What if you don’t get the placement of your choice?

This question is designed to assess whether you have a Plan B and how you would navigate setbacks while still staying true to your long-term goals.

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Your long-term goals usually remain the same — what the interviewer wants to see is whether you can think logically and resiliently if your Plan A (your ideal post-MBA role or company) doesn’t work out.

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The focus here is on adaptability, clarity, and perseverance. You should demonstrate that you can take alternative routes without losing sight of your destination.

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Then, explain your long-term goal, which typically looks 5–7 years ahead. This should reflect your broader vision: the kind of leader you want to become, the impact you want to create, or the industry problem you want to solve.

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You also need to show that you are not an unrealistic idealist who believes everything will go perfectly as per your plan. Show that you have planned for contingencies and know how to re-route when needed.

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Preparing your answer

The key is to communicate resilience and realism; that you’re prepared to take a slightly longer route, but your direction remains the same.

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If Plan A doesn’t work out, I would consider
How my Plan B makes sense given my career trajectory so far/what makes me suitable for it
Why this alternative still supports my long-term goal
Key skills or experiences I would gain through this new path