PGDM Guide: Everything You Need to Know About PGDM

Introduction

The Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is an AICTE approved professional course in management. This course can be done only after graduation. The PGDM course is an excellent alternative to an MBA, and many students are opting for the PGDM. Even companies hiring management professionals show an inclination towards students who have PGDM as this course is considered to be more in tune with the requirements of the management industry. 

The PGDM course is given preference mainly because students are brought up-to-date on what's going on in the current industry, and there is a lot more importance given to practical knowledge and its application rather than just theory. Therefore, even the industries prefer students who have done a PGDM. 

In the following blog, all important things about the PGDM will be covered. From eligibility criteria and scope to specializations and benefits, everything you need to know about a PGDM will be analyzed, so you can decide between pursuing it after graduation. 

Why Choose PGDM?

The first things to consider are the reasons why to choose PGDM. There are many useful courses that you can do after graduation but there are a few important reasons to choose a PGDM over them. These reasons are: - 

• Increasing Popularity - The PGDM course is fast-becoming the most popular course to do after graduation. Since companies give preference to PGDM graduates, students have started to opt for this over other course. 
• Professional Relevance - The PGDM course is designed in such a way that every aspect of the course will make you a better professional, ready to face the challenges of the industry. 
• Personality Development - One important part of the course is dedicated to developing personality. From becoming a strong confident person to becoming a good speaker, you get to work on all personality aspects in the PGDM course. 
• Team Player - To be able to survive and thrive in the competitive professional world, you need to be a good team player. The PGDM course teaches you to be a part of the team and work well with others. 
• Practical Knowledge - Many courses will teach you theory, but the PGDM course will also teach you about the practical application of theoretical knowledge. Whatever you learn in the course, you will be able to apply in real life. 

PGDM Eligibility & Criteria for Admission

As it is with most postgraduate courses, there are eligibility criteria for you to be able to qualify to take the course. The criteria are not extreme, but make sure you fit the bill. Else, you won’t be able to apply for admission. Here are the criteria: - 

• You must be a graduate with more 50% or more as your cumulative final score.
• Your degree must be recognized and from a government-approved university. 
• Final year students may apply on a provisional basis. 
• You will have to clear a competitive entrance exam required by the institute you are applying to. 
• After the entrance exam, you may also have to clear a personal interview and group discussion round. 

Scope of PGDM in India

India and China are considered to be the fastest-growing management hubs in the world. In India, this course is soon going to overtake other postgraduate management degree and diploma courses as it has a lot of scope in India. Here’s what the future for PGDM looks like in India.  

•  India is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world with the high expected growth in business and industry. With a PGDM, you can become a part of this growth phase and contribute. 
• There are many sectors in dire need of professional management. With a professional course like PGDM under your belt, you can become a part of these industries, and make a real change. 
• A PGDM also equips you with the right knowledge to start your own company. You can become an entrepreneur or an industry disruptor, and start your own successful business. 
• In India, managers are some of the biggest earners. They also get good benefits. And there are no bigger motivating factors than financial success. With a PGDM, you are most likely to earn well. 
• Knowledge is a gift that keeps on giving. With what you learn in a PGDM, you are on course to succeed by using the knowledge you learn in the course. 

PGDM Specialization

During your 2-year PGDM course, you will also be expected to choose a specialization in which you will most likely make your career. Here’s some information on some of the most popular and career-oriented specializations you can choose from. 

Marketing - In the marketing specialization, you will learn all about marketing, advertising, selling and distribution of the products and services of your company. Marketing is one of the most important aspects of a business, and this specialization, you will learn about many aspects involved in successful marketing. 

Finance - A specialization in finance will help you understand all the financial aspects like capital and accounting related to business and industry on a macro and micro level. Finance is one of the most important parts of a business, and one can make a great career in this field. 

IT - The growing IT sector in need of professional managers, and with a specialization in IT, you can enter this wonderful sector to make a great career. In this specialization, you learn all about all aspects of the IT industry. From managing IT products to managing IT clients and even technology, the scope in this area is vast. 

Hospitality & Tourism - Hospitality & tourism specialization will prepare you to work in the challenging hospitality & tourism industry. India is a huge part of the globalization movement is seeing huge growth in this industry and is in need of professional managers to manage and keep these industries growing. 

HR - It takes a special talent to manage talent, and this is what you will learn in the HR specialization. From managing manpower to ensuring all employees are happy, HR plays an important role, especially in large organizations. In this specialization, you will learn about recruiting and managing people of the company, among other important things that keep a company running smoothly. 

Difference Between PGDM, PGPM, and MBA

One of the biggest choices a student has to make is which is better? A PGDM, a PGPM or an MBA? These courses are perfect for those wanting to do management after their graduation. However, choosing the right one is important. Here’s how you tell the difference between the three. 

What is PGDM?

Post Graduate Diploma in Management is a 2-year diploma course that needs to be approved to have value. During the course, you study a range of subjects and a specialization that will help you make a career in the field of management in the many different sectors and industries related to it. This course is more inclined towards teaching students the practical application of theory and facing real-world problems in the course. 

What is PGPM?

The Post Graduate Program in Management is a 1 or 2-year certification program in management studies. This program is more flexible and is preferred by professionals who are working. It has a decent blend of theory and practical knowledge and does not cost as much as a PGDM or MBA. 

What is an MBA?

A Master of Business Administration is a professional degree course in management that can take anywhere between 2-3 years to complete. This course is also a mix of theory and practical, but it leans more towards theoretical knowledge. 

The difference in PGDM, PGPM, and MBA

• PGDM & MBA need AICTE approval to have value
• PGDM is a diploma, PGPM is a certification and an MBA is a degree. 
• The fees are higher for PGDM and MBA. 
• PGDM and MBAs have comparatively the most value. 
• PGPM courses have the most flexibility among the three. 
• PGDM has the most value in the professional world, closely followed by an MBA and then PGPM.

Benefits of Doing PGDM Course

Knowing the benefits of the PGDM course will help you truly understand the potential impact it can have on your life and career. Here are some of the key benefits of the PGDM course. 

Value for Money - This course is not cheap. You have to invest time and money, but the returns you get are completely worth the value, or even more. From the excellent salary, you will make even from your first job to the knowledge you get, a PGDM is truly value for money. 

Updated Course - Since this course is closely monitored by the AICTE, you can rest assured that you are getting the most updated course. From the latest trends in the industry to the use of technology, you will learn it all in your PGDM course. 

Multiple Career Choices - With a PGDM under your belt, you get the luxury of choice. You can go find work in any industry of your choice. Since the fundamentals of management remain the same, you can easily work in any industry and make an excellent career.

High Salary & Benefits - Most management courses lead to a high salary and benefits, which is one of the biggest motivating factors. But with PGDM, you stand to make an even better salary and benefits package as this course is preferred by recruiters over other management courses. 

Opportunity to Work Overseas - This is the dream for any management graduate, and with a PGDM, it is more likely to succeed. You can get a job in an MNC or with additional certifications and qualification, you can find a job in another country as PGDM has international value. 

PGDM is one of the best courses you can do after graduation. It will set you on the right path towards an excellent career that also pays well. More importantly, it also makes you a better professional compared to other management courses. So, make the right decision and opt for a PGDM over any other management courses, and you will be set for life.