[Intro by Arvind Kumar]
Anahita’s journey to securing her IESE admit is an example of how strategic preparation and authentic engagement lead to success.
With a strong finance background from leading global firms like D.E. Shaw Co., Goldman Sachs, and Macquarie Group, Anahita brought significant expertise. Her experience as an Investment Analyst at Lumikai further showcased her analytical rigor.
Anahita understood that even with an impressive resume, the IESE Assessment Day and interview required specialized preparation.
The key to her success lay in the planning and personalized guidance, which helped refine her approach. Through structured mock sessions and detailed feedback, Anahita honed her ability to articulate her story and engage effectively.
All the efforts led to a well-deserved admit from IESE.
Over to Anahita, to share her inspiring journey in her own words.
Assessment Day Experience
The IESE Assessment Day is an integral part of the Interview and Assessment Process, which takes place after the submission of your application. Only applicants who progress to the second stage of the admissions process are invited to both the interview and the Assessment Day. It’s important to note that not all applicants receive this invite, so if you don’t receive one, there’s no cause for concern.
For those who are invited, IESE offers the flexibility to attend the Assessment Day either in-person or virtually. I personally chose the virtual option for the convenience of attending from home. The event typically lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours, so applicants should plan accordingly.
About a week before the Assessment Day, participants receive a case study to review. The purpose of the session is to evaluate how candidates perform in group discussions and whether they are comfortable with the case study method, a cornerstone of the IESE MBA curriculum.
On the day of the assessment, virtual participants are split into either an AM or PM session. I was assigned to the AM session, which began around 1:00 PM CET. The session is led by an IESE professor and begins with a general discussion on the case study in a large group setting (typically over 100 participants). While participation in this larger group discussion is optional, applicants are encouraged to contribute if they feel comfortable. Standard protocols apply; raise your hand, wait your turn, and then speak.
Following the general discussion, participants move into breakout rooms of 5–6 people. Ahead of the session, each participant is asked to prepare a short personal introduction and choose an image that represents them for an ice-breaker activity. After introductions, the group dives into the case questions provided by the professor. These smaller group discussions are designed to observe collaboration, communication, and analytical thinking.
There are typically four to five such breakout sessions, with larger group discussions in between, where all participants reconvene with the professor. During these discussions, it is essential to be respectful and give everyone a chance to speak and avoid interruptions, as such behavior is viewed unfavorably.
Case Study
The case study I received for the Assessment Day was focused on marketing and strategy. As mentioned earlier, the case is shared approximately 6 to 7 days before the event, giving candidates sufficient time to review and prepare.
On the day of the assessment, the case discussion begins in a larger virtual group setting with over 100 candidates and is led by a professor. The discussion is typically structured as a debate. Candidates are divided into smaller groups of five to six people, with each group assigned to argue either for or against a particular motion related to the case.
There are four to five breakout sessions throughout the event. Each session involves the same group of participants you begin with, so it’s helpful to build rapport and maintain a collaborative environment. Importantly, each breakout group also includes either a member of the Admissions Committee or an alum who acts as a silent observer. They do not participate in the discussion but take detailed notes on each candidate’s contributions and overall engagement throughout the event.
The first breakout session usually begins with an icebreaker, where each participant introduces themselves using an image that represents them. Once introductions are complete, the group moves on to discussing the case questions provided by the professor.
These discussions simulate real-world, team-based case analysis. If you have a differing opinion, express it respectfully and acknowledge the previous speaker’s viewpoint before sharing your own. If someone in the group hasn’t spoken much, consider inviting them to contribute. This shows strong teamwork and emotional intelligence, qualities IESE values highly.
If you feel confident, you may also take on the role of a moderator, helping manage time, encouraging balanced participation, and ensuring that the group addresses all key questions. Each breakout session typically lasts 20–25 minutes. At the end of each session, the professor asks one person from each group to present a summary of the group’s conclusions. Time management is crucial here, so gently steer the conversation if you find the group dwelling too long on a single point.
In short, success during Assessment Day lies in being thoughtful, inclusive, and collaborative, while also demonstrating clarity of thought and respect for diverse perspectives—all under the observation of people who will help shape the admissions decision.
Interview Experience
My interview was conducted by a member of the Admissions Committee who, coincidentally, was also an alum of IESE. Interestingly, most Adcom members are former students of the school, which means they truly understand what candidates are going through during the interview process.
I generally consider myself comfortable in interviews, having done several for job applications and a few other business school interviews by that point. I had some of my core answers prepared, but since IESE was my top choice, I wanted to ensure I was especially well-prepared and this is where Arvind’s guidance proved invaluable.
The interview lasted about an hour and began with the typical foundational questions: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why MBA?”, “Why now?”, and “Why IESE?”. For these questions, it’s important to have well-researched and personalized answers. I strongly recommend speaking with current students and alumni and doing a deep dive into the program to ensure your responses are authentic and not overly generic or rehearsed.
Following this, the interview moved into behavioral questions. For these, I suggest using the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Keep your responses concise and avoid rambling. Focus on clarity and impact.
If you’re someone who is generally at ease during interviews, I encourage you to treat this more like a two-way conversation. Engage naturally with your interviewer, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine curiosity. This demonstrates confidence, strong communication skills, and the ability to connect – traits that are central to the MBA experience, especially in a diverse and international setting like IESE.
Keep in mind that the interview is a chance for the Admissions Committee to understand who you are beyond what’s written in your application essays. Don’t repeat what they’ve already read. Instead, build on your story with added depth and consistency. Be sure not to contradict your essays. Your narrative should be cohesive and aligned.
It’s also a good idea to be well-versed in any quantitative data you’ve mentioned in your application, as you may be asked to elaborate on specific details. Practice answering complex behavioral questions ahead of time, especially those that involve multiple layers or demonstrate leadership and decision-making. But be careful not to over-rehearse, you want to sound natural, not scripted.
Finally, prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer at the end of the session. Asking about their experience at IESE or insights into the program shows genuine interest and leaves a positive impression.
Working with Arvind (admitStreet)
I reached out to Arvind after being selected for the IESE Assessment Day and Interview process. While I was already in touch with current students and alumni for general guidance, seeking Arvind’s support specifically for interview and Assessment Day preparation was one of the best decisions I made.
Arvind was genuinely committed to helping me. He reviewed the essays I had submitted and conducted a one-on-one session to help me clearly structure and articulate my story. He then worked with me to refine my responses for the interview, helping me frame compelling examples and prepare for behavioral questions using a well-structured approach. His comprehensive list of previously asked interview questions was particularly useful. Since he was also familiar with my interviewer, he was able to offer tailored tips on how to communicate effectively with them.
Arvind also conducted a mock interview and provided detailed, constructive feedback, which significantly helped reduce my anxiety and boosted my confidence.
In terms of Assessment Day preparation, once I received my case study, I shared it with Arvind. His consulting background proved incredibly helpful in breaking down the case and identifying strong, structured points I could bring into the discussion.
Overall, I would highly recommend Arvind’s services to anyone applying to IESE. His hands-on approach, attention to detail, and thoughtful, personalized guidance make him a valuable resource. Having worked with numerous IESE applicants, he brings deep familiarity with the process and knows exactly how to support candidates at every step.
Advice for Prospective Students
My advice to prospective students is to approach both the interview and the Assessment Day with authenticity. Be your true self. There’s no need to feel pressured or anxious as everyone you meet during the process, whether from the Admissions Committee or alumni, has been through the same experience.
Before the Assessment Day, I strongly recommend attending the “Open Day” sessions organized by IESE. These events provide a realistic preview of what to expect and can help you feel more confident and better prepared.
When it comes to the interview, avoid over-rehearsing your answers. Instead, focus on being thoughtful and genuine. The same applies to the Assessment Day. Don’t prepare scripted responses. The discussions are meant to be natural, and the ability to think on your feet, listen actively, and engage meaningfully is far more valuable.
Ahead of your interview, take some time to research your interviewer. Whether they are from the Admissions Committee or an alumnus, it shows genuine interest and preparation. Be ready to clearly articulate your reasons for pursuing an MBA, why this is the right time, and why you have chosen IESE. Share how you’ve engaged with the school – through conversations with students, alumni, or the admissions team and emphasize how you plan to contribute to the IESE community.
Finally, make the effort to speak with current students, alumni, or even admits from earlier rounds. These conversations can offer deeper insights into both the admissions process and life at IESE.