Your Great Lakes Blueprint
- School Overview: What Makes Great Lakes Different
- Selection Process: AI + Human Interview Breakdown
- What Great Lakes Actually Values
- 40+ Interview Questions by Category
- AI Video Interview: Complete Prep Guide
- Profile Fit: Who Succeeds & Who Struggles
- Your 10-Day Preparation Plan
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Test Your Readiness
You’ve cleared CAT/GMAT/XAT. You’ve got the Great Lakes Chennai call. Now comes the interview that’s fundamentally different from traditional B-schools—and that’s exactly the point.
Here’s what 18 years of coaching MBA aspirants has taught me: Great Lakes Chennai interview preparation isn’t about academic grilling or stress tests. It’s about business readiness. The panel asks: “Can you articulate impact with metrics? Do you have career clarity? Can you think analytically? Will you contribute from day one?”
This blueprint gives you the complete picture: Great Lakes’ unique “Global Mindset, Indian Roots” philosophy, the analytics-first orientation that sets them apart, AI video interview preparation, 40+ work-ex and goal-focused questions, PGPM vs PGDM positioning, and a 10-day preparation plan. Let’s get you ready for India’s premier analytics-driven B-school.
What Makes Great Lakes Chennai Different from Other B-Schools
Great Lakes isn’t trying to be an IIM. It’s India’s premier analytics-driven B-school with a Kellogg-style industry integration model brought to India by Dr. Bala V. Balachandran. Understanding this fundamental positioning is critical for your Great Lakes Chennai interview preparation.
How Great Lakes Differs from Other Top B-Schools
| Dimension | Great Lakes Chennai | IIM Ahmedabad | NMIMS Mumbai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Analytics + Industry readiness + Global mindset | Social consciousness + Leadership depth | Professional maturity + Communication + Mumbai BFSI |
| Interview Style | Professional, cordial—”networking coffee chat” | Conversational, exploratory | Dual (AI + Human), competency-based |
| Unique Strength | AIMLA program + Kellogg integration + Chennai IT corridor | Case method + Social impact | Mumbai location + 17-school ecosystem |
| What Gets You Selected | Work-ex metrics + Career clarity + Analytics orientation | Unique lens + Values alignment | Competency Assessment + Communication + Goal clarity |
| Written/Tech Component | AI Video Interview (selective) + AWT/WAT (variable) | AWT (analytical writing) | Competency Assessment (50%) |
Great Lakes Chennai Selection Process: Complete Breakdown
Understanding the Great Lakes selection process is critical. Unlike traditional B-schools, Great Lakes may use AI-proctored video interviews before the final human interview, testing your spontaneity and authenticity.
Some candidates receive AI-proctored video interviews before the personal interview. 5-10 prompts test thought process, ethics, and communication. Algorithm flags response quality; human review follows. Prepare to answer open-ended questions on camera with 2-minute time limits—structured thinking and clarity matter more than polish.
Selection Components (Variable Configuration)
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Test
Test Scores (CAT/XAT/GMAT/NMAT)Gateway for shortlisting. Great Lakes accepts multiple tests. Strong scores open doors, but interview performance is decisive for final selection.
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AI
AI Video Interview (When Applicable)5-10 prompts testing spontaneous responses. Tests thought process, ethics, communication clarity. Algorithm flags quality; human review validates. Practice on camera essential.
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PI
Personal Interview (15-20 minutes)Core component. Professional, cordial style—feels like “networking coffee chat.” Tests work-ex depth, career clarity, analytics orientation, Great Lakes fit. 2-3 panelists (faculty/alumni).
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AWT
Written Ability Test (If Applicable)20-30 minutes on business scenarios, current affairs, ethical dilemmas. Tests structured thinking, balanced perspective, communication clarity. 3-part structure: Position → Perspectives → Recommendation.
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Profile
Work-Ex Quality, Academic Consistency, Career ClarityQuality over quantity. 60%+ academics across boards expected. Work-ex evaluated on measurable impact, not brand names. Clear post-MBA goals non-negotiable.
The Interview Day: What to Expect
Personal Interview (15-20 minutes)
- Duration: Typically 15-20 minutes, occasionally extends to 30 for deep dives
- Style: Professional, cordial, conversational—”networking coffee chat” not stress test
- Mode: Online or in-person depending on cycle
- Focus: Work-ex depth (“What impact did YOU create?”), career clarity (specific roles/firms), analytics orientation
- Work-Ex Drill: “What were your KPIs? How did you measure success?” Expect metrics probing
- Key Insight: They want business-ready professionals who can contribute from day one
AI-Proctored Video Interview (When Applicable)
- Questions: 5-10 prompts testing thought process, ethics, communication
- Time Limit: Typically 2 minutes per response
- Purpose: Assess spontaneous responses and authenticity before final PI
- Evaluation: Algorithm flags response quality (structure, clarity, depth); human review validates
- Common Prompts: “Describe a time you made a decision with incomplete information,” “What does leadership mean to you?” “How do you handle failure?”
- Critical: Eye contact with camera (not your image), 3-part structure (Context → Action → Learning), conversational tone
Written Ability Test (When Included)
- Duration: 20-30 minutes (strict time limit)
- Topic Type: Business scenarios, current affairs, ethical dilemmas
- Format: Typically typed (online submission)
- Evaluation: Structured thinking, balanced perspective, communication clarity
- Structure Framework: Opening (state issue + position in 2-3 sentences) → Body (two perspectives with evidence, 60% of content) → Close (practical recommendation in 2-3 sentences)
- Key Insight: Clarity and structure matter more than length or fancy vocabulary
Panel Composition & Dynamics
- Size: 2-3 interviewers (faculty and/or alumni)
- Background: Great Lakes faculty from diverse areas—analytics, operations, marketing, finance
- Atmosphere: Professional, respectful, cordial—not aggressive or stress-inducing
- Style: Conversational exploration, not interrogation—feels like networking chat
- Alumni Presence: Often includes successful alumni who test practical readiness
- Key Insight: Build rapport—Great Lakes values culture fit and collaboration
What Great Lakes Actually Looks for in Candidates
This is the core of Great Lakes interview preparation. Dr. Bala V. Balachandran’s vision of “Global Mindset, Indian Roots” translates into seven specific values the panel tests through your responses:
Measurable impact, not just tenure or brand names. “What did you do?” is insufficient—they want “What impact did YOU create?”
- Quantified outcomes: “Increased efficiency by 20%” or “Reduced costs by ₹2M annually”
- Specific metrics: Revenue, cost savings, time reduction, customer satisfaction scores
- Your individual contribution, not team achievements
- Evidence of problem-solving with measurable results
- KPIs you owned and how you tracked success
Vague goals = instant red flag. They expect specific roles, industries, firms, and realistic progression paths.
- 30-second goal pitch with named companies: “Product Manager at FinTech firm like Razorpay”
- Clear bridge from current role to post-MBA goal
- Understanding of target industry dynamics and challenges
- Backup plan if primary goal doesn’t materialize immediately
- Specific Great Lakes program elements that bridge the gap
Understanding of international business, emerging markets, cross-cultural competence.
- Stories of working with global teams or international stakeholders
- Understanding emerging markets trends (Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America)
- Knowledge of international business models and their India adaptation
- Reference to exchange programs, global immersion components
- Cross-cultural communication examples
Even non-tech candidates must articulate data-driven decision-making. This is non-negotiable at Great Lakes.
- Example: “Used Excel/Python/Tableau to analyze X, leading to decision Y with outcome Z”
- Evidence of using data to solve problems or optimize processes
- Comfort with numbers, metrics, analytical frameworks
- Understanding why you need AIMLA specialization specifically
- Willingness to learn analytics tools even if currently non-technical
Stakeholder consideration, ethical decision-making, balancing profit with people/planet impact.
- STAR story where you balanced business objectives with ethical considerations
- Evidence of considering multiple stakeholder perspectives
- Times you chose sustainable solutions over quick wins
- Community contribution or CSR involvement (bonus, not mandatory)
- Understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) in business context
Novel approaches, process improvements, challenging status quo with measurable results.
- Example of non-obvious solution that improved outcomes
- Evidence of continuous improvement mindset
- Calculated risk-taking with learning from failures
- Adaptability to changing business environments
- Process optimization or automation initiatives
Consistent high performance, academic rigor, track record of exceeding targets.
- 60%+ across all academic boards (baseline expectation)
- Examples of exceeding performance targets consistently
- Attention to detail in project execution
- Evidence of follow-through and accountability
- Quality mindset, not just task completion
Great Lakes’ founder, Dr. Bala V. Balachandran, brought Kellogg School of Management’s industry integration model to India. This means strong corporate partnerships, live projects, and experiential learning through their “Karma Yoga” leadership model. When answering “Why Great Lakes?” reference this Kellogg connection and how their industry-embedded curriculum addresses your specific career transition needs.
40+ Great Lakes Chennai Interview Questions by Category
Based on patterns from hundreds of Great Lakes interview questions, here’s what you’ll face organized by category. Every question tests business readiness and analytical thinking.
Category 1: Self-Introduction & Profile Questions
What they’re testing: Communication clarity, structure, career narrative
- “Walk me through your resume.” / “Tell me about yourself.”
- “What are your key responsibilities in your current role?”
- “What are your KPIs? How do you measure success?”
- “What’s your typical day like at work?”
- “Why did you choose [your undergraduate field]?”
- “Tell me about your career journey so far—what connects your choices?”
90-second structure: Past (10s: Education + Domain) → Present (40s: Current role + Biggest impact with metrics) → Future (20s: Career goal + Why MBA now) → Why Great Lakes (20s: 2 program-specific reasons)
Category 2: Work Experience Deep Dive
What they’re testing: Impact measurement, individual contribution, problem-solving depth
- “Walk me through your biggest project. What was your exact contribution?”
- “Tell me about a time you influenced without authority.”
- “Describe a conflict you resolved. What was the outcome?”
- “What’s the most complex problem you’ve solved? How did you approach it?”
- “Give me an example of a decision you made using data/analytics.”
- “Tell me about a time you failed. What did you learn and how did you recover?”
- “Describe a situation where you had to convince your manager or team to take a different approach.”
- “What’s your biggest professional achievement? Quantify the impact.”
STAR method with metrics: Situation (context in 20s) → Task (your specific responsibility) → Action (what YOU did, not the team) → Result (quantified outcome + business impact)
Category 3: Why MBA / Why Great Lakes
What they’re testing: Genuine research, values alignment, program-specific fit
- “Why MBA? Why now?”
- “Why Great Lakes specifically? Why not an IIM?”
- “Why PGPM over PGDM?” or “Why PGDM over PGPM?”
- “What alternatives did you consider? Why not those?”
- “How will you use the one year / two years?”
- “What do you know about Dr. Bala V. Balachandran’s vision?”
- “How does Great Lakes’ ‘Global Mindset, Indian Roots’ philosophy align with your goals?”
- “Tell me about the AIMLA specialization. Why is it relevant to you?”
- “What will you contribute to Great Lakes beyond academics?”
3-Layer Answer: (1) Founder vision + Kellogg integration, (2) Program specifics (AIMLA/Karma Yoga/case method), (3) Chennai IT corridor advantage for your goals
Category 4: Career Goals
What they’re testing: Clarity, realism, bridge logic from current to target role
- “What’s your short-term goal (0-2 years post-MBA)?”
- “What’s your long-term goal (5-10 years)?”
- “Why this domain/function/role specifically?”
- “How does Great Lakes bridge your current gap to this goal?”
- “What if you don’t get into this domain immediately?”
- “Name 3 companies you’d target for summer internship/final placement.”
- “What skills do you need to develop to achieve your goals?”
- “How realistic is this goal given your current profile?”
Bad: “I want to move into consulting.” Good: “I’m targeting product management roles at FinTech firms like Razorpay or CRED, leveraging my 4 years in banking operations and Great Lakes’ analytics curriculum to make this transition.”
Category 5: Analytics & Technology Orientation
What they’re testing: Data-driven mindset, comfort with analytics, AIMLA fit
- “Give me an example of a data-driven decision you made.”
- “What analytics tools have you used? (Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau, etc.)”
- “How do you use data in your current role?”
- “Tell me about a time you used analytics to solve a problem.”
- “Why do you want to specialize in analytics? (If AIMLA track)”
- “How comfortable are you with statistics and quantitative methods?”
- “Describe a process you optimized using data analysis.”
Even non-tech candidates MUST have data examples: “Used Excel pivot tables to analyze customer churn patterns, identified top 3 drop-off points, implemented retention strategy that reduced churn by 15%”
Category 6: Situational & Ethical Questions
What they’re testing: Judgment, stakeholder awareness, ethical reasoning
- “Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision with limited information.”
- “Tell me about a time you had to balance competing priorities.”
- “Give an example of when you had to choose between short-term gain and long-term benefit.”
- “Describe a situation where you disagreed with your manager. How did you handle it?”
- “Tell me about a time you had to deliver bad news to a stakeholder.”
- “How do you handle pressure and tight deadlines?”
- “Describe an ethical dilemma you faced at work.”
Practice: The Work-Ex Question That Separates Contenders
Situation (20s): “Our sales team was losing 15 hours/week on manual lead tracking, affecting conversion rates. CRM adoption was 30%.”
Task (15s): “I was assigned to lead CRM adoption as the operations lead—not the tech implementation, but the change management piece.”
Action (45s): “I did three things: First, analyzed sales workflow using Excel to identify pain points—found 5 manual steps taking 80% of time. Second, created customized training modules for each sales role, not generic training. Third, built a dashboard tracking daily adoption metrics and ran weekly 1-on-1s with low adopters to understand blockers.”
Result (30s): “In 3 months: CRM adoption increased from 30% to 85%. Sales team time on admin reduced from 15 hours to 4 hours per week. Most importantly, lead response time decreased by 40%, directly contributing to 12% increase in conversion rate. My manager recognized this with a spot award.”
Key principle: Specific metrics, individual contribution separated from team work, business impact not just task completion.
AI-Proctored Video Interview: Complete Prep Guide
If selected for Great Lakes’ AI video interview, expect 5-10 prompts testing spontaneous responses. Unlike the human interview, there’s no back-and-forth—just you, the camera, and 2-minute time limits. Here’s how to prepare.
The AI interview tests spontaneity—you can’t pause, ask for clarification, or course-correct mid-answer. Algorithm flags response quality (structure, filler words, eye contact), then human review validates. Practice on camera is non-negotiable. Set up timer, record yourself, review ruthlessly for filler words, rambling, lack of structure.
The 3-Part AI Interview Response Structure
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1
Context (15-20 seconds)Set the scene briefly. What was the situation? Why did it matter? Who was involved? Keep it tight—context is setup, not the main story.
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2
Action (60-75 seconds)What did YOU do? Be specific. Use active verbs. If it’s a decision, explain your reasoning. If it’s a challenge, explain your approach. This is the meat of your answer.
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3
Learning (15-20 seconds)What was the outcome? What did you learn? How did it change your approach? End with forward-looking insight, not just “and that’s what happened.”
Common AI Interview Prompts (Practice These)
AI Interview Technical Checklist
- Eye contact with camera lens (NOT your image on screen)
- 3-part structure: Context → Action → Learning
- Conversational tone (not robotic or overly rehearsed)
- Time management: wrap up in 90-120 seconds
- Good lighting: face clearly visible, no shadows
- Professional background: plain wall, no clutter
- Practice with timer: record 10 responses, review ruthlessly
- Look at your own image on screen (breaks eye contact)
- Ramble without structure or exceed time limit
- Use excessive filler words (“um,” “uh,” “like,” “actually”)
- Read from notes or look away from camera repeatedly
- Overly formal/stiff delivery (sounds scripted)
- Poor audio quality or background noise
- Wing it without practice—AI flags lack of structure
Who Succeeds at Great Lakes and Who Struggles
Based on historical patterns, certain profiles naturally align better with Great Lakes’ business-readiness and analytics-first culture. Understanding your profile fit helps you position yourself correctly.
Profiles That Historically Do Well
| Profile Type | Why They Succeed | Positioning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 3-5 years work-ex with measurable impact | Sweet spot for Great Lakes; proven performers | Lead with metrics: “Increased X by Y%,” “Reduced costs by ₹Z” |
| Analytics/data-oriented professionals | Natural fit with AIMLA curriculum | Show Excel/SQL/Python usage; explain AIMLA specialization need |
| Clear career pivoters (finance→consulting, ops→product, etc.) | Great Lakes values career clarity with bridge logic | Articulate gap MBA fills; name target firms/roles |
| Professionals from IT/BFSI/consulting sectors | Chennai IT corridor alignment; strong placement track | Reference Chennai ecosystem advantage for networking/internships |
| Candidates with global exposure (MNCs, cross-border projects) | Aligns with “Global Mindset, Indian Roots” philosophy | Emphasize cross-cultural work, emerging markets understanding |
Profiles That May Struggle
| Profile Type | Why They Struggle | How to Overcome |
|---|---|---|
| Freshers or 0-1 year work-ex | Great Lakes expects business readiness; limited work-ex handicaps | Target PGDM (2-year) not PGPM; show exceptional maturity/internships |
| Candidates with vague career goals | “I want to explore” = instant red flag | Build 30-second goal pitch with specific role + industry + firms |
| No data/analytics orientation whatsoever | Misaligned with Great Lakes’ core strength | Find one data-driven decision example; commit to learning analytics |
| Generic “IIM reject” applicants with no Great Lakes research | Can’t articulate why Great Lakes specifically | Deep-dive: AIMLA, Kellogg integration, Karma Yoga model, Chennai advantage |
| Candidates who can’t quantify achievements | Great Lakes demands metrics; “I worked on projects” insufficient | Create Work-Ex Interrogation Sheet with KPIs for every role |
Great Lakes Chennai Interview Preparation: 10-Day Action Plan
This intensive plan covers everything you need for Great Lakes Chennai interview preparation. Unlike IIMs that need 14 days for values immersion, Great Lakes requires 10 days focused on work-ex quantification and goal clarity.
- Create Work-Ex Interrogation Sheet: List every project, role, responsibility
- Quantify achievements: Add metrics (%, ₹, time saved, customers impacted)
- Identify individual contribution: Separate YOUR work from team work
- Find data/analytics examples: Even basic Excel usage counts
- Prepare honest gap/failure explanations with redemption stories
- Build 30-second goal pitch: Specific role + industry + named firms
- Research Great Lakes: Read prospectus, watch founder lectures, study AIMLA curriculum
- Identify 3 faculty whose research aligns with your goals
- Prepare 3-layer “Why Great Lakes” answer (Founder vision → Program specifics → Chennai advantage)
- Build 10 core answers: Self-intro, Why MBA, Why Great Lakes, Career goal, etc.
- 3 mock interview rounds: (1) Profile deep-dive, (2) Goal clarity stress test, (3) Great Lakes fit
- AI video practice: Record 10 responses (2-min timer), review for structure/filler words
- Technical setup: Test camera angle, lighting, audio, internet if online interview
- Current affairs: Identify 5 business/tech topics with your opinion + nuance
- Review core answers: Can you deliver naturally without notes?
- Re-check Work-Ex Interrogation Sheet: Know every project’s metrics
- Prepare 3 thoughtful questions for panel (curriculum, clubs, alumni—NOT placements)
- Logistics: Professional attire laid out, tech setup tested
- Sleep 8+ hours: Great Lakes interviews reward calm professionalism
Interview Day Checklist
- Work-Ex Interrogation Sheet reviewed—know every project’s metrics
- 90-second self-intro ready: Past → Present → Future → Why Great Lakes
- 30-second goal pitch memorized with named firms/roles
- 3-layer “Why Great Lakes” answer ready (Founder → Program → Chennai)
- At least 2 data/analytics examples prepared
- Know Dr. Bala V. Balachandran’s vision and Kellogg integration
- Tech setup tested (if online): camera, mic, internet, backup device
- Professional attire ready (conservative, solid colors)
- 3 thoughtful questions prepared for panel
- Know AIMLA specialization components if applicable to your goals
- Remember: Professional > Perfect. Build rapport, be conversational.
- Positive energy ready—Great Lakes values enthusiasm and culture fit
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Lakes Chennai Interviews
Key Great Lakes Interview Principles: Flashcards
Flip these cards to test your understanding of what matters most in your Great Lakes Chennai personal interview.
Test Your Great Lakes Readiness: Quiz
The Complete Guide to Great Lakes Chennai Interview Preparation
Effective Great Lakes Chennai interview preparation requires understanding what makes this institution fundamentally different from traditional B-schools. Great Lakes operates on Dr. Bala V. Balachandran’s vision of “Global Mindset, Indian Roots,” bringing Kellogg School of Management’s industry integration model to India with a distinctive analytics-first orientation.
Understanding the Business Readiness Model
Unlike IIMs that emphasize academic grilling or values assessment, Great Lakes personal interview centers on professional readiness. The panel asks business-focused questions: “What impact did YOU create?” “What were your KPIs?” “How did you measure success?” This demands candidates quantify achievements with specific metrics—percentages, rupees saved, time reduced, customers impacted. Generic claims like “I worked on important projects” fail without measurable outcomes.
The AIMLA Analytics Advantage
Great Lakes’ signature AIMLA (Analytics, Innovation, Machine Learning, AI) specialization distinguishes it from competitors. Great Lakes interview questions test analytical orientation even for non-technical candidates. Every candidate must articulate data-driven decision-making examples, even basic Excel usage. The panel probes: “Give me an example of using analytics to solve a problem.” Candidates who dismiss this with “I’m not technical” without demonstrating willingness to learn face rejection.
AI-Proctored Video Interview Innovation
Great Lakes selectively deploys AI-proctored video interviews before final human interaction. Five to ten prompts test spontaneous responses within 2-minute limits. Algorithm evaluates structure, filler words, eye contact with camera (not screen image), and response organization. Great Lakes Chennai interview preparation must include camera practice: record responses, review ruthlessly for rambling, lack of structure, excessive “um/uh” usage. Use 3-part framework: Context (15-20s) → Action (60-75s) → Learning (15-20s).
PGPM vs PGDM Strategic Positioning
The Great Lakes PGPM interview differs from PGDM assessment. PGPM (1-year) candidates face ROI scrutiny: “Why accelerated format?” “Why not 2-year depth?” Strong answer: “With 5 years quality work-ex, I need transformation not foundation—ROI calculation favors acceleration for my consulting transition.” PGDM (2-year) candidates must explain: “Why extended timeline?” Response: “I need foundational analytics grounding, summer internship for exploration, deeper skill development in AIMLA track.”
The Chennai IT Corridor Ecosystem
Location matters at Great Lakes. Chennai hosts India’s IT corridor with TCS, Cognizant, Infosys headquarters, major consulting firms, and emerging FinTech clusters. Unlike isolated campuses, students access: live industry projects, guest lectures from local professionals, internship opportunities without relocation, and networking with target employers. When articulating “Why Great Lakes?” successful candidates reference specific Chennai companies aligning with career goals, demonstrating ecosystem understanding beyond generic claims.
Career Clarity: The Non-Negotiable
Vague goals constitute instant red flags at Great Lakes. “I want to explore” or “Consulting sounds interesting” fail. Panels demand 30-second goal pitch with specificity: named companies, specific roles, realistic progression paths. Example: “Post-MBA, I’m targeting product management roles at FinTech firms like Razorpay or CRED, leveraging my 4 years in banking operations and Great Lakes’ analytics curriculum for this transition.” Include backup plan articulation for “What if primary goal doesn’t materialize?”
The Kellogg Integration Advantage
Dr. Balachandran’s Kellogg School of Management background shapes Great Lakes’ experiential “Karma Yoga” leadership model. This translates to: embedded industry projects (not just case studies), corporate partnerships for live consulting engagements, and action-learning pedagogy. Great Lakes interview preparation benefits from referencing this Kellogg connection: “I need embedded industry experience, not just theoretical frameworks—Great Lakes’ Kellogg integration model provides exactly this through Karma Yoga projects.”
Work Experience Quality Over Quantity
Great Lakes evaluates work-ex on impact measurement, not tenure or brand names. Three years at tier-1 firm without quantified achievements loses to 2 years at unknown company with clear metrics: “Increased efficiency 20%,” “Reduced costs ₹2M annually,” “Improved customer satisfaction from 72% to 89%.” Create Work-Ex Interrogation Sheet listing every role/project with: specific responsibility, individual actions (separated from team), quantified outcomes, business impact. Panel probes: “What was YOUR exact contribution?”—prepare answers isolating individual work from team achievements.
The 10-Day Intensive Preparation Framework
Unlike IIMs requiring 14-day values immersion, Great Lakes interview preparation optimizes around 10-day structure: Days 1-2 (Work-Ex Audit: quantify all achievements, identify data examples), Days 3-6 (Goal Clarity: build 30-second pitch, research AIMLA/Kellogg integration, prepare 3-layer “Why Great Lakes”), Days 7-9 (Mock Interviews: three rounds testing profile depth, goal clarity, Great Lakes fit; AI video practice with timer), Day 10 (Final Polish: review core answers, test tech setup, mental preparation). Emphasis shifts from values storytelling to metrics preparation and business readiness demonstration.