Onward To Opportunity: Why An MBA/PGDM Degree Will Be A Job Magnet As The Economy Reopens Post-COVID

Ritesh Goyal Sep 29, 2020

The true essence of an MBA journey is to face the business challenges and to thrive in an economy; this pandemic and its consequences on our economy is one of them. The Coronavirus crisis has caused a considerable dent in the global economy. The complete lockdown situation from March 2020 has also made it worse for India. Until March 2020, MBA/PGDM aspirants were preparing in full swing for the entrance examinations. The crisis might be impacting jobs but is a good time to pursue an MBA/PGDM.

Business schools are finding themselves reinventing everything they held true prior to the COVID-19 crisis. This has helped colleges to design their curriculum in a way that helps students to be ready to face the post Covid job industry. It is natural amidst the chaos to be in crossroads, whether to pursue an MBA/PGDM or to pause the plans. However, be it the economic slowdown or the pandemic, either is not here to stay permanently. Short term decisions that might seem right at the moment often do not seem to fulfill long term goals. An MBA/PGDM degree is one’s investment in themselves. Let’s take an example of the stock market. Just like stocks will have ups and downs, similarly, one is bound to have ups and downs in their career. The right skill set, business acumen, willingness to excel, one’s value just like a stock will keep rising, only if they keep investing in themselves.

Following are some of the insights and reasons on why an MBA/PGDM degree will help students lead a successful career post-Covid:

Strategic and innovative thinking skills: Managing strategy and innovation will experience growing demand in the upcoming years, more than any other skill. It includes skills like analyzing data or information, thinking creatively, and developing objectives and strategies. These skills differentiate an MBA hire from others.

Digital transformation and technological upskilling: We have seen a lot of early-stage startups and other companies, resorting to digital transformation to cope with the challenges during the pandemic. Upskilling in terms of technology will play a crucial role in the coming years for any organization. Recruiters will look for candidates who are well equipped with such skills and can manage the technological processes as well as digital tools in the organization.

Interpersonal skills: As the world evolves to become more focused on digital tools, managers having great interpersonal skills, human connection and empathy will be more in demand. It is quite ironic but digital tools may not be able to fill the gap that human empathy and understanding can. An MBA/PGDM degree focuses on building interpersonal skills that include active listening, communicating with internal and external stakeholders, persuasion and negotiation, time management and social perceptiveness.

Leadership skills: Leadership may not only be expected by supervisors or managers. In the post-Covid era, corporates will require resources who can display leadership abilities in all facets of life. It will be important to communicate one’s strategy and vision which can only be developed through analytical and strategic thinking approaches. An MBA/PGDM degree helps students to take the charge and sail through the journey of two years through a rigorous curriculum wherein real world business problems are solved.

Adaptability and Flexibility: In the new normal, we see most of the corporate employees working from home. While the geographical mobility has become restricted, it is quite possible this will continue post-pandemic. Students should prepare themselves to adapt to such a working environment. This will require them to manage their own time, and work well under pressure. Prioritizing tasks, catering to deadlines and taking additional responsibilities will be few expectations of the organization.

The aforementioned skills are brought to the table by business students. Once the economy starts recovering, the job scenario will change for good. At that time, these skills will be the topmost priority for employers which an MBA/PGDM degree can surely help students to inculcate in themselves. Starting to prepare oneself for the job market and investing at the right time, which is now, will surely enable students to bag opportunities and climb up the career ladder with the right educational degree.