PGDM VS MBA

5 REASONS WHY A PGDM PROGRAM IS BETTER THAN AN MBA DEGREE

Its that time of the year again when you are faced with a dilemma which is encountered by thousands of graduate students who want to pursue a career in the Corporate Sector: should you do an MBA or a PGDM program? It is a difficult choice and one that may ultimately decide the scope of your career over the long run. So, think carefully before you choose. This article tries to clear the confusion associated with the two programs and explains why a PGDM program is a better choice if one wants to make a career in the corporate sector.

Of course, the basic difference between the two is that the MBA is a degree and as such can only be offered by a University or an Institute affiliated to a University, where as the PGDM is a diploma program and can be offered by autonomous Institutes that are recognised by the AICTE. However, there are other not so subtle differences that define why a PGDM Program may be the best for you. Here goes!!

1. Let the focus be on you:As mentioned earlier, the MBA degree is provided by a University. As is the case with most Universities, they offer a wide variety of courses both at the undergraduate level as well as at the post graduate level. Because of the huge number of courses and students, it becomes difficult for the University to focus on enhancing the value of a single program like the MBA degree and also focus on an individual student. The entire structure becomes highly mechanized an dehumanized. On the other hand, most autonomous Institutes that offer the PGDM Diploma are extremely focused towards the program and offer counselling and guidance at the individual level. This provides a better chance at self-improvement.
2. Understand the course focus:The focus of MBA is more on imparting the theoretical aspects of business management and administration and the syllabus is typically outdated. This draws a stark contrast to the focus of PGDM courses. PGDM focuses primarily on building necessary skills in students rather than concentrating on the theoretical aspects of management. Autonomous institutes have greater flexibility to continuously revise their curriculum, relate it to the HR needs of the industry, and adopt better teaching methodologies. You are more Industry ready when you do a PGDM program.

3. Understand who is teaching you:Faculties teaching MBA students are senior lecturers and professors well versed with every aspect of management. Faculties teaching PGDM students are usually management gurus and ex-industry stalwarts who know exactly how things work in an actual business. So, if it is a corporate career that you seek, no prizes for guessing whom you want to be taught by.

Understand the job market: The corporate sector is a very dynamic environment, more so, in the current business scenario. Today’s Businesses need people who are ready to take on challenging assignments as soon as they join with very little requirement for training and development. This implies that a potential job seeker should already be equipped with the necessary technical and soft skills by the time he joins an organization. Only a PGDM program is flexible and dynamic enough to provide those skills to students.

5. Understand your choices:Check out the list of the top 50 Business Schools in India. Chances are, that virtually 90% of them offer a PGDM Program, because of its inherent advantages. So, if your aim is to walk the hallowed corridors of a Top B-School and have a high flying corporate career,then opt for a PGDM Program. You will not regret your decision!!