Are you looking for a postgraduation option after your undergraduate degree? Do you wish to grow your career to higher levels in management? Is MBA the only option? No, there are options like PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management offered by Business Schools. What is a PGDM course? Here is everything you should know about it.
PGDM Course – Overview
PGDM is the acronym for Post Graduate Diploma in Management. A PGDM program is a two-year business management program offered by AICTE recognised autonomous Business Schools. The best PGDM courses cater to all the requirements of the management industry and transform management aspirants into industry-ready management professionals.
It is to be noted that PGDM is a diploma course and not a degree since Universities under University Grants Commission have the authority to award degrees. When it comes to career prospects, both MBA and PGDM have equal value in India and abroad. Unlike MBA, PGDM courses are more industry-oriented and focus more on industry experience.
Placement options are high for PGDM courses and thus, have a very reputed nature. A PGDM from a recognized institute is of great value and secures a job with a good salary. Choosing specialisation in PGDM is an important step in the course. Some of the examples are:
- PGDM in Information Technology
- PGDM in Entrepreneurship
- PGDM in Human Resource Management
- PGDM in Supply Chain Management
- PGDM in Sales and Marketing
- PGDM in Business Analytics
- PGDM in Hospitality Management
- PGDM in International Business
Criteria for Choosing the Right PGDM Course
To build a great career, you must choose the right PGDM program in the best B-school. Always aim to get into a top Business School to derive the maximum return of investment from the two years you spend there. You must make a well-informed decision before choosing the PGDM course since going for a full-time PGDM course is a huge investment and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Let us check out the important criteria one should follow to choose the best PGDM courses in 2022.
- Rankings and Accreditations
Rankings and accreditations can help in estimating the quality of a PGDM program. AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS, and NBA are accreditations awarded by national and international bodies which indicate the overall quality of the institute’s management education. These accreditations are given based on the quality of the faculty, teaching methodology, designed curriculum, infrastructure facilities, and so on.
Government and private bodies provide rankings to the Business Schools. Rankings published by the HRD ministry of India – NIRF ranking, publications such as Business Today, Outlook India, and BusinessWorld can be considered reliable ranking formats.
- Course curriculum and Faculties
An advanced and practical PGDM course can be identified by its industry-oriented curriculum. In the competitive world, the aspirants must be well versed with the advanced technologies and have deep knowledge in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Design Thinking, and Machine Learning to tackle the heavily data-driven and technologically advanced management industry.
Qualified, talented and industry-experienced faculties are essential for the effective implementation of the curriculum and for enhancing the knowledge of the students. You can check the online faculty directory of the B-schools before making a decision.
- Placement Programs
One of the important parameters that need to be considered before choosing any course is the placement program. You should look at the companies that visit the B-School of your choice, the industries they represent, and the roles they bring for the students.
You can also look at the alumni of the institute and see where they have reached after a few years of graduating. It will help you understand how the PGDM program will build your career.
- Course Fees
A good quality PGDM course should not come at the cost of your or your family’s entire savings. The average PGDM course fees range between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh in India. Check for the right course that offers an affordable fee structure so that you won’t be drowned in educational debt or give away your savings for life.
- Peer group and Alumni
It is always a good idea to get in touch with a few alumni and students of the PGDM course and know their experience with the course.
Look at the class profiles of the current PGDM students of the Business Schools to understand whether these students are from diverse backgrounds so they form a good peer group. Also, check the alumni on the websites of these institutions or simply search for them on LinkedIn, and try to understand how the program has benefited them.
- International Student Exchange Programs
The value proposition of a PGDM program increases manyfold if it offers International Immersion or Student Exchange programs. These programs significantly add value to your PGDM. Such programs help add a global perspective to your management skills.
- Internships and Live Projects
A PGDM course with high-quality will have summer internships and live projects. Students should be able to do summer internships at reputed corporate firms or be able to be part of live consulting projects.
It will help them deal with real-life business problems with the help of experienced industry professionals. Such facilities will provide hands-on experience in the business processes and will act as a medium to implement management concepts and models.
- Specialisations and Value Proposition
Aspirants with specific goals in mind should shortlist their Business schools based on the specialisations the PGDM course offers. For example, if you want specialisation in Foreign Trade, you should choose an institute that offers the best PGDM course relating to that. Always look out for value propositions that will augment your career objectives in the long run.
Now, you may have understood the criteria you should consider before choosing a PGDM course. Choose the right course after considering your strengths and build a successful career!
About Sunstone
Sunstone is a leading higher education services provider that works with academic institutions in upskilling students for employability. Sunstone offers career-oriented training interventions for undergraduate and postgraduate students at 40+ institutions across 30+ cities.
Sunstone’s training programs are industry-endorsed to enhance employability. These programs are designed for hybrid delivery with an unparalleled focus on soft skills and personality development. Sunstone’s focus is to provide students with a holistic educational experience.
