TNB Scholarships are also among the earliest ones to call for interviews, and the application form was really simple. After 2 weeks of applying, I received a text stating that I could check the status of my application on the website, and Alhamdulillah, I was shortlisted for the interview 😄
When checking, there is a button to confirm your attendance, so make sure you press it once you have confirmed! Then, as usual, they attached the list of needed documents, so I had to print out everything. They also asked for your co-curriculum certificates, so make sure to photostat them earlier and get them certified.
And of course, most importantly, read up on TNB’s core activities and current issues, maybe get to know a few important people like the chairman, and make sure you know what course you are applying for and its correlation with TNB.
---The Interview Day, which is on the 10th of April 2019 at 8 a.m.
Before Interview:
I departed from my house right after performing subuh prayer because the venue is the same as JPA, which is at UNITEN, Bangi (Well, it's TNB's). So before leaving, check all the documents needed, arrange them according to the sequence, and put them in a clear file so it's easy to hand them to the TNB staff. Upon arrival, there’s a hall which is the waiting hall for the parents, so we sat there first, and then the TNB staff assisted us and gave a briefing about the flow of the day. Over there, try to make friends with the person seated next to you so that you can relax because at least you have one friend. Then we had to go to another floor, and as usual, salam your parents and seek their du’a before getting separated.
Then we had to queue for the document-checking part, so arrange your documents nicely so it is easier and quicker for them to check and sort. They also gave me a label for my turn, and I got E7, which is room E and the 7th person to be interviewed. After passing that part, we had to go to the computer lab to do a personality test. Before that, they briefed us about TNB core activities (which you have to pay attention to and try to memorize) and about YTN, where they send their students, what courses they offer, and how the flow of study works.
After completing the test, we had to go to another level and enter the quarantine room, so from that, you can know which person got the same room as you. Approximately 50 people were called for the interview in one session. Since it is an individual interview and I realized that I was the last person to be interviewed, from 9 a.m., I waited until 12.30 noon before it was my turn. While waiting, some people were called to go to the interview room, so wish them luck so that we are praying and hoping the best for each other! And obviously, during my turn, the panels were already bored, sleepy, and hungry, so it was my responsibility to cheer them up! Before entering the room, there will be chairs for you to wait, and the person before me took the same course as mine, so we just had a simple talk to reduce the nervousness.
The Interview (Individual Interview):
They called me to enter the room, and remember, FIRST IMPRESSION IS IMPORTANT. The way you walk, dress, and greet the panel has to be perfect, okay, because it’s simple to do and the easiest way to get full marks on that. There will be 3 panels interviewing, but for me, I only got 2 panels, huhu, my luck 😇. When sitting, do not slouch; sit up straight and smile as this will make them smile too, trust me 😉. Then, here come the questions. They will ask questions based on your answers. As for mine:
1. Introduce yourself, talk about your family background, your aspiration, your interest, and what you applied for and why.
- Since I was the last person, I greeted them with a cheerful tone to give the best impression. I mentioned my full name and nickname so it is easier for them to call me, my latest high school, about my parents and my siblings. I applied for data science because it was suggested by my parents. After that, I read and researched data science, and from that, I decided to proceed with it, etc.
2. (Due to my answer), So you are applying for data science because your parents suggested it to you?
- I said that initially, it was suggested by them because this course was unfamiliar to me and, I believe, to many others as well. After researching and reading, I developed an interest in data science as I acknowledged its importance and demand in the future.
3. What do you understand about data science, and why does TNB need a data scientist?
- For this part, you have to read more and try to ask someone who knows deeper about it. Luckily, my aunty and uncle knew about this, so a day before, I went to their office to learn more about it.
- A data scientist is an analytical data expert with skills to solve complex problems. In simple words, they collect the data, analyze it, and make predictions from it. Data scientists are highly needed in almost every company as they are the real problem solvers. To bring a company to a higher level, we have to increase sales and income, and with data scientists, a company can work on improving outcomes to attract more stakeholders or customers and get their satisfaction.
- TNB needs data scientists because, firstly, I explained back to them about the core activities of TNB, showing that I paid much attention to their company. TNB’s core activities are divided into 3 parts: generation (power plants), transmission (The National Grid Network & pylons), and distribution to consumers. For example, if a house does not consume the electricity given to them, the generated electricity is wasted since electricity cannot be stored. This is where data scientists are needed. They will have data for each consumer. If a house does not consume electricity during the daytime, we don’t have to supply it to them. Instead, we can transfer it to other consumers, saving the budget for the power plant and more energy.
4. What is your strength?
5. (From my answer), Are you a risk-taker? Give examples if you are a risk-taker.
6. What is the proudest achievement in your life, and what values did you gain from it?
7. Before leaving, they asked whether I had any questions for them. If possible, try to think of a question as there will be a chance for you to get extra marks and give the best impression of yourself to the panel (try to grab as many chances as you can!).
8. They also asked about any other scholarships that I applied for.
Lastly, say thank you to the panel, leave the room quietly, and walk politely. So to sum up, when they ask you a question, take a few seconds before answering, think of a solid answer, be firm with it, and provide strong evidence so that they won’t ask you more.
My session ended at 1.15 p.m., then I headed straight back home. Just a simple and friendly reminder: after the interview, keep in mind that you have done your very best, so it’s time to leave it all to them to judge. As for us, we should keep praying and hoping for the best! I hope this entry can at least help you a lil bit, maybe for your upcoming interview.
Till then, xoxo 💖
No comments:
Post a Comment