My Experience with the PGDM Program

Earning a master’s degree helps one gain specialized knowledge to advance in your field and that’s the reason why I decided to start one of the most important phases of my life with the PGDM course at Vivekanand Business School, Mumbai. I got admitted in the 2018-2020 batch and my aim was to be a better version of my existing self, be ready to work in the corporate and to acquire and master new skills in my field, Human Resources. The PGDM course had a lot to offer including a cross-cultural exposure and a global perspective to the students, a golden chance to study at its International B-Schools and Universities though their extensive International Student Exchange Program.

The Vivekanand PGDM program began with a three-day outbound program where our instructors encouraged us to bond with one another by randomly assigning teams and engaging us in management-based games and experiential learning activities. To be honest, this was one of the best strategies to enhance our overall educational experience. This unique approach by Vivekanand Business School, Mumbai (VBS Mumbai) not only broke the ice but also laid the foundation for strong peer relationships, collaboration, and early exposure to real-world leadership and team dynamics—key components of a future-ready business education.

My days back at the institute consisted of lectures, extensive reading, research, and daily learning. I vividly recall my very first presentation on “Blockchain Technology and its Implementation in the Banking Sector.” The in-depth research and insights I gained while working on it made me even more proud to be a part of the Vivekanand PGDM program. VBS provides a wealth of opportunities to its students through its industry-focused PGDM curriculum—one such opportunity was learning SAS, a powerful computer programming language widely used in analytics. The Business Analytics specialization at Vivekanand Business School allowed me to explore Visual Analytics in depth, and I even completed hands-on projects using real-world datasets, enriching both my academic and practical learning experience.

 

One important lesson I took away from my PGDM course at Vivekanand Business School (VBS Mumbai) is that life is about continuous growth, learning, and acquiring meaningful knowledge. The more you focus on the learning journey, the more you unlock your potential. I shaped my entire VBS experience around this belief—exploring new opportunities, stepping outside my comfort zone, and embracing challenges. This mindset not only helped me thrive academically in the Vivekanand PGDM program, but also earned me a spot in the prestigious International Student Exchange Program that VBS offers in partnership with UPCT, Spain. As part of this enriching global experience, I was awarded a fully funded Erasmus+ scholarship from the European Council, giving me international exposure and a truly global perspective.

At UPCT, Spain, I explored the statistical aspects of corporate functions through an engaging module of courses and academic reports. I also had the opportunity to assist one of my professors with his research paper—an experience that significantly enhanced my analytical abilities and improved my employability. I am truly grateful to Vivekanand Business School (VBS Mumbai) and its well-structured Vivekanand PGDM program for offering such impactful international opportunities. This global exposure not only enriched my academic journey but also gave me a competitive edge in the job market.

During the second year of my PGDM at Vivekanand Business School, I had the chance to dive deeper into subjects related to Human Resources—my area of specialization. It was one of the most enriching parts of the course. The faculty didn’t just stick to theory; they introduced us to real-time HR practices through interactive workshops at companies like RCF, live industry projects, and guest sessions led by HR experts. What stood out most was the collaboration between VBS and SHRM, one of the leading global HR bodies. Thanks to this, we had the opportunity to earn a professional certification that gave me a clearer understanding of my field and strengthened my resume for future roles.

All in all, the PGDM course at Vivekanand Business School (VBS) helped me grow both personally and professionally. It gave me the right platform to learn, evolve, and achieve the goals I had set for myself before joining the program. I’m truly grateful to VBS for creating an environment that supports students at every step of their journey.

Akanksha Chemburkar

Vivekanand Business School