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PGDM in Finance at Great Lakes Institute of Management
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Finance at Great Lakes Institute of Management Chengalpattu?
This Finance specialization program at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, focuses on equipping future managers with robust financial acumen and analytical skills vital for the dynamic Indian and global financial landscapes. It emphasizes a blend of core financial principles with emerging areas like Fintech, sustainable finance, and data analytics, preparing graduates for diverse roles in India''''s rapidly evolving financial sector. The program''''s strength lies in its comprehensive coverage, differentiating it through a practical, industry-aligned approach.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with 0-3 years of work experience aspiring for impactful careers in finance. It caters to individuals seeking entry into investment banking, wealth management, corporate finance, or financial analytics roles. Career changers looking to transition into the financial industry and young professionals aiming to upskill with modern financial tools and strategies, especially those relevant to the Indian market, will find this specialization highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in investment banking, asset management, risk management, corporate finance, and Fintech. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals reaching significantly higher. Growth trajectories are strong, with opportunities to lead financial strategies in Indian and multinational corporations. The curriculum also aligns well with foundations required for professional certifications like CFA and FRM, enhancing career prospects.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Financial Concepts & Quantitative Skills- (Term 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to thoroughly grasp foundational subjects like Accounting for Managers, Financial Management I, and Quantitative Methods. Regularly solve problems from textbooks and supplementary materials, and attend all doubt-clearing sessions to build a strong base for advanced finance topics.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks and case studies, Financial calculators, Excel for basic modeling, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation in these areas is crucial for excelling in finance interviews and understanding advanced concepts required for roles in corporate finance or investment analysis.
Develop Foundational Financial Modeling Skills- (Term 1-2)
Beyond classroom learning, actively practice building financial models using Excel. Start with basic valuation models (e.g., DCF) and financial statement analysis. Enroll in online courses or workshops focused on practical Excel for finance to enhance proficiency.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel, Online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy for Financial Modeling), Great Lakes alumni network for mentorship
Career Connection
Proficiency in financial modeling is a highly sought-after skill for roles in investment banking, equity research, and corporate finance, providing a significant edge during placements.
Engage with Financial News and Market Trends- (Term 1-2)
Cultivate a daily habit of reading financial newspapers (e.g., The Economic Times, Business Standard) and following reputable financial news portals (e.g., Livemint, BloombergQuint). Participate in discussions on current market events with faculty and peers to develop a practical understanding of market dynamics.
Tools & Resources
Economic Times, Business Standard, Livemint, BloombergQuint, CNBC-TV18
Career Connection
Staying updated on market trends is vital for demonstrating industry awareness during interviews and for making informed decisions in future financial roles.
Intermediate Stage
Strategic Elective Selection and Deep Dive- (Term 3)
Carefully select finance electives based on your career interests (e.g., Investment Banking, Fintech, Risk Management). Once chosen, deep-dive into these subjects, exploring beyond the syllabus through research papers, industry reports, and specialized online courses to build specialized knowledge.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, ResearchGate (for papers), Industry reports from IIM/ISB, Specialized MOOCs (e.g., from edX, Coursera), Great Lakes library resources
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge in niche finance areas makes you a more attractive candidate for specific roles and helps you contribute meaningfully to internships and projects.
Seek Internships and Live Projects- (Term 3)
Actively apply for summer internships or participate in live projects offered by financial institutions, startups, or faculty. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in areas like equity research, financial analysis, risk assessment, or wealth management to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Great Lakes Career Services, LinkedIn, Internshala, Company career pages
Career Connection
Internships are critical for networking, gaining practical experience, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting placement prospects.
Participate in Finance Competitions and Certifications- (Term 3)
Engage in finance-related case competitions, stock market simulations, or investment challenges organized by Great Lakes or other institutions. Consider preparing for early levels of professional certifications like CFA (Level I) or FRM (Part I) to validate your financial expertise.
Tools & Resources
National/International case competitions, CFA/FRM study materials, Online practice platforms
Career Connection
Winning competitions and pursuing certifications demonstrate proactive learning and commitment to a finance career, making your profile stand out to recruiters.
Advanced Stage
Tailor Skills for Placement & Industry Readiness- (Term 4)
Identify specific skills required for your target roles (e.g., advanced Excel, Python for finance, database management). Work on projects that showcase these skills. Attend placement workshops and mock interviews focusing on finance-specific questions and case studies to refine your interview readiness.
Tools & Resources
Advanced Excel/VBA courses, Python libraries (Pandas, NumPy, QuantLib), SQL for data management, Placement cell workshops
Career Connection
Developing and showcasing highly relevant technical and soft skills directly increases your chances of securing preferred finance roles and performing well from day one.
Network Extensively with Alumni and Professionals- (Term 4)
Actively connect with Great Lakes alumni working in finance through LinkedIn, alumni events, and mentorship programs. Attend industry webinars, conferences, and seminars to expand your professional network and gain insights into current industry practices and career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Great Lakes Alumni Portal, Industry conferences (e.g., organized by CII, FICCI), Informational interviews
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities, mentorship, and invaluable career advice, which is often crucial for breaking into competitive finance sectors.
Undertake a Comprehensive Capstone Project/Dissertation- (Term 4)
Choose a capstone project or dissertation topic that aligns with your specialization and career goals. Focus on applying advanced financial theories and analytical tools to solve a real-world business problem or analyze a market trend, preferably with an industry mentor.
Tools & Resources
Industry data sets (e.g., CMIE Prowess, Bloomberg Terminal), Statistical software (R, Python, Stata), Faculty mentors, Industry experts
Career Connection
A well-executed capstone project demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research, apply advanced knowledge, and contribute strategically, making it a powerful talking point in placement interviews.
