One of the major investments you make in the future, pursuing a PGDM is one of them. For many students, PGDM has been a stepping stone for getting advanced career opportunities and leadership roles. There is no dearth of PGDM colleges in India offering different courses. It will, however be worth discussing how to gain maximum benefit from your PGDM journey. Here’s how you can make most of your PGDM program and ensure it paves the way for success.
How to Choose the Right PGDM Colleges in India
The first step to making the most of your PGDM program is a matter of choosing the right institution. There are several top PGDM colleges in India, each with their strengths. Be it the Indian School of Business, the Xavier Labour Relations Institute, or the Indian Institute of Management; each college has something different to offer. A survey by Business Today estimated that the average annual compensation for a PGDM alumnus from a top college in India was ₹22 lakh, thus showing the value addition these colleges would carry to your career. Source: Business Today.
It is very important to opt for a college that considers your future career goals and the specialization which you want. Always crosscheck the faculty, infrastructure, and the placement records of various PGDM colleges in India to make an informed decision.
Classroom Learning
Once enrolled, it is about active classroom learning. The PGDM course can only provide a sound platform of management principles; leveraging it effectively is left to you as a student. Engage in discussions, get clarity over difficult concepts, and emphasize the fundamentals in your core subjects. According to a report by Edwise, students who are involved in active learning tend to perform better academically as well as professionally.
Building a rapport with professors and other students can also provide you with insight and networking opportunities. Professors may also provide mentorship or career advice, and your peers can be potential colleagues or business partners in the future.
Leveraging Internship Opportunities
Internship opportunities are very important in PGDM courses. They provide practical exposure and an opportunity to apply theoretically what is learned in the classroom. Avail the internship opportunities to the best of your advantage by electing roles that fit your career goals. An internship provides industry practice exposure, building professional networks, and a chance to add value to your resume.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, a reported 67% of students completing an internship receive fulltime job offers as compared with 36% who do not receive these work opportunities. This clearly brings out the importance of internships in securing job opportunities after college.
Extracurricular Activities
Besides, PGDM Colleges in India have a lot of extracurricular activities running all over, from business clubs to cultural events. Such activities will give insight into and develop other skills that may not be acquired in the classroom. The leadership of student clubs, case competitions, and seminars will enhance management skills and build your resume.
Extracurricular activities also pave the way for the discovery of new interests and networking with professionals in an industry. Indeed, many business leaders attribute their involvement in extracurricular activities to the acquisition of leadership skills and insight into various industries.
Building a Professional Network
Networking is the most vital part of any PGDM course. A good professional network can bring better job opportunities, industry insight, and sometimes even business opportunities. Attend networking events, workshops, and seminars organized by your college. Build a rapport with alumni, industry experts, and peers to build relationships that help in career growth.
According to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking through a survey undertaken. Again, this strengthens the need to create and foster a strong professional network while pursuing the PGDM course.
Personal Development
Personal development is equally important in the PGDM course as academic and professional development. Development of soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are basic requirements for leaders. Participate in personal development workshops and training programs that enhance these skills.
The World Economic Forum says that emotional intelligence and leadership are among the key skills most in demand for future employment. Investment in personal development can help job applicants to enhance their employability.
Placement Support Services
Most of the colleges in India offering PGDM courses have a placement cell supporting their students to avail job opportunities. Avail yourself fully of such a facility by drafting a good resume, practicing interviews, and attending career counseling. The placement cell, in many cases, has liaisons with top companies; hence they can guide on how to go about job search.
According to a report by PayScale, the average salary of a PGDM graduate in India ranges between ₹8 lakh and ₹15 lakh per annum, which may vary depending upon the college as well as the industry. Source: PayScale Availing placement assistance services can go a long way in influencing your starting salary and career path.
Learning after the Program
The completion of your PGDM program is only the beginning of lifelong learning. The business environment is changing so rapidly, and one needs to stay up to date with what’s going on in the industry. Keep reading about your industry, continue attending workshops, and update yourself with higher certifications relevant to your field if necessary.
A report by McKinsey & Company estimated that continuous learning and skill development are necessary to accomplish successful career growth in a contemporary work environment. The source is McKinsey & Company. You will only be good at staying competitive and apt to your career if you stay engaged with every other learning opportunity that comes your way.
Conclusion
Attending classes alone does not utilize the most out of your PGDM program. The entire process demands active participation in learning with the help of internships, extra-curricular activities, professional networking, and personal development. There is a possibility to achieve full value from the course and set up a person for life with the right choice of PGDM colleges in India and availing all the facilities provided. This transformative journey that you are about to embark on forms a critical part of your skill and experience that will shape your career and help you realize your professional goals in life.
