Who should opt for a management course?

Have you recently graduated from a reputed college? Are you wondering what should be your next career move? Are you contemplating going to a management college in Mumbai? Mumbai is definitely a thriving city where there are multiple opportunities for people from all walks of life. Finishing a course from a renowned management institute in Mumbai can be greatly rewarding not just from the knowledge point of view but also from long term success in the job world. But are you the right candidate for a post graduate course in management? Read on to find out:

Taking up a job immediately after graduation is a good idea. Most students are eager to start working and earning as soon as they finish college. Years of exams, books and assignments; the last thing on your mind may be another degree, which will take two years to complete. Hold that thought and temptation. Doing a management course will help you make wiser career choices in the long run. A college graduate may not attract the right job profile and pay package; but a management graduate may be in a better position to negotiate a salary and job profile. So if investing more time in your career is the only reason you don’t want to do a management course, then it is time to rethink some things.

If you managed to get a great internship in a reputed organization immediately after graduation, then kudos to you. An internship gives you the opportunity to work in an organization’s different department and get an overall gist of what exactly to expect when you take up a full time job. Once you have done an internship for three or six months, you can enrol in a management college. This way you have an overview of what kind of work do you see yourself doing day and day out and what kind of management course will come in handy for that. The internship plus management combo should work well for you.

If you have decided to join a family business but are wondering how to bring more organization skills to the table, then doing a management course is your best bet. Whether it is getting respect from people who have worked with the previous generations in your family, or starting a new department in your family company; a good management course will give you the right exposure to handle all kind of business situations. If you dive head first in to the family business without any managerial experience, you may feel overwhelmed and confused. Arming yourself with a degree will definitely help you in everything from expansion to human resource management.

Let’s say you took up a great job as soon as you graduated. Now you have couple of years’ of work experience, but you are finding it harder and harder to raise the bar as far as taking your promotion and paycheque to the next level are concerned? It may be time to get some academic accreditation. Having worked outside for a few years will definitely help you understand the career path you want to choose. You may have been lucky from the beginning and found the right industry, or you may want to completely switch it up. Once you have made up your mind, you can choose the right management course and have more options to choose from.

While choosing a management college in Mumbai, remember to opt one that has the right accreditation and syllabus.

The Myths about PGDM Colleges

 Post Graduate Diploma in Management or PGDM is usually a two year full time course ideal for fresh graduates, working professionals, or those wanting to get back to studies after a break to kick-start a new career. There is a lot of confusion hovering around the discrepancy between Masters of Business Administration or MBA and Post Graduate Diploma in Management or PGDM. Well, the main difference between the two is that MBA is a degree and PGDM is a diploma. The institutes and management colleges, which offer PGDM courses, are autonomous bodies that are not affiliated with universities. They have different types of accreditation but they are stand alone institutes that do not require any permission to update their syllabus and faculty from time to time.

Here are some common myths about PGDM courses:

1. PGDM courses not have as much value as MBA degrees: Now this one is absolutely untrue. Some of the most renowned colleges in India offer PGDM courses. Depending on the course you choose and the institute you get into, a PGDM can be extremely rewarding for your career.

2. PGDM is not valid for further, higher education: A PGDM done from an accredited university is valid and accepted in all international universities. So, you need not worry at all about your diploma not being recognized if you do decide to work or study abroad.

3. An International university will make the student take another exam with just PGDM: Nope, you are safe here. Even if the international university is unaware of the diploma concept, all you need to do is obtain a AIU – a certificate known as Association of Indian Universities. This additional certificate will ensure a secure admission in international institute of your choice.

4. You cannot obtain a student loan for PGDM: You can very well apply for and be eligible for a student loan for PGDM as long as you do your paperwork properly; which would be the case with any type of loan.

5. You cannot get a government job with a PGDM: Wrong again. As long as you are the right match for the available position, you can get a government job on your diploma.

So there you have it. As long as you have verified the authenticity of the institute, you are good. Now, let’s look at some of the benefits of doing PGDM:

1. PGDM is offered by autonomous institutes, which have liberty to change and update their curriculum as per industry standards without waiting around for approvals.

2. PGDM can offer amazing infrastructure facilities, state-of-the-art classrooms and top level faculty. In short, PGDM from the right institute will ensure amazing exposure to the industry of your choice in a word class environment.

3. PGDM may offer courses in industry verticals, which may be impossible to find in degree colleges. So you can actually specialize in a niche of your choice and get the right environment and syllabus for it.

As a student, you must always keep your options open and gather as much background information as possible. PGDM courses will help you launch your career in the corporate world in the industry of your choice. In this highly competitive world, it is very important to be passionate about your work; arming yourself with the right knowledge for your passion area is like icing on a rich chocolate cake.

PGDM in Mumbai

Knowledge is power! These wise words have a lot of meaning in today’s gadget crazy and demanding world. We are all surviving in a world where instant gratification is definitely the norm. It takes a few seconds to check into a restaurant on Foursaure, tag your friends on Facebook and Instagram a picture of the dishes. So how does one get an edge with education in this ever evolving world? 

A change in direction is a lot more time consuming and costly in terms of a career change today than it probably was a decade ago. So if you are planning on pursuing PGDM in Mumbai, the first thing you need to arm yourself with is absolute clarity.

A baker acquiring a degree in software solutions is of no meaning. Similarly, if you don’t have an exact idea as to why you want to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, chances are you will end up wasting your time, energy and financial resources. Before doing a post graduate course, it is very important to have a clear career direction. This will not just help you in choosing the right course and the right college, but also assist you in making the most of your course and syllabus.

While nothing is really set in stone when it comes to your career and there is no “one” guaranteed winning formula, some things do remain constant as far as moving up the career ladder in concerned. So here are some points to keep in mind before taking a final call about PGDM in Mumbai.

1.     Don’t do it just to add frills to your résumé. Find a course that will actually help you move up in life in the area of your passion.

2.     Do your homework, especially if you are an out of town student. You do not want to be worried sick with unplanned expenses and unpleasant accommodation just because you didn’t plan ahead.

3.     This one goes without saying, but make sure to choose a good college. One that has the right environment, infrastructure, faculty, syllabus and accreditation.

4.     Find out about the career prospects on completion of the course. What is the campus recruitment like? Is there any internship involved? Can you do the course along with an ongoing job?

5.     Do a lot of side reading, which will help you make the right decision. Check out the latest management books, go for a seminar, try to get in touch with the college and ask the questions to clarify any doubts.

6.     Make sure to keep your options open. When it comes to PGDM in Mumbai, try to find out about the various options at hand, instead of putting all your eggs in one basket.

7.     Try to get in touch with few alumni students and get their honest opinion on the course.

As a general rule, management skills come in handy in all areas of life. But if you are certain of the industry to want to choose and grow in, then the right course can totally do wonders for your professional life.  

FAQs for doing MBA in Mumbai

Doing your MBA in Mumbai can be a great career move for you if you have recently graduated and are wondering what should be the next best step for your career. After finishing your graduation, you can either immediately apply for a job, try for an internship for acquire a master’s degree. If you have already chosen your field of advancement and are determined to grow at a steadfast speed in that industry, then getting a degree in that particular industry vertical will really help jump start your career. On the other hand, if you are keen on starting your own venture or planning to join an existing family business, then also a master’s degree from the right college may help you better in the business world.

Students wanting to study MBA in Mumbai often wonder about the future prospects and syllabus in general. Here are some brief guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

1.     Will the degree be recognized? Well, this totally depends on the institution you choose and its accreditation. The most important thing to keep in mind while choosing the MBA course is the recognition of the college or institution. Colleges offering the best of exposure and infrastructure may not have the right accreditation, which can be a problem if you are planning to go abroad for further studies.

2.     How to choose the right course? The definition of the right course greatly depends on the area to want to gain mastery in. For example, if you have 100 percent clarity that you want to pursue a master’s degree in mass media, then you know the right course is one which has top-of-the-line faculty, amazing infrastructure, intelligently crafted and updated syllabus and campus recruiting. So, knowing what you want from the course will definitely help you in choosing the right course.

3.     How can I make the most of my course? Remember, MBA is not just about being book-smart. The whole idea of doing a master’s degree in the field of your choice is also being prepared for the real world. So to get the most out of your course also means getting groomed for what comes after. A good course and the right faculty will make sure that you are a refined individual when you finish the master’s degree. Things like strong interpersonal skills and management qualities are indispensable in today fast moving, ever-evolving world.

Do not think of your master’s degree as a means to end tool. Enjoy the whole MBA college experience by getting involved in the extracurricular activities and participating in the various programmes. You will make some of your best friends, some even for life while pursuing your MBA in Mumbai. There is nothing more exciting than spending time and learning day in and day out with a group of people, who have the same goals and aspirations as you.

Part of doing a Master’s degree also means unlearning some of the things you have learnt before. This is more of a practical guide, something you have chosen to do instead of something that is forced upon you. So be more forthcoming and involved with the course and faculty. Do not be afraid of asking questions and voicing opinions.  

Part Time MBA- A Boon for Working Couples

If you have recently tied the knot, then you know of all the extra pressure that comes with starting a new life. Things like setting up a new home, managing the new expenses, working around each other’s busy schedules and managing your finances can be all very overwhelming if not planned well. Now if you have been married for a long time and are used to you and your spouse bringing in a fixed income, then your finances will be in order. But what if one of you decides to become a student again, go back to school and get a degree? This sudden change in thought may have either come from a willingness to change your career, keep your options open or deciding after years of contemplation to actually take on a post graduate course. Your decision is no longer just about you; you need to think about how it will affect your family’s day to day life. You do, however, have the option to learn and earn at the same time. Part Time MBA may just be your answer.

With Part Time MBA, you can finally get that degree you always wanted. But learning and earning at the same time and being a spouse and having a home to look after can make your life super hectic and frustrating. It is very important to plan things, especially if there are kids in the picture. Remember that you have willingly laid out your plate and put everything on it. So just getting overwhelmed by it is not going to help you enjoy your family life, have good work days and get the most of your management course. Here are some quick tips to balance all areas of your life while pursuing a Part Time MBA.

·      Divide the chores at home. You will need maximum support and help from your spouse. So make sure you explain your schedule to them and express freely as to where all you will need help around the house.

·      Talk to your employer. After understanding your syllabus in detail, make sure to get your employer on board with your study schedule. You want to hold on to your job during the whole time, so be sincere and honest at your workplace and do not take on things, which you may fail to deliver due to other commitments.

·      Take time off. With so many things on your plate, taking on a hobby or finding any time to just sit and relax may look impossible. But make sure to set aside some down time instead of it always being about planning, routines, assignments and work commitments. If you are not having fun, you may just snap and give up at some point.

·      This goes without saying but choose the right course. There is a reason that after so long, you are choosing to back to studies. Make sure to choose the right college and course; one that will actually help you earn more money and get more job satisfaction when you are through.

·      Do not explain your decision to everyone. You may get lots of conflicting opinions about becoming a student again, but in the end only you know what is right for you so do not be afraid to go after your dreams.

Part Time MBA can be just as extensive and worth it if done from the right institute.  If you are sacrificing family time and reducing work hours, so that you can get a degree then make sure to be fully committed to your course.

Choosing Advertising Courses in Mumbai

If you enjoy coming up with creative ideas for brands to push their new products or existing products with new features and innovations, then advertising may just be the industry for you. If you have to trace back to the origin of advertising, it works on few but very solid principles. The multi-billion dollar industry thrives on creating need and lack in the minds of consumers. Somehow the lack of a certain car or a certain mobile phone can trigger feelings of inadequacy. On the other hand, using a certain body spray or facial cream can make you feel a lot more confident and pretty. If you think that you get and comprehend the human psyche, then by all means go ahead with your research on advertising courses in Mumbai.

Advertising today is a way bigger umbrella than it was five or seven years ago. Social media forms the backbone of all kinds of advertising campaigns today. It is safe to say that an advertising campaign, without social media is better off not done at all! Everyone from FMGC brands to political parties to medical institutes to ecommerce labels are using social media to create brand identity, brand awareness and brand recall. So it goes without saying that while choosing from advertising courses in Mumbai, it is advised to go with a course, which gives you 360 degree in-depth exposure to all aspects of advertising.

While it is a good idea to keep your options open as to what exactly you want to do in advertising, it is always beneficial to have some sort of a plan. Do you like copywriting? Are you jingles and slogan writing kind of person? Do you prefer to work on ideas for billboards and hoardings? How about TVCs (commercials)? Do you have what is takes to work into the wee hours of the morning on a commercial set? Or do you prefer to work on ideas related to Pinterest, YouTube and Facebook? Everything from logo design to search engine marketing falls under advertising; what expertise do you want to get into?

Talking to someone who is already working in advertising is a fantastic way to know what to expect and what not to expect when you start studying to become an ad guru. The way an industry looks on the outside and the way it functions on the inside are poles apart. So not getting caught off guard will save you from wasting a lot of your time. Working in the advertising department of a fashion magazine may be a lot different from working on a campaign for the Indian Premier League. Just like medicine has myriad branches and sub branches, advertising too has multiple categories. So get out there, talk to a few people, study their job profiles, study their pay rolls and find out what drives you.

Once you have done more research on what exactly you want to do in advertising, your thesis should shed way more clarity as to which institute will add a lot of weight to your resume when you get out and look for a job. Knowledge is power and in an ever evolving industry like advertising, you have to be willing to constantly upgrade your knowledge – whether it is by getting acquainted with a new gadget or by learning a new skill.

In all likelihood, a course in advertising and a career in the ad world, will take you completely out of your comfort zone and keep you on your toes. It is an exciting industry with a great future; so long as you choose from the right advertising courses in Mumbai and are willing sweat it out!          

Tips for a healthy work-study balance.

6 Simple tips to help balance work and study life.

In today’s day and age, multitasking is the key to  living a successful, well balanced life. With more and more students opting to work and study, and more corporate professionals starting to understand the value of executive programmes, the need to balance studies and work has become even more vital.

Prof. Mary Joyce, a senior lecturer of note, has this to say, “While it is commendable, that young students are actually learning more about work life, by taking up part-time jobs to fuel both their education and pocket money, when their job becomes their first priority, their college work really suffers, and that’s why while I per se, do not discourage the practice, I insist on a proper, job-study balance.” Similar sentiments are also expressed by HR managers of firms, who report that many a times employees become so caught up in their college assignments that their performance on the job really goes down.

This therefore shows the importance of being able to strike the right balance between work and study life. Here are 6 tips that should be able to help you do just that.

Be organized: Organise your school materials in one place so that it would be easy to find them. Mark your calendar with upcoming deadlines of both course and work projects. Start school projects early to allow sufficient time to complete them. In case other things come up in the meantime, be flexible and accommodate them into your schedule, you will be able to simply because you started your project early and are ahead of your classmates.

Create a flexible schedule: Certain parts of your schedule like class times and workdays are going to be inflexible. Fit homework and studying in when you're either not in class or not at the office. Build an easy to follow routine. Allocate non-negotiable time to both homework and studies. As a working student, you have to be ready to adapt to new assignments, unexpected errands, and sudden work crises that need to be addressed immediately. Make enough studying time in your schedule so that if something comes up, you can shift it into another slot during the week.

Communicate your schedule to your employers, friends, clients and family: Make sure that important stakeholders in your life like your employers, parents, clients and family members know your schedule. Sign up for an online calendar and send the URL to the people who depend on knowing where you are and when. Not everyone you work with will understand the demands of being a student and, similarly, not all of your classmates will understand the additional responsibilities of working while in school.

Manage stress: Stress is an inevitable part of being a student and professional - combine both together and you can expect to be stressed out. As much as you may try to prevent stress, you're going to have to learn how to relieve it as well.

●      Take breaks. Give yourself time to collect your thoughts when you need it the most, so you can re-approach things with a clear head.

●      Be active. Stretch. Swim. Run. Lift. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps relieve stress and you'll find that the more you get out and exercise, the easier work and school will seem. Exercising is commonly known to reduce stress.

●      Live. Don't forget to enjoy life. Don't get bogged down by nuisances of the demands of your academic and professional life. Take time to experience the world around you and appreciate your relationships in life. See movies, read books, watch sports. Don't forget to squeeze in the things that make life worth living into your schedule.

Be realistic: There’s never going to be enough time in a day to do everything. Get your priorities straight and don’t harrow yourself if you don’t accomplish every single task you've on your agenda on any given day. Stay positive and be thankful that you have the opportunity to make a living and get an education - two things many people in the world go without.

Remember why you're doing it: First of all don’t ever be down on yourself, and if by chance you feel demotivated or just mentally unable to cope, remember the reasons you are taking on work and studies at the same time. Sure it is like accepting a Herculean challenge that most people don't dare to attempt. You too wouldn’t be doing it if you didn't have strong reasons and motivation. Whether it's the desire to earn your own keep, pay your way through school and remain debt-free, or because you want to get ahead in your career (or switch to your dream career), or simply because you know that life is short and you want to make the most of it -- keep your goals in mind whenever it starts to feel like too much.

Following these easy to remember tips will definitely help you strike the right kind of balance in between your work and study. Remember there are a few people who can do, what you are doing, and that itself is something you ought to be proud of!