Who Earns More MBA vs PGDM?

Did you know that only 25% of business school graduates earn more than $100,000 per year? That’s right, despite the high tuition fees and rigorous academic training, only a quarter of business school graduates land high-paying jobs.

In today’s fast-paced world, choosing a programme after graduation is one of the most crucial decisions for any student. With the rise of management studies, the two most popular programmes that come to mind are Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Both programmes are designed to offer an in-depth understanding of management principles and prepare students for leadership roles in various sectors. In this article, we will discuss the differences between PGDM and MBA, and which one is the better option for students.

PGDM vs. MBA: Programme Content

PGDM is a diploma programme that focuses more on practical knowledge rather than theoretical knowledge. The programme content is regularly updated to keep up with the changing business world, and students are exposed to various aspects of management, including finance, marketing, human resource management, and operations. On the other hand, an MBA is a degree programme that follows a more theoretical approach. The programme content is designed to cover a wide range of topics, including business ethics, economics, accounting, and finance.

PGDM vs. MBA: Curriculum

The curriculum for both programmes is different. PGDM is more flexible and allows for more specialisation in specific fields, whereas MBA follows a more standardised approach. The duration of PGDM is generally two years, while an MBA programme can range from 1-2 years. Another significant difference is that PGDM programmes are offered by autonomous institutions, while MBA programmes are offered by universities.

PGDM vs. MBA: Recognition and Accreditation

When it comes to choosing between a PGDM and an MBA, recognition and accreditation are important factors to consider. In India, PGDM programmes are recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), while MBA programmes are recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). However, in the USA, South Africa, Nigeria, and other countries, accreditation requirements may vary. It is important to research and understand the accreditation requirements of the specific country and industry you wish to work in.

Despite the different recognition and accreditation requirements, both PGDM and MBA programmes are highly valued in the corporate world globally. The recognition factor may not make a significant difference in terms of job prospects, but it is important to ensure that the programme you choose is accredited by a reputable organisation in your country.

PGDM vs. MBA: Job Prospects and Salary

There are a number of jobs you can qualify for, with either an MBA or a PGDM, here are a few:

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) Jobs

1. Business Development Manager: As a Business Development Manager, you will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, generating leads, and building relationships with clients.
2. Marketing Manager: As a Marketing Manager, you will develop marketing strategies and plans, oversee advertising and promotion campaigns, and manage product development and pricing.
3. Operations Manager: As an Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring that resources are efficiently utilised, and implementing process improvements.
4. Financial Analyst: As a Financial Analyst, you will analyse financial data and provide insights to support strategic decision-making, budgeting, and forecasting.
5. Human Resources Manager: As a Human Resources Manager, you will oversee employee recruitment, training, and development, manage employee relations, and ensure compliance with labour laws.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Jobs

1. Management Consultant: As a Management Consultant, you will provide advice and support to organisations on strategic planning, organisational design, and process improvement.
2. Investment Banker: As an Investment Banker, you will provide financial advisory services to corporations and governments, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and restructuring.
3. Business Development Director: As a Business Development Director, you will oversee the development of new business opportunities, manage key accounts, and drive revenue growth.
4. Marketing Director: As a Marketing Director, you will lead marketing teams, develop marketing strategies, and oversee marketing campaigns and initiatives.
5. Chief Financial Officer (CFO): As a CFO, you will be responsible for managing the financial operations of a company, including financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, as well as financial risk management and strategic planning.

One of the most critical factors that students consider while choosing a programme is the job prospects and salary structure. According to recent studies, students with a PGDM degree have better job prospects and higher starting salaries than those with an MBA degree. 

The average salary for a PGDM graduate is around:

• ₹1,290,000 per annum in India 
• R481,000 per annum in South Africa 
• $49,000 per annum in USA
• ₦4,800,000 per annum in Nigeria

while the average salary for an MBA graduate is around: 

• ₹800,000 per annum in India
• R394,000 per annum in South Africa
• $65,000 per annum in USA
• ₦3,600,000 per annum in Nigeria

So Who Earns More?

Both the PGDM and MBA programmes are excellent options for students looking to pursue a career in management. While PGDM focuses more on practical knowledge and offers more specialisation options, an MBA follows a more theoretical approach and is recognised by universities. In terms of job prospects and salary, PGDM graduates have an edge over MBA graduates. However, the choice ultimately depends on the student’s interests, career goals, and preferred learning style.

At Regenesys Business School, we take pride in our PGDM programme, which is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge required to succeed in the corporate world. Our programme is tailored to meet the needs of today’s fast-paced business environment, and we offer a range of specialisations to choose from.

So, if you’re ready to take the first step towards a successful career in management, enrol in our PGDM programme today!

References

1. MBA Crystal Ball.(2022) PGDM vs MBA
2. CollegeDekho.(2021) PGDM vs MBA
3. Shiksha.(2023) PGDM vs MBA Which Is Better
4. CNN MONEY.(2023) Global Wage Calculator 
5. Regenesys Business School. (2022)  Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management
6. Regenesys Business School.(2021) Masters of Business Administration

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