How PGDM Specializations Can Boost Your Career?

When it comes to pursuing postgraduate studies in management, a PGDM looks promising. The demand for this course has grown in recent years in India due to the country's improving economy and a spike in startups, which have raised the demand for individuals with business and management skills. What makes this course more attractive is the right mix of theoretical and practical lessons about the corporate world.

A PGDM course offers a range of specializations in domains such as finance, marketing, HR, business analytics, operations management, and so on. The right choice of these specializations, as per your career needs, can offer a plethora of lucrative career prospects.

What & Why PGDM?

A PGDM stands for Postgraduate Diploma in Management. A regular PGDM programme spans 2 years and is mostly offered full-time, although there are options to opt for online PGDM courses as well. An Executive-PGDM course can run between 12-18 months and is specifically beneficial for those with some work experience.

A PGDM programme offers students with in-depth knowledge about business and management and is mostly hands-on and experience oriented. The course material tends to be highly industry-centric and gets updated regularly as per the industry trends. Also, students can choose from a range of specializations in niches like finance, marketing, human resource management, operations management, and so on.

If you are planning to pursue a PGDM course in Kolkata or any other part of the country, one question that will come to your mind is- why PGDM and not anything else? Well, the answer is simple– a PGDM program from a recognized business school, combined with a suitable specialization, can provide you with a comprehensive business management education, paving the way for a rewarding career ahead.

Top PGDM Specialization

Some of the top PGDM specializations offered by business schools in India are:

Finance
Marketing
HRM
Business Analytics
Operations Management
Information System
Supply Chain Management
Hospitality Management, etc.

PGDM Specializations Can Boost Your Career: How?

One of the main things to consider when opting for a PGDM programme is specialization. Choosing the right specialization, as per your career aim, can make all the difference. Also, you should know that certain specializations are in more demand in the job market than others.

So, here is a list of the top PGDM specializations and how they can boost your career.

Finance

One of the most popular PGDM specializations is Finance. Those interested in deploying funds, cash flow, taxation, and other money-related activities can consider enrolling in a PGDM Finance programme. Successful completion of this programme could lead to employment at prestigious financial firms with a lucrative salary package.

Skills Learned:

Accounting, taxation, financial statement analysis, financial modeling, etc.

Career Opportunities:

Retail Banking
Asset Management
Retail Banking
Financial Analyst
Equity Analyst
Risk Management, etc.

Average Salary:

INR 7 lakhs

Marketing

One of the traditional PGDM specializations is Marketing. A PGDM in Marketing focuses on areas like marketing strategy, consumer behavior, digital marketing, advertising, sales, and brand management, among others. If you want to enter the world of marketing, advertisement, brand management, and related fields, a PGDM in Marketing could be highly beneficial.

Skills Learned:

Brand management, consumer behavior analysis, negotiation, advertisement, strategic thinking, etc.

Career Opportunities:

Market Research Analyst
Marketing Manager
Brand Manager
Marketing Executive
Sales Manager
Media Planner

Average Salary:

INR 6 lakhs

HRM

If you have a strong communication skill and a knack for managing people then a PGDM in Human Resource Management could be right for you. The major skills required to succeed in this field are people management, talent scouting, verbal and written communication, collaboration, and active listening. The main focus of this course is to prepare students for managing and leading human resources within an organization.

Skills Learned:

Performance management, talent acquisition, communication, leadership, ethical decision making, etc.

Career Opportunities:

HR Manager
HR Generalist
Talent Acquisition Specialist
HR Consultant
Employee Engagement Manager

Average Salary:

INR 7 lakhs

Business Analytics

One of the highly sought-after PGDM specializations in the contemporary job world is Business Analytics. This course is specifically created to gain knowledge and advance their careers in analytics and data science. A professional working in this industry uses data analysis and statistical methodologies to extract relevant insights and aid decision-making within a company.

Skills Learned:

Data analysis, data mining, data visualization, programming language, statistical analysis, critical thinking, decision making, forecasting, etc.

Career Opportunities:

Business Analyst
Data Scientist
Market Analyst
Operations Research Analyst

Average Salary:

INR 8 lakhs

Operations Management

A Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management provides students with the skills they need to manage company operations, workflows, procurements, process control, quality checks, supply chain, warehouses, and so on. Students who choose this specialization gain a wide range of skills that will prepare them for careers in operations management, production management, and supply chain management, among other related fields.

Skills Learned:

Quality management, supply chain management, inventory management, risk management, Operations strategy, etc.

Career Opportunities:

Inventory Manager
Quality Manager
Purchasing Manager
Distribution Manager
Supply Chain Manager

Average Salary:

INR 6 lakhs

Information Systems

If you are interested in learning about information technology, a PGDM in Information Systems could be beneficial to you. It is a two-year study that focuses on evaluating, processing, and managing technical data. Students develop both technical and managerial abilities under this course. That said, this specialization covers topics such as IT management, BPO management, IT security, and risk management, among others.

Skills Learned:

Analytical, communication, organizational, project management, etc.

Career Opportunities:

Information Officer
Chief Technical Officer
IT Project Manager
IT Director
Information System Manager
IT Consultant
Project Manager

Average Salary:

INR 7 lakhs

Supply Chain Management

As the name implies, this specialization focuses on managing an organization's operations and supply chain activities. This specialization allows students to understand the intricacies of several parts of supply chain management, such as logistics, quality control, inventory management, and project management. That being said, internships and real-world projects as part of the curriculum provide students with all of the technical and managerial skills required to succeed as supply chain management professionals.

Skills Learned:

Adaptability, communication, supply chain management, project management, analytical skills, accounting, etc.

Career Opportunities:

Supply Chain Manager
Quality Control Manager
Operations Manager
Production Manager
Logistics Manager

Average Salary:

INR 4.5 lakhs

Hospitality Management

As the hospitality industry is gaining traction across the globe, professionals equipped with managerial skills in this sector are getting more attention from employers. As a result, a PGDM in Hospitality Management is an in-demand postgraduate management specialization. The main focus of this specialization is to impart skills like customer service, event management, strategic planning, guest management, etc. To thrive in this industry, you must have excellent communication and presentation skills.

Skills Learned:

Customer service, communication, collaboration, decision making, problem solving, risk assessment and management, event management, food and beverage management, etc.