What would you do if you didn’t have to worry about money for a year?

In a personal fit interview, this question is used to assess your intrinsic motivations, curiosity, and values—not just your financial goals. A strong answer should balance authenticity with alignment to the traits banks look for: drive, intellectual curiosity, discipline, and initiative.

Example Answer:

"If I didn’t have to worry about money for a year, I’d spend time deep-diving into business models across industries, traveling to meet entrepreneurs and understand how companies operate globally. I’d also probably take a hands-on role in a startup or build something of my own, just to learn by doing. I enjoy problem-solving, and I think exploring real-world challenges would help me grow—both personally and professionally."

This shows curiosity, drive, and business interest—key for IB roles.

I will take a lot of time with people I love. And try to learn many things and travel a lot.

Hey!

This question is designed to explore your values, intrinsic motivations, and what energizes you outside the boundaries of career ladders or financial security. In a Personal Fit interview, your answer should reflect depth and authenticity—something that shows who you are beyond your resume. For example, you might say you'd spend the year volunteering with a social impact project, learning a new language, writing a book, or traveling with purpose—something that aligns with your curiosity or desire to contribute. The goal isn’t to impress with a polished script, but to demonstrate that you’re self-aware, driven by more than external rewards, and have a strong sense of direction or purpose.

A well-rounded response might tie back to how such a year would ultimately enrich you both personally and professionally. You could reflect on how stepping away from the structured path would give you space to challenge your thinking, develop emotional intelligence, or gain experiences that would shape your perspective as a future leader. Interviewers aren’t judging your dream—they’re looking to understand how you think, what excites you, and whether you’ll bring maturity and a well-grounded personality into a high-pressure team environment.

Hey

You can answer it as below if for an interview:

If money wasn’t a concern for a year, I’d focus on learning new skills and personal growth, while also giving back through volunteering or mentoring. This shows a balance between self-improvement and making a positive impact, reflecting values that go beyond short-term success.

Honestly, I’d probably travel a lot and spend time figuring out what I really want long-term. Maybe take some courses in stuff I’m curious about but never had time for.