In today’s world, good education, and a good job is as important as food, shelter, or water and has become one of the most basic needs. A career in Management is one of the most popular choices available. With a number of opportunities and choices presented to students, it’s easy for them to get confused. It eventually ends up between confusion regarding whether one should pursue an MBA or go for PGDM.
Why MBA?
An MBA or Master of Business Administration is typically a 2-year post-graduate course for business and management studies. It is a really great course for students wishing to get into the business and management field. MBA courses are available at many leading universities and institutions all around India and there are even more opportunities when you go abroad. It’s just a matter of finding a university or college that satisfies you. It is a 2 year, 4-semester course where importance is given to theory and understanding of various concepts and theories in the domain. It opens up a number of job opportunities in diverse fields and the students can even go ahead and join for higher studies and research in the field of management. At the end of the day, you get a post-graduate degree which will surely help you fulfil your dreams.
Why PGDM?
A PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is another alternative route to an MBA. It grants you a Diploma instead of a degree. This is again a 2-year course but one which focusses entirely on fieldwork rather than classrooms and theory. It is a great course to do if you want to get your hands dirty and learn things by actually working in the domain of your choice. You get a chance to do internships, paid jobs, and part-time jobs while studying. Though not as common as MBA, PGDM is quite popular and are provided in IIMs and various other institutions
Major Difference between MBA and PGDM:
A lot of people usually believe that PGDM has fewer opportunities than an MBA. I believe that this is a wrong notion as both have almost the exact same value when we look at the field. The main difference here is actually how various skills are taught in both these courses. MBA is a bit more theory-oriented, classroom course when compared with the likes of PGDM. PGDM, on the other hand, is more of fieldwork where the students are encouraged to go ahead and interact with various individuals working on this field. PGDM even encourages students to do part-time jobs and internships. Thus students can even earn some money while studying. With these courses are seen equally and provide the same employment opportunities when compared with each other. The main advantage of an MBA Is that it provides more opportunities for students who wish to pursue higher education in this field. It also helps you to go ahead for Ph.D.’s.
What should you choose?
The question of what one should pursue, i.e. if one should do a PGDM or MBA is actually up to the student and his goals. Both courses have similar value in the job sector.
People usually think of a diploma as inferior to a degree but it is not entirely true as diploma holders have good work experience and knowledge as they get to do the things \they learn. They do have a better chance of landing a job due to this. If you are opting for something like higher studies or Ph.D., MBA is the best route for you. So the choice generally depends on your requirements and comfort. Both these courses are widely available in various colleges and universities around India and other foreign countries and it is recommended that you go through these institutions and have a firm understanding of your goal before you decide to go for any of these courses.
Management is by far one of the best fields for one to engage in today and thorough analysis and a good selection of a course and the institution can land you a safe and secure job.