The business domain is rapidly evolving, and marketing is emerging as a part of this revolution. Many companies nowadays require intelligent professionals who can use ingenuity with data and blend traditional tactics with digital disruption.
It is here that a Marketing specialisation in PGDM becomes applicable.
Choosing marketing as your focus in a PGDM program can open many doors. It can help you to acquire the latest skills that employers are looking for today. You will gain a foundation for a career that can expand in many different ways.
In this blog, we'll discuss why marketing is an excellent option for your PGDM. We'll also provide you with tips on what to look for when you decide to find the best PGDM colleges for marketing to begin with.
What is a PGDM in Marketing?
A PGDM course is industry-oriented and hands-on. It is more agile towards market trends compared to the way an MBA program that sticks to academic theories. PGDM courses revise their teaching according to what is currently required by companies.
A PGDM in marketing includes important topics such as digital marketing and brand management. These are topics that are highly necessary in order to establish a solid foundation in the industry. Furthermore, students are taught both analytical and creative skills. They find out about designing campaigns that succeed and the means of measuring them.
Why choose marketing? The answer is simple- businesses always require good marketers. From e-commerce to IT companies to consumer goods businesses, the demand is strong. Marketing jobs are on the rise in nearly every sector.
7 Reasons to Choose a Marketing Specialisation in PGDM
[1] High Demand in the Job Market
Companies are in an active search for marketing professionals. Digital marketers, brand managers, and data analysts are particularly sought after. The marketing positions have experienced consistent growth. In fact, digital marketing jobs have increased by more than 30% over the past few years. As businesses allocate more funds online, this trend is bound to continue. This translates into more employment opportunities and improved job security for marketing graduates.
[2] Diverse Career Opportunities
One of the greatest things about marketing is how many different hats you can wear. You might become a digital marketer, building online campaigns. Or you may like being a market researcher who analyses customer wants. Moreover, content strategy and public relations are other possibilities.
Additionally, these skills work in almost any industry. For example, you could market tech products, healthcare services, or fashion items. You might also work for a big company or help startups grow. The choices are almost endless, and because of this, you can find a path that matches your interests.
[3] Blend of Creativity and Analytics
You should understand that marketing today combines science and art. On one side, you'll learn how to craft amazing campaigns and great stories. On the other side, you'll become an expert in data tools that reveal whether your ideas are paying off.
PGDM courses also train valuable technical skills. You'll study SEO to get websites ranked higher. You'll utilise tools such as Google Analytics to monitor campaign performance. Most programs also teach CRM software and AI tools that enhance marketing. This combination of skills makes you a sought-after employee.
[4] Exposure to Digital Marketing Trends
The world of marketing is constantly evolving, and a strong PGDM program evolves with it. You'll study social media marketing and how to collaborate with influencers. Apart from this, you will also be exposed to automation tools that reduce time and enhance outcomes.
More significantly, you'll future-proof yourself. Some programs now include marketing in the metaverse or with AI to forecast customer behaviour. These visionary skills will keep you relevant in the course of your career.
[5] Competitive Salaries and Growth
Let's discuss money. Marketing professionals generally have good pay, particularly those with PGDM qualifications. Good companies' entry-level jobs usually begin with good pay annually.
The career trajectory also provides speedy development. With experience, you can shift to higher-level positions such as Marketing Manager or CMO. Some marketers even end up becoming general business leaders as they know customers so well.
How You Can Choose the Top PGDM Marketing Colleges
The right college is equally important as the right specialisation. Here's how to judge the best PGDM colleges for marketing:
[1] Accreditation & Reputation
First, verify whether the college is AICTE-approved (All India Council for Technical Education). After this, you can also search for other certifications, such as AMBA or AACSB, that are indicators of quality. Find out how the college ranks in terms of marketing programs, not general. Good colleges tend to be listed in business school rankings by reputable publications.
[2] Industry Collaborations
The top colleges have close ties with actual corporations. They organise internships so you can practice what you've learned. They have industry professionals come in for workshops and guest lectures.
Seek collaborations with marketing-dominant corporations such as Google, Unilever, or Amazon. Such affiliations tend to translate into offers of employment after graduation. They also guarantee the program imparts learnings that employers really need.
[3] Placement Track Record
Make sure you carefully check the placement reports of the college. Go beyond the average salary to find out exactly how marketing graduates do. Which firms employ them? What jobs do they receive? How many students get marketing jobs within a few months of graduation?
Good colleges typically have special recruitment sessions specifically for marketing positions. They invite advertising agencies, consumer goods firms, and digital marketing companies. These firms are specifically seeking marketing graduates.
[4] Relevance to Curriculum
Marketing is constantly evolving. Make sure the college's programs include hip subjects like AI marketing and omnichannel strategies. The greatest programs update their curriculum every year.
Most excellent programs integrate industry certifications into the curriculum. For example, you might earn Google Analytics or HubSpot certifications while studying. These certificates make you a more attractive job candidate.
[5] Global Exposure
Marketing concepts are universal, yet practices differ depending on the nation. International exchange programs or international case competitions of colleges provide a wider outlook. This international awareness is useful in case you would like to be employed by multi-national corporations or global brands.
Tip: Do virtual open houses or talk to current students first before deciding. They can tell you about college culture and opportunities that websites don't mention.
Maximising Your PGDM in Marketing Experience
Once you're in a program, take advantage! Do internships to get work experience. Get additional certifications, such as Google Analytics or Meta Blueprint, to make yourself more employable.
You can also participate in marketing workshops and competitions whenever you can. These activities hone skills and networks. Also, build a portfolio of your projects to be able to demonstrate to future employers what you can do.
Make use of all the resources in the college. Visit the career centre and seek resume guidance. You can also connect with alumni at companies you admire. If your college has a startup incubator, test your marketing skills by working with new companies.
Final Thoughts
A Marketing specialisation in PGDM presents a thrilling career path. It blends creative work with data skills that employers prize. The profession keeps expanding as companies spend more on effectively reaching customers.
Invest the time to explore the top PGDM colleges for marketing based on the suggested criteria. A good program not only helps you learn worthwhile skills but also introduces you to prospects and individuals who will help launch your career.
Marketing is still among the safest professional choices today because it keeps adapting to changes and trends with every new business revolution. It needs the proper training and attitude to establish a lucrative career that is always moving ahead with the world of business.