INTRODUCTION

To ensure the implementation of the tasks set by the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated April 4, 2023, No. PP-108 “On measures to expand scientific approaches and further improve the system of training managerial personnel in the implementation of economic reforms”, the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship (hereinafter referred to as the Graduate School) carries out the training of highly qualified managerial personnel capable of addressing priority tasks in the development of economic sectors based on modern educational standards. The programs include MBA specializations in Global Management, Finance, Agri-Business, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Digital Economy, and Leadership and Project Management (MS). Candidates are selected through a competitive process among executives and specialists of state and economic administration bodies, large associations, joint-stock companies, and other business entities.An interview is one of the key stages of the selection process for admission to the master’s program.

The main goal of the interview is to create and ensure a competitive environment in the selection process for candidates who possess professional knowledge and scientific achievements, creative and research potential, high intellectual abilities, and strong moral qualities.

The interview helps to identify and evaluate such qualities of candidates as managerial professionalism, systems thinking, leadership skills, value orientation, and adaptability to change

This program defines the content of the main requirements for candidates and provides information on the areas of preparation for the examination in the form of an interview.

During the interview, candidates are required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills regarding the patterns and principles, functions and tasks of management, the role, culture, and style of leadership within the management system, as well as the essence, content, and effectiveness of managerial decisions.

The program has been developed in accordance with the Regulations on the Procedure for Interviews for Admission to the Master’s Degree and Retraining Courses for Managerial Personnel and has been reviewed by industry experts.

TOP QUESTIONS DURING THE MBA ADMISSION INTERVIEW

Part 1: Personality and Motivation (30 questions)

(Evaluates personal qualities, motivation, ethical principles, leadership potential, and dedication.)

1. What motivated you to apply for this master’s program?
2. How do you define personal success?
3. What does leadership mean to you, and how have you demonstrated it?
4. Tell us about a time you failed — what did you learn from it?
5. What is your greatest strength, and how will it help you in your studies?
6. What is your greatest weakness, and how do you manage it?
7. Who has had the most influence on your personal development and why?
8. Describe a situation where you had to make an ethical decision.
9. What keeps you motivated in stressful situations?
10. How do you handle criticism?
11. What are your core values?
12. Tell us about a situation where you successfully resolved a conflict.
13. What are your short-term and long-term goals?
14. How do you define a successful career?
15. What do you expect to gain personally from participating in this program?
16. How do you respond to change?
17. Do you prefer teamwork or working independently? Why?
18. What professional legacy do you want to leave behind?
19. How do you prioritize when you have many tasks?
20. Which book or person has inspired you recently?
21. Name three qualities you value most in a leader.
22. How do you cope with failure or disappointment?
23. What impact do you want to make on your community or country?
24. Why is lifelong learning important to you?
25. Describe an achievement you are particularly proud of and explain why.
26. How do you make difficult decisions?
27. Have you ever been a mentor? How was that experience?
28. How do you balance personal life and professional ambitions?
29. What makes you stand out from other candidates?

30. Why should we accept you into this program?

     

Part 2: General Economic Thinking (30 questions)

(Evaluates economic thinking, awareness of global trends, innovation, and entrepreneurial approach.)

1. What are the main challenges facing modern business today?
2. What does “entrepreneurship” mean to you?
3. What role does innovation play in business success?
4. How can a startup build a competitive advantage?
5. Which recent global economic event had, in your opinion, a major impact on business?
6. What makes a business idea successful?
7. Can a business be both profitable and socially responsible? Explain.
8. What role should the state play in supporting entrepreneurship?
9. What risks and benefits are associated with starting your own business?
10. How can technology transform traditional industries?
11. Which business model do you find most impressive, and why?
12. Tell us about an entrepreneur you admire and explain why.
13. What is the future of work in the digital economy?
14. What defines an effective business leader?
15. How can small businesses survive during an economic crisis?
16. How should a company implement corporate social responsibility?
17. How important are business connections and networking for success?
18. How does globalization affect local enterprises?
19. Should entrepreneurs rely more on passion or market demand?
20. What challenges do women entrepreneurs face?
21. What key characteristics make a business scalable?
22. What is the role of digital marketing in business growth?
23. How would you assess the startup ecosystem in Uzbekistan?
24. What ethical issues do modern companies face?
25. Should businesses engage in political and social issues? Why?
26. How does business education contribute to a country’s economic development?
27. Which business trend do you find most interesting?
28. How would you evaluate the success of a social enterprise?
29. What role do investors play in the entrepreneurial journey?

30. How can entrepreneurship contribute to sustainable development?

     

Part 3: Field-Specific Questions (30 questions)

(Adapted for the following areas: Global Management, Project Management, Digital Economy, Finance, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Agri-Business, Leadership.)

Global Management

1. What is the role of cultural intelligence in global leadership?
2. How should managers resolve conflicts in an international environment?
3. What are the main challenges faced by global team managers?
4. How does trade policy affect transnational companies?

5. How do global strategies differ from local ones?

    

Project Management

1. How do you define a successful project?
2. Who is primarily responsible for project success?
3. How can risks be managed at the project planning stage?
4. Which project management methodologies are you familiar with?

5. What does the term “project-based approach” mean to you?

    

Digital Economy

1. How does blockchain affect the digital economy?
2. How can the government facilitate digital transformation?
3. Are data considered an economic asset?
4. How does artificial intelligence transform traditional business models?

5. What skills are most important in the digital economy?

    

Finance

1. Why is financial literacy important for entrepreneurs?
2. How can a business manage financial risks?
3. How does high inflation affect small businesses?
4. Which financial indicators would you use to evaluate company performance?

5. How does investment behavior differ in developing markets?

    

Small Business and Entrepreneurship

1. What strategies would you use to grow a small business in a competitive environment?
2. How can small enterprises benefit from e-commerce?
3. What common mistakes do beginner entrepreneurs make?
4. How important is a business plan when launching a startup?

5. How can you build a loyal customer base?

    

Agri-Business

1. What role does agribusiness play in Uzbekistan’s economy?
2. How can agribusiness adapt to climate change?
3. Which technologies can improve agricultural productivity?
4. How can value chains be optimized in agribusiness?

5. What role do cooperatives play in supporting farmers?

    

Leadership

1. What key qualities distinguish a strong leader from an ordinary manager?
2. Tell us about a situation when you demonstrated leadership in a difficult situation.
3. How do you develop your leadership skills?
4. How can a leader inspire and retain a team during uncertainty?

5. What is the difference between authoritarian and transformational leadership, and which style suits you best?