Not sure if you want to pursue a PGDM or an MBA? We’ve listed out all the information you need to know! Read the article to know more about why a PGDM program is beneficial.
A PGDM is the new MBA! If you’re looking to launch your career in the corporate field, then a PGDM or a Post-Graduation in Management can be ideal for you. Before we delve into why a PGDM may be suitable for you or your career, it is imperative to understand the difference between the two and how they might aid your career growth.
What is an MBA?
A Master of Business Administration is a Postgraduate Degree in management offered by various universities worldwide. Only recognised institutes affiliated to reputed universities can offer an MBA. These universities follow a linear curriculum explicitly crafted for the course, while offering a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate.
What is PGDM?
A PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is a diploma course and not a degree. It is offered mainly through autonomous institutes that aren’t affiliated to a university and cannot offer an MBA degree. You have a variety of specialisations to choose from in a PGDM program.
A PGDM prepares you for a successful career in both the public and the private sector by providing the necessary managerial acumen and leadership skills. It also enhances and polishes your skill suite, strengthens your communication and problem-solving abilities.
It is an all-encompassing course that focuses not only on your academic qualifications but helps shape you as an individual who is ready to take on their career. It prepares you for the classroom and beyond.
If you’re a practical learner, then a PGDM is ideal for you as it hones your managerial skills. When you do your graduation, you’re not exposed to the real world, so it may take time to understand and adapt. A PGDM gears you for the corporate world as the curriculum is designed to inculcate a thorough understanding of the industrial culture, corporate environment, and teamwork dynamics. Let’s identify some critical benefits of PGDM.
No field or stream requirements – you can shape your career path with a PGDM irrespective of your background or stream. If your academic scores qualify you to do the course, nothing stops you from doing one right after your bachelor’s.
Interdisciplinary course – a PGDM is created by combining various disciplines like economics, accountancy, management, statistics etc., to accommodate the dynamically changing needs of the industry. It equips you to tackle real-world competition and understand to function in a work set-up.
Nurtures future leaders and managers – Managers today are expected to do more and be more. A PGDM goes a long way in helping you perform that role well and do justice to it as it installs the rationale and confidence to outperform yourself and be a desirable employee.
Offers a variety of specialisations – You can specialise in the stream or subject of your choice. From Human Resource, Finance, Marketing, and more, you can choose to excel in any matter that provides a scope for long-term career growth.
Industry-relevant courses – a PGDM consists of updated courses that are more relevant to the industry’s current needs. They are tailor-made to provide more value and prepare you to launch in your respective careers. MBA, on the other, has an old syllabus that doesn’t provide you with current industry knowledge, making it challenging to adjust immediately.
Better job opportunities – PGDM students often transition smoothly into the industry because their knowledge is up to date; they can outperform others and secure good job opportunities.
Qualified and experienced faculty provides an opportunity for active, quality learning as the faculty for a PGDM is usually highly skilled, professional, and oriented.
A chart that states the differences between a PGDM and an MBA.
| MBA vs PGDM: Affiliation and Accreditation | |
| MBA can be offered only by institutes affiliated to universities. Their curriculum is accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC). | Autonomous bodies like IIMs aren’t authorised to offer a degree; therefore, their PGDM is recognised as a diploma and is accredited by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). |
| MBA vs. PGDM: Academic Bifurcation | |
| MBA tends to be more theoretical in its approach. | PGDM focuses on technical aspects, provides real-life exposure. Curriculum is updated more frequently and is conducive to the changes in industry trends. |
| MBA vs PGDM: Curriculum | |
| Rigid curriculum that changes once every few years, not up to date with the changing trends. | Institutes are sensitive to changing need s of the industry; courses are designed accordingly. They are more adept at making you industry-ready. |
If you’re looking to excel in your career, then take the plunge with a good PGDM course that will steer your career in the right direction and help you achieve your goals seamlessly.
