My interview for MARA's scholarship

So the big day when I would go for an interview finally arrive…yay! To be honest, the waiting really gets on my nerves. Partly because I already knew the fact that MARA had changed the format of the interview… If you’re wondering how it goes, then just keep on reading.

My day started at 6 am which to me is quite early compared to my days for the past few months. It started off with the usual routine; showers etc. Then I took off with my parents at about 7 am to send off my mom at the commuter station. Then me and my dad went for our breakfast, the most important meal of the day especially when you’re having an interview on that same day. After breakfast, it was time to head to Anggerik Mall where my interview was held.

Since it was only 8.30 am when we arrived, I had to wait until at least 9 am to register. And after registering, it was time for some action…

Location: interview room A

Note: Below are not actual conversations. It was according to what my brain managed to remember.  But it’s close enough.

(Outside - we lined up according to the numbers on our badges which was given upon registration. I was the first one… lucky number one. And we were told to leave our original certificates that we had with us outside the room together with our bags…)

(Inside)

Chief panel: You are given a task to build a bridge using what was provided in front of you which are 1 kg of spaghetti, threads and a pair of scissors. You are not allowed to use other materials. Your bridge should be build across the two tables and must be strong enough to support its own weight and a can of sardine that will be used later to evaluate the strength of your bridge. You are given 30 minutes to complete the task.

(After 30 minutes)

Our so called bridge can barely support itself. I was positive that the moment the can touched the bridge, it would go down straight to the floor. And I’m right. So after we were done with this, the chief panel told us to line up like in the beginning. Then, it’s time for some questions.

Well practically, it’s just one question. Each. I was up first. They told me to step forward. Front and center. Then they ask me a question that I needed to answer within 1 minute. After I was done, then it goes on until the 8^th candidate which would be the last one. All the questions are related to the task that was given to us. Here are the questions:

1.       Do you think your team is effective?

2.       If you were to repeat the task, what would you suggest so that you would have a better outcome?  

3.       Who do you think is the best leader among your teammates?

4.       Are you a follower or a leader? And how did you contribute to your team in completing the task?

There’s supposed to be 7 questions (mine and candidate number 8 are the same) but these are as far as my mind can recall. Once everyone was done, they asked us if we have any questions that we would like to ask them and that was it. The whole interview took approximately one hour to complete. So that’s how my interview went on….

My day

Today, for the first time in quite a long time I had a proper breakfast. Yup. Me and my dad went to this place that sells delicious nasi lemak. Yum...And since I was in the area, I paid a visit to an old friend of mine. And she is exactly like how I remembered she is even after two years.

Unfortunately, she was working so we couldn't talk much. Of course I already know that but still wanted to give a friendly hi. The rest of my day is as dull as the other days. I'm practicing a new song for my next class and one of it is I'll Be There. It's a nice song actually.

Oh and earlier tonight, I found out from my friends that MARA had changed the way they interviewed people for the scholarship. Oh boy! They said something about building a spaghetti bridge...?? say what!!!! And they only ask just one question each! Bummer. I was hoping I could manipulate the panels with words something I'm better off doing than building bridges... Well since Monday almost comes to an end, I'll just have to wait for another two days for the big interview to know how the interview is really done. Until then, I'll just have to pray and hope for the best....^_^ peace out

Interview alert: Frequently asked questions during interview

General /personality:

1.       Tell me about yourself

2.       Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

3.       What have you learned about yourself as you've been a student at MRSM (e.g.)?

4.       Can you tell me about an academic class, project or other projects that are meaningful to you?

5.       What is the achievement you are most proud of?

6.       What is your greatest strength or weakness?

7.       Tell me about a mistake that you made and what you learned from it.

8.       There are many obstacles and challenges that you need to face when studying abroad; do  you think you are ready for that?

9.       Who is your role model?

10.   What is your favorite book?

11.   What is your favorite subject in school and why?

12.   What do you do for fun when you're not studying?

13.   How have you been a leader or displayed leadership?

14.   What activities are you involved in?

15.   How have you contributed to the community?

16.   What kind of music do you listen to?

17.   Your philosophy in life

18.   Have you traveled abroad before? If so, where? What have you learned in your travels?

19.   Why is education important to you?

20.   What is the most important issue to you?

Major/career and university:

1.       Why did you select your major?

2.       Which country do you prefer to study at and why?

3.       Why did you choose a certain collage?

4.       Why do you want to pursue this career?

5.       What are your career plans?

About scholarship and organization/company:

1.       Why did you choose Mara (e.g.)?

2.       What do you know about our organization/company? - Mara is under ministry of? Who's the minister?

3.       Why do you deserve to receive the scholarship?

4.       What would receiving the scholarship mean to you?

5.       Why will this scholarship help you in your career goals?

6.       What would you do if you didn't receive the scholarship?

7.        What is the mission of the organization offering the award?