The Office of Career Advancement and Networking (CAN), Alliance University, organised a Mock Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI) session for students of the MBA January 2024–26 batch. The initiative was designed to provide structured exposure to recruitment practices and enhance students’ readiness for placement processes.

Simulating Real Hiring Scenarios

The session was developed to replicate real-time hiring environments. Students engaged in group discussions and personal interviews under the guidance of corporate mentors. This approach enabled participants to experience the expectations and standards followed by employers during selection processes.

Each activity was followed by detailed feedback, helping students reflect on their strengths and identify areas for improvement. The simulation allowed participants to build confidence, improve articulation, and understand how to align their responses with industry benchmarks.

Industry Experts as Panel Members

The session featured a diverse panel of professionals representing multiple industries, including CA Ajay Sharma, Kirtiman Talukdar, CA Mahabaleshwar Hegde, Partha Mazumder, Avinash H., Divya P., Abhinab Bhanja, Sharul Siddiqui, Thilip Indiran, and Guruuprasad Naik. These experts brought with them a wealth of experience from domains such as finance, operations, consulting, and business strategy. Their insights into candidate evaluation processes provided students with a clearer understanding of the key competencies valued in the job market, including critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and decision-making.

Structured Career Development Approach

The GD/PI simulation session forms part of the broader career development framework at Alliance University. Through regular interaction with industry experts, students receive continuous support in preparing for placements. The session complemented academic learning with practical guidance that reflects current hiring practices.

The activity aligned with Alliance University’s objective of bridging the gap between academic preparation and corporate expectations. Students received practical direction on personal presentation, clarity of thought, and domain knowledge, which are crucial during placement interviews.

Building Employability Skills

The session emphasised the development of key employability skills. Group discussions trained students to articulate opinions under pressure while maintaining clarity and collaboration. Personal interviews offered an opportunity to demonstrate individual strengths, domain understanding, and alignment with organisational values.

Panel members also offered suggestions on resume presentation, interview etiquette, and framing responses. The feedback provided a comprehensive perspective on improving both verbal and non-verbal aspects of professional communication.

Conclusion

The Mock GD/PI session reaffirmed Alliance University’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers. By integrating experiential learning and industry interaction into the curriculum, the university supports students in navigating the placement process with confidence and competence.

Through such initiatives, the Office of Career Advancement and Networking continues to create meaningful engagement with the corporate world, offering students the tools needed to succeed in dynamic and competitive professional environments.