10 Things to Keep in Mind If You Are a Management Aspirant

One can’t deny the fact that there is a flurry of activity and the management education scene is witnessing a never before seen rush. This is probably because of increased globalization and more startups being established by young entrepreneurs. There is a dearth of qualified people and the demand for management graduates is on the increase.

If you have already decided to pursue your PGDM, check out the top PGDM colleges in India before enrolling. Once you enroll, you will belong to a community of a privileged few. However, before enrolling for your course, there are a few important things to keep in mind as a management aspirant.

Here are 5 things to remember before enrolling and 5 after enrolling for best courses in management.  

Things to Remember Before Joining PGDM

1. Work on Your Soft Skills

You may be technically brilliant or a subject matter expert in your own right. However, if you have poor soft skills, you will feel like a fish out of water from day one. Sure, the institution is going to train you in communication skills. But it is better to acquire some soft skills before joining the course. Remember that you need to be a match to your peers who will be from diverse backgrounds.

2. Have Realistic Expectations

Completing your management course does not make you a prime candidate overnight. You may have read about some management graduate being offered an incredible Rs.1-crore or 2-crore package. The reality is this does not happen with every single student passing out. There are personal capabilities and levels that come into play. Moreover, keep a realistic figure which is more down-to-earth and practical. Of course, if you get placed internationally, the package will definitely be much higher.

3. Be Prepared to Work Hard

Studying for a management degree is not the same as studying for undergraduate courses. Be prepared for grueling schedules every day. Apart from the classroom activities, you’ll be involved in workshops, will have to attend seminars and internships. Even the classroom will be quite different from what you’ve been used to until now. Always remember that being forewarned is being forearmed. And also remember that the rewards will more than match the effort you put in.

4. Work on Your Resume

Things don’t happen by themselves after admission is over. You are going to be very busy throughout and won’t have a minute of spare time. It makes sense to work on your resume and have it look impressive because it is part of your PGDM placement preparation and you’ll be needing it during the PGDM placement season. There’ll be preliminary placements before final placements when you need to decide on which job you are going to settle for. Remember that your resume reflects your profile and a good one can easily impress the recruiters or a shabby one can make them lose interest.

5. Read Books and Newspapers

Cultivate a reading habit if you don’t have it already. Being well informed is crucial, so read business-related books by leading authors as well as the leading newspapers (regular and financial) to keep abreast of events. Subscribing to important newsletters also helps as it widens your knowledge base.

Things to Keep in Mind After Joining a PGDM Course

1. Focus on Academics

Don’t fritter away even a minute of the 2 years you’ll spend at the best B-School. Make sure that you don’t miss even a single hour of class. While working hard is good, working smart is better. Check out the previous years’ notes and papers. Be abreast of the latest concepts and be the first to broach them during debates and discussions. Go through some interesting case studies and research your subject well.

2. Co-curricular Activities

Make sure you actively participate in all co-curricular activities. Involve yourself in preparing case studies, business plans, and other PPT presentations. This will not only enrich your learning experience but will stand you in good stead when you complete the course. Recruiters look out for prospective candidates who have the maximum number of relevant skill sets.

3. Be Active on Social Media

Social media is the happening place these days and you can’t afford to miss out on it. Have an impressive LinkedIn profile and if you feel it does not look good enough, spruce it up to make it impressive. Remember that the first place recruiters look for prospective candidates is on LinkedIn. It doesn’t hurt to be active on Facebook and Twitter as well and be part of the network. Joining interesting and like-minded relevant groups helps widen your base.

4. Active in Clubs

There will be no dearth of clubs in any of the top B-Schools in India. While joining as many as you can handle is good, you need to see how you can manage your time as well. Try to be part of at least 2 to 3 clubs. One club should be for focusing on your placement chances. You should also choose a club that matches your interests so that you spend quality time with like-minded peers. Of course, there is always the need for recreation and exercise, so be part of a club that offers the most in recreational activities.

5. Leisure Activities

Focusing only on studies without any leisure activities can make a person dull.  If you are keen on trekking, go on a trip over the weekend. If it is kayaking that interests, you indulge in it, provided there are rapids in your vicinity. Physical activity is good for the mind and body and keeps you healthy and fit.

Overall, PGDM does not restrict you to academics alone. It makes a complete person of you and prepares you for leadership roles. Make the best use of what your institution has to offer you and you will never regret it throughout your life.

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Be Engaged. Be Aware. Be Open to Learning.