PGDM certifications are a two-year business management program that caters to industry requirements. The program helps management aspirants develop relevant skills to be industry-ready professionals. It is a Diploma program and not a degree because only Universities governed by the UGC are permitted to award Degrees. Private B-schools mainly controlled by the AICTE, and autonomous ones can provide diplomas instead of degrees. It is equivalent to an MBA and adds value beyond the regular MBA curriculum.
Choosing the right MBA or PGDM program
Aspirants must choose the right program and correct B-school that suits their career needs. You must aim to get into a top B-school and derive the maximum ROI and career benefits. Going for a full-time PGDM course is a considerable investment and a lifetime opportunity. Therefore, you must make a well-informed decision. The following seven criteria can help you choose the best PGDM or MBA course for you:
Rankings & Accreditations:
Sanctions like AACSB, AMBA, NBA, and EQUIS are granted by national & international bodies and are considered a benchmark of overall quality in management. These endorsements account for benchmarking aspects such as quality of faculty, infrastructure, curriculum, teaching methodology, etc. Rankings also help gauge the quality of a program.
Curriculum and Faculty:
A PGDM program is identified for its industry-oriented curriculum. Businesses are heavily data-driven and demand data in emerging technology such as AI/ML, Business Analytics, and Design Thinking. To stay afloat in the competition and fragile business environment, management professionals must have a fair amount of knowledge. Mentors actively involved in research and a deep understanding of the industry through experience offer added value proposition to students in applying innovative teaching tactics. PGDM courses let you explore the online faculty directory to access accurate information.
Alumni & Peer group:
Another essential part of courses is the peer group. An excellent peer circle among students provides a diverse background to learn from different perspectives within and outside the class. Check out profiles of the current PGDM students of b-schools and understand the multitude and scope. You also need to cross-check the alumni on the institution's websites or look up their social media channels or LinkedIn. Check up on what they are doing, connect to them and understand how the program benefits them. It is a good idea to contact a few alumni and students to get first-hand feedback.
International Exposure/Student Exchange:
International exposure adds significant impact and value to your course. Any B-school that offers potential International Immersion poses as a USP for any PGDM program. This provides a practical approach for aspirants to experience the culture of a foreign land, interact with new people from different backgrounds, understand their behaviour and add a global perspective for management skills.
Unique Proposition:
Recognize clearly what makes the B-school unique. For instance, MICA is an institute for those willing to pursue a PGDM in strategic marketing and communications. The IIFT is for those specializing in Foreign Trade. Aspirants have specific goals and must shortlist B-schools according to those considerations. Thus, identify such unique propositions that benefit your career objectives.
Placement Reports:
This is the most significant parameter when selecting a PGDM course offered by any B-school. Aspirants must look for the average, highest and lowest packages provided by the placement companies. For many, the search ends here. While it is essential to calculate the ROI, it’s not the only factor that one should consider. The best hit is to do the alumni research and check where they have landed after graduating from a particular B-school course.
Lastly, it all depends on how minutely you judge these parameters when making a list of top PGDM college that offer a specialization you are interested in.
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