Is a PGDM the Best Career Option After Graduation?
After doing an undergraduate course, students face the dilemma of choosing between a few options — working, further studies or starting their own company. For many who choose to study further, finding a PGDM course that fits their requirements and needs can be quite challenging. In this article, we will list some options and tips to consider before you take the big step!
About PGDM Courses
PGDM courses are offered by autonomous institutions that are not authorised to give degrees and therefore the term Post Graduate Diploma in Management. This in no way means that a PGDM course is any less than an MBA degree as these autonomous institutions are certified by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). In fact, many institutions offer distance education courses which provide students with the flexibility and convenience of working and studying simultaneously.
Why PGDM — what are the benefits?
A PGDM course is significantly less expensive than an MBA and an online PGDM course even more so as there minimal investment and no travel cost. Additionally, distance learning programmes allow you to study without having to sacrifice your professional career and goals. PGDM courses are also now looked upon favourably by employers everywhere. The practical and experiential learning model means that students gain real-world experience. In this regard, autonomous institutions ensure that syllabi are kept up to date with the current and changing world economies and markets. Placement opportunities at autonomous institutions are also better and varied as new and emerging companies prefer fresh candidates and creative thinking that is encouraged in such institutions. Even online or distance PGDM courses provide such placement opportunities and students are also better positioned to be offered better salaries and packages.
Courses available in PGDM
There are several course specialisations available in a PGDM course, whether it is a distance education course or not. We School offers 18 courses specialisations as part of their Hybrid Distance Learning Programme, which is relevant and in demand. These include health management, Human Resources Management, Operations Management and Finance Management among others. What is important to note while doing your PGDM online is that you choose a course specialisation that is of most interest to you and ensure that the course is offered by a reputed and accredited autonomous institution.
Career Opportunities after PGDM
A distance PGDM course opens up a whole world of career opportunities in India from business consultants to specialised project managers. You will be qualified to work in both the public and private sectors and earn starting salaries ranging from 5–10 lakhs per annum. Once you graduate or do a PGDM online, you can become a data scientist, carry out research, teach in a reputed institute, become an auditor or consultant, navigate a professional space with ease or even become an entrepreneur and start your dream company with the practical knowledge gained in the course.
Eligibility Criteria for PGDM
A PGDM, whether a distance education course or not, has certain requirements that students are required to fulfil before they are eligible. These include possessing an undergraduate degree with a minimum score of 50% from any stream and additional results from tests such as CAT, XAT and so on. Once you have all this in place, there is nothing stopping you from taking your first real step into the world!
