Engineering is one of the most popular and sought-after career choices in India. Many students aspire to become engineers and pursue their undergraduate studies in various branches of engineering. However, after completing their engineering degree, some of them may feel the need to enhance their skills and knowledge further and explore new opportunities in the corporate world. This is where a PGDM or MBA degree can come in handy.
A PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is a two-year diploma program that offers practical knowledge of business management. A PGDM program is more industry-oriented and flexible than an MBA program, as it can change its curriculum according to the latest trends and demands of the market. A PGDM program is offered by autonomous institutes that are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
An MBA or Master of Business Administration is a two-year degree program that provides comprehensive training in various aspects of business and management, such as finance, marketing, human resources, operations, strategy, etc. An MBA program is more theory-based and standardized than a PGDM program, as it follows the curriculum prescribed by the affiliated university. An MBA program is offered by recognized universities or colleges that are accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Both PGDM and MBA programs teach management skills but there are few differences between them. The key differences between PGDM and MBA courses are discussed below.
Difference Between PGDM and MBA
- Affiliation and Accreditation: A PGDM program is offered by an autonomous institute that is approved by AICTE but not affiliated to any university. A PGDM program does not need UGC approval as it is not a degree program. An MBA program is offered by a university or a college affiliated to a university that is recognized by UGC. An MBA program needs both UGC and AICTE approval as it is a degree program.
- Curriculum: A PGDM program has a more dynamic and flexible curriculum than an MBA program, as it can update its syllabus according to the changing needs and demands of the industry. A PGDM program focuses more on practical skills and case studies that help students to adapt to the real-world scenarios. An MBA program has a more rigid and fixed curriculum than a PGDM program, as it follows the syllabus prescribed by the university. An MBA program focuses more on theoretical concepts and academic knowledge that help students to understand the fundamentals of management.
- Fees: A PGDM program generally has a higher fee structure than an MBA program, as it is offered by private institutes that have to bear their own expenses. A PGDM program also charges higher fees for providing better infrastructure, facilities, faculty, and placements. An MBA program generally has a lower fee structure than a PGDM program, as it is subsidized by the government or the university. An MBA program also charges lower fees for providing standard education and services.
- Placements: A PGDM program generally has better placement opportunities than an MBA program, as it has more industry tie-ups and corporate networks. A PGDM program also trains its students to be more employable and market-ready by providing them with industry exposure, internships, live projects, etc. An MBA program generally has lower placement opportunities than a PGDM program, as it has less industry connections and corporate relations. An MBA program also trains its students to be more academically sound and knowledgeable by providing them with classroom lectures, assignments, exams, etc.
- Jobs and Salary: A PGDM graduate generally has more job options and higher salary packages than an MBA graduate, as he/she has more practical skills and industry experience. A PGDM graduate also has more chances of getting hired by top companies and MNCs that prefer candidates with updated skills and knowledge. An MBA graduate generally has fewer job options and lower salary packages than a PGDM graduate, as he/she has more theoretical knowledge and academic qualifications. An MBA graduate also has fewer chances of getting hired by top companies and MNCs that prefer candidates with practical skills and experience.
Reasons to Why PGDM/MBA After Engineering
Now that you know the difference between PGDM and MBA courses, you may wonder why you should pursue either of them after engineering. Here are some reasons why you should consider doing a PGDM or an MBA after engineering:
- To Enhance Your Skills: Engineering teaches you technical skills that are essential for your domain of specialization. However, if you want to grow in your career and take up managerial roles, you need to develop other skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, etc. A PGDM or an MBA course can help you to enhance your soft skills and interpersonal skills that are required for effective management.
- To Expand Your Knowledge: Engineering gives you a deep understanding of your core subjects and concepts. However, if you want to diversify your knowledge and learn about other aspects of business and management, you need to study other subjects such as finance, marketing, human resources, operations, strategy, etc. A PGDM or an MBA course can help you to expand your knowledge and learn about the various functions and processes of an organization.
- To Increase Your Employability: Engineering makes you eligible for technical jobs that are related to your field of study. However, if you want to increase your employability and explore new opportunities in the corporate world, you need to have a competitive edge over other candidates. A PGDM or an MBA degree can help you to increase your employability and make you more attractive to potential employers who look for candidates with both technical and managerial skills.
- To Boost Your Career Prospects: Engineering prepares you for entry-level jobs that have limited scope and growth. However, if you want to boost your career prospects and climb up the ladder of success, you need to have higher qualifications and credentials. A PGDM or an MBA degree can help you to boost your career prospects and open up new avenues for advancement and promotion. You can also switch to different domains or sectors that offer better prospects and rewards.
- To Earn Higher Salary: Engineering offers you decent salary packages that are based on your skills and experience. However, if you want to earn higher salary packages that are based on your qualifications and performance, you need to have a higher degree of education and specialization. A PGDM or an MBA degree can help you to earn higher salary packages that are based on your skills and knowledge. You can also negotiate better terms and conditions with your employers or clients.
Siva Sivani Institute of Management
If you are looking for a reputed institute that offers both PGDM and MBA courses in Hyderabad, you should consider Siva Sivani Institute of Management (SSIM). SSIM is an integral part of the Siva Sivani Group of Educational Institutions that has a legacy of over six decades in imparting quality education.
SSIM is approved by AICTE and accredited by NBA and NAAC. SSIM offers various PGDM programs with different specializations such as Triple Specialisation, Banking, Insurance & Financial Services, Business Analytics, etc. SSIM also offers MBA programs in collaboration with foreign universities such as Lincoln University College (Malaysia) and University of Central Missouri (USA).
SSIM has qualified faculty and industry experts as its professors and guest lecturers. SSIM has a rich tradition of academic excellence and holistic development of its students. SSIM has state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities such as AC classrooms, library, cafeteria, auditorium, sports, conference hall, labs, transport facilities, hostels, mess, Wi-Fi enabled campus, gym, medical & hospital facility, security guards, 24×7 camera surveillance, etc.
SSIM has excellent placement records and corporate relations with top companies and MNCs such as Amazon, Deloitte, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, etc. SSIM provides various scholarships and financial assistance to its deserving students based on their entrance exam score, past academic performance or good scores during the term of the program.
If you want to pursue a PGDM or an MBA course after engineering from SSIM Hyderabad, you need to apply online through the official website of the institute. You need to have a valid score in any of the national-level entrance exams such as CAT/XAT/MAT/CMAT/ATMA/GMAT or the state-level entrance exam TSICET. You also need to appear for the group discussion and personal interview conducted by the institute. The final selection will be based on your overall performance in the entrance exam score, GD/PI score, academic record and work experience (if any).
Conclusion
A PGDM or an MBA course after engineering can be a great choice for you if you want to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, increase your employability, boost your career prospects and earn higher salary.
Both PGDM and MBA courses have their own advantages and disadvantages that you need to weigh before making a decision. You should also consider factors such as your interest, aptitude, goals, budget, location, etc. while choosing a course.
You should also research well about the institute that offers the course and check its reputation, accreditation, curriculum, faculty, facilities, placements, fees, scholarships, etc. before applying for admission.
One of the reputed institutes that offers both PGDM and MBA courses in Hyderabad is Siva Sivani Institute of Management (SSIM), which has a legacy of over six decades in imparting quality education and providing excellent opportunities to its students. You can apply online for SSIM Hyderabad through its official website and get admission based on your entrance exam score, GD/PI score, academic record and work experience (if any).
We hope this blog post has helped you to understand the difference between PGDM and MBA courses and the reasons to pursue them after engineering. If you have any queries or doubts, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would be happy to assist you in your career journey. Thank you for reading and all the best!👍