and valued. Personal Interview is a vital round conducted by all the B-schools in order to pick the right one.
Now the second essential way to prepare is in group, as it depicts social and behavioural skills like leadership, teamwork, decision making, communication, practical knowledge etc. The real aspect of management is functioning with people everywhere, so one can learn such skills only when put in such situations. So it becomes essential to take professional guidance where formally you get a group is learning together. Another reason why professional guidance is fruitful is to learn the formal ways of presentation that is accepted in the corporate world. The bitter pill to swallow is one should be aware that it doesn't happen overnight, it takes time to come out of shell and start public speaking and performing in group. To come out in flying colors one needs rigorous practice.
