How to Choose the Right PGDM course?

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is a 2-year business management program that meets industry needs and aids management aspirants in the development of pertinent hard and soft skills to become management professionals who are prepared for the workplace. It is a diploma program rather than a degree program because only institutions under the control of the UGC (University Grants Commission) are authorized to grant degrees.

Diplomas, rather than degrees, may be granted by standalone private business schools and private business schools primarily governed by the AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education). PGDM programs go above and beyond the typical MBA curriculum, and this is what the most discerning recruiters seek.

What Criteria do Aspiring MBAs Use in Choosing PGDM Courses?

Most MBA candidates want to work in a high-profile management position for a multinational corporation. Many of them seek employment that will give them numerous opportunities to demonstrate their aptitude and abilities, stretch their knowledge and thinking, and satiate their competitive nature. With courses on various business functions like Business Analytics, Operations, Marketing, Finance, HR, and Organizational Behavior, the PGDM program gets them ready for this. In order to develop progressive and mature leaders, the program also teaches participants soft skills like teamwork and communication.

You must choose the appropriate program and business school for your career needs as an aspirant. To get the most return on your investment (ROI) from your two years at a top business school, you must strive to be accepted. A full-time PGDM program is a significant financial commitment and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a result, it is critical that you make a wise choice. The PGDM or MBA course that is best for you can be determined using the following 7 criteria:

1. Rankings & Accreditations

A benchmark of overall quality in the field of management education can be found in accreditations like AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, and NBA, which are given out by national and international bodies. For benchmarking, these accreditations consider a number of factors, including the caliber of the faculty, the curriculum, the infrastructure, the teaching approach, and so forth.

Rankings can also be used to determine a program’s level of quality. Both government and private organizations rank business schools. A trustworthy source of this information is the NIRF ranking conducted by the Indian HRD ministry. Rankings published by magazines like Business Today, Outlook India, and BusinessWorld may also be taken into account.

2. Curriculum and Faculty

The curriculum of a top-tier PGDM program is known for being industry-focused. Businesses today, for instance, depend heavily on data and require expertise in cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, design thinking and business analytics. Any management professional who wants to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced and agile business ambience needs to have a solid understanding of these topics.

Students benefit from the relevance and cutting-edge teaching methods that faculty members (who are actively engaged in research and who have a thorough knowledge of the industry) can provide. To access this data, you can freely browse the online faculty directories of various b-schools.

3. Alumni & Peer group

The peer group is a crucial component of the MBA journey. Students from various backgrounds are essential for a nice peer group because they can contribute diverse viewpoints to the classroom. Look at the class profiles of the latest PGDM students at the business schools you are considering to get a sense of the many learning opportunities available to you.

Additionally, research the program’s alumni on the official sites of these organizations or simply conduct a simple LinkedIn search to learn more about what they are up to, connect with them, and comprehend how the course has benefited them. To get a firsthand account of their experience, it is wise to contact a few alumni and students.

4. Live Project and Summer Internship opportunities

Live projects and summer internships are essential components of a top-notch PGDM course. Companies employ students as interns, giving them the opportunity to work on actual business issues while being mentored by professionals with relevant experience. This practical experience helps students grasp how businesses operate and serves as a base for applying and putting management theories and models into practice.

Additionally, students can approach different businesses, offer to work on a real-world consulting project, and create resolutions to their business issues. The value proposition has two components:

First, the students gain practical experience in conducting the necessary research, processing the information, and presenting a workable solution to the company.
Second, the company receives an original, unconventional solution to their business needs that incorporates new perspectives.

5. International Immersion/Student Exchange

Your MBA can benefit significantly from exposure abroad. A business school that offers student exchange or international immersion programs significantly improves the value proposition of its PGDM program by giving students a chance to engage with people from other cultures, comprehend their behavior, and broaden their managerial horizons.

6. Unique Proposition

Determine the unique characteristics of the business school. Such value propositions will ultimately help you achieve your career goals must be on your radar.

7. Placement Reports

It is the most important factor to consider when selecting a PGDM or MBA program offered by a specific business school. Most often, aspirants start by looking at the highest, lowest, and average salaries that are available. Many people end their search there. While this is crucial for determining ROI, it is not the only aspect that must be considered. It is important to consider the organizations that come, the sectors they stand for and the contributions they make to the students. Return to your research on alumni and look at their accomplishments a few years after graduation. This will show you how the program will actually help you over the long term.

Conclusion

Before graduating, students can develop their skills through PGDM skill-based courses, which can boost their potential as well as their demand for employment. PGDM courses help students develop their entrepreneurial skills and prepare them to compete in the market with sophisticated business minds.