Home » Career Guidance » A Guide to Choosing the Best Career Option for Commerce Students
“Commerce changes the fate and genius of nations”– Thomas Gray
That is so true, because a person who understands the principle of commerce, can create a bright future for themselves. That is why over 40.3 lakh students choose commerce as their preferences as their subject stream. There are multiple r options for commerce students can choose from. But the availability of many options also creates confusion.
And you may ask questions like, what are the best career options and how one can achieve them. Don’t worry, here you will get to know all about the best courses in commerce to pursue after the 12th and what career opportunities in commerce that you can go for. So, without any delay let’s get started.
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) is one of the most preferred courses in commerce for every other student. It is a three-year undergraduate course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of commerce such as accounting, finance, economics, business management, and taxation.
The B.com course curriculum is aimed to equip you with practical and theoretical knowledge that is essential for pursuing careers in the corporate world or in the field of finance, banking, accounting, or entrepreneurship. The course also provides a strong foundation for pursuing further studies such as MBA or CA. B.com. It opens up various career options for commerce students, that’s why it is an excellent choice for you want to build a successful career in the commerce field and acquire a deep understanding of business, finance, and economics.
Read about:
Career after BCom
BCom Accounting and Finance Course in India
Bachelor of Economics (BE) is the second in after 12th commerce courses list. It is an undergraduate academic degree program that focuses on the study of economics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and other related fields.
This course will teach you about economic principles, theories, and policies, as well as the skills necessary to apply them in real-world situations. You will get to learn about how to analyse economic data, develop economic models, and make informed decisions about resource allocation and policy-. A BE degree can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as finance, business, government, and academia. That is why it is one of the best commerce courses for students which opens career options for commerce students additionally, after graduation, you can also pursue further studies in economics or related fields.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is an undergraduate degree program that is the best course for commerce students. This course focuses on providing students with a broad foundation in various aspects of business and management. The program covers subjects like accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations management.
BBA programs will prepare you for career in business by providing practical skills and theoretical knowledge. This degree is designed to open various career options for commerce students, as it equips students with the skills required to pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including marketing, finance, accounting, and management. The duration of this course is three to four years, depending on the institution. After graduation you can pursue further education, such as an MBA, or start working in various industries, including finance, marketing, and consulting.
Explore about:
Best Career Options for BBA Graduates
Exciting Jobs To Watch For After BBA
Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Insurance (BBI) is a three-year undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the banking and insurance industry. This program covers the subjects like accounting, finance, economics, business law, banking operations, insurance principles, and risk management. This is one of the courses in commerce which teaches students about the various functions of the banking sector, including commercial banking, investment banking, and international banking.
If you choose this course, you will gain knowledge of insurance products such as life, health, and general insurance, as well as the regulatory framework governing the industry. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge, thus, enabling various career options for commerce students in the banking and insurance sectors or related industries.
Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Market (BFM) is another one of the commerce courses after 12th . It is an undergraduate program that focuses on developing knowledge and skills of students in the financial markets. The course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the financial world, including financial instruments, investment strategies, risk management, and financial analysis.
The course covers various subjects such as accounting, economics, financial management, securities markets, derivatives, and portfolio management. BFM course opens multiple career options for commerce students in finance, banking, investment, insurance, and other related fields. This degree is ideal for you if you are interested in pursuing a career in the financial market or those who want to gain knowledge and skills to manage their own investments.
Suggested Read: BBA vs BCOM – Which Should You Opt For?
Career Option |
Skills Required |
Average Salary (in INR) |
Chartered Accountant |
1. Accounting and Tax Knowledge 2. Knowledge of Regularity Standards 3. Software Proficiency 4. Analytical Skills 5. Communication Skills |
6 LPA |
Certified Public Accountant
|
1. Communication Skills 2. Public Relations 3. Strategic Thinking 4. Accounting Knowledge 5. Technical Abilities |
2 LPA |
Digital Marketer
|
1. Content Creation 2. Data Analytics 3. CRM 4. SEO & SEM Knowledge 5. Communication Skills |
3 LPA |
Cost and Management Accountant
|
1. Research Skills 2. Problem-Solving Skills 3. Analytical Skills 4. Forecasting Skills 5. Budget Analysis |
7 LPA |
Cost Secretary
|
1.Time-Management Skills 2. Multi-Tasking Skills 3. Analytical Skills 4. Strong Numerical Skills 5. Knowledge of Company Law |
6 LPA |
Investment Banker
|
1. Numerical Skills 2. Analytical Skills 3. Problem Solving Skills 4. Project Management Skills 5. Networking Skills |
4 LPA |
Financial Analyst
|
1. Accounting Skills 2. Financial Literacy 3. Technical Skills 4. Interpersonal Skills 5. Problem-Solving Skills |
4.6 LPA |
Research Analyst
|
1. Statistical and Maths Knowledge 2. Data Analysis 3. Problem-Solving Skills 4. Critical Thinking 5. Attention to details |
3.5 LPA |
Data Analyst
|
1. SQL Knowledge 2. Data Management 3. Statistical Programming 4. Machine Learning 5. Analytical Skills |
4.2 LPA |
Business Development Manager
|
1. Analytical Skills 2. Problem-Solving Skills 3. Negotiation Skills 4. Technical Skills 5. Project Management Skills |
5.7 LPA |
Athletic Director
|
1. Interpersonal Communication Skills 2. Leadership Skills 3. Analytical Skills 4. Budgeting Skills 5. Problem-Solving Skills |
7.2 LPA |
Writer
|
1. Creativity 2. Research Skills 3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 4. Editing/Proofreading 5. Time-Management Skills |
3.8 LPA |
Relationship Manager
|
1. Presentation Skills 2. Negotiation Skills 3. Problem-Solving Skills 4. Mathematical Skills 5. Technical Skills |
3.5 LPA |
Event Planner
|
1. Leadership Skills 2. Strategic Thinking 3. Problem-Solving Skills 4. Communication Skills 5. Change Management |
3 LPA |
Lawyer
|
1. Law & Legal Knowledge 2. Verbal Communication Skills 3. Logical and Rational Thinking 4. Technical Skills 5. Teamwork |
3.5 LPA |
Salary Source: Ambition Box, Payscale
As a CA (Chartered Accountancy) professional, you will become an accountant and financial expert which is considered one of the best career options for commerce students. As CA you will be providing financial advice, auditing, taxation, and accounting services to individuals, businesses, and organizations.
The career path for a CA typically involves completing a rigorous education program, including practical experience and passing certification exams. Once qualified, you can work in a variety of fields, including public accounting, corporate finance, government, or academia. This career is highly respected and in demand due to specialized knowledge and expertise in financial matters. Your career in CA can lead to a lucrative and rewarding profession with many opportunities for growth and advancement.
Also Read: Salary of a Chartered Accountant in India
A certified Public Accountant or CPA for short is a finance expert who has a certification to work as an accountant. They prepare tax returns, budgets and reports, and conduct audits for clients. The CPA also ensures all financial documents are as per law. CPAs can work as bookkeepers and also as accounts payable clerks in India. As CPA you are also eligible to work internationally, however, they might have to take additional examinations, this one for the great career options for commerce students after graduation.
This is one of such career options in commerce that is a different career path than Finance but just as profitable. The best part about these career options for commerce studentsis that there are many sub-specializations to explore and work in. Branding, SEO, SEM, social media, Content Writing, and even Analytics all have different job positions and salary ranges. The responsibilities will differ in each position.
Give a read to Guide to Become a Freelance Digital Marketing Professional.
A Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) is one of the great career options for commerce students. As a CMA professional, you will specialize in financial management and strategic planning. And use your knowledge of accounting, economics, and business management to help organizations make informed financial decisions.
CMAs work to analyse financial data to identify trends, create budgets, and develop forecasts. They also advise on cost management and cost control strategies, helping organizations to reduce expenses and increase profitability. This career in commerce requires a strong understanding of financial accounting principles, as well as excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. You can work in the private sector but may also work in government or non-profit organizations as CMA.
Indian students popularly choose either CA or CS for core finance career options for Commerce students. CS or Company Secretary is provided by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. CS performs several responsibilities including administrative and financial duties. Major duties include taking care of tax returns, auditing, ensuring financial regulations are met, and also maintaining financial records. This is thebest career in commerce that is not clerical, like its name.
Among other career options for commerce students mentioned here, investment banking requires a certification or degree. Investment banking is a profession that is about investing and helping clients make the most money effectively. These are experts who have high levels of analytical and persuasion abilities. The range of clients for investment banking ranges from multinational corporations and even the Government. Most employers for investment bankers are banks where they will look for ways to raise capital. Other responsibilities include helping with mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, hedge and mutual funds, and also private placement of capital.
A Financial Analyst is an analytics position that deals with large amounts of data. They will look over the current financial status of a company and then make recommendations to make changes. These changes are designed to get more profit through better investments. This full-time career options for commerce students have the financial analyst preparing investment strategies and overlooking investment decisions. All decisions are done after looking over the company’s past and present data.
Suggested Read: Career Path and Scope of CFA in India
Research Analyst is also on the list of career options for commerce students. As, a research analyst your responsibilities vary according to the employer; generally, you will be involved in preparing reports based on the investigation of data involving markets, finance, operations, customers, etc. Some responsibilities this analyst handles are creating financial models, report writing, and analysing operating metrics. Most of the work of a Research Analyst is done using spreadsheets for which one needs to know to how to forecasts. Research Analysts are one career option for commerce students where most employers are in Finance or Economics.
One up-and-coming career options for commerce students is Data Analyst. Data Analysts work with data from collection to analysis and also interpret it. You will be using tools such as SQL, Python, and R to extract and manipulate data, and often present their findings in visual formats such as charts or graphs.
Data Analysts also help identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for optimizing data-driven processes. This career in commerce requires strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, and is in high demand across various industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology.
All businesses, big or small, require an expert who knows to expand them. The role of a Business Development Manager is central to the future success of a company. They are trained to research and find out the best markets that fit company goals, generate leads, meet with prospective clients and also maintain relationships.
Business Development Managers are one of the top career options for commerce students that require a strategic mindset with also an ability to multitask and work on their own. Sales, marketing, and price negotiation are also additional tasks handled by the BDM.
This is one of the completely different career options for commerce students is in Sports Management. The Athletic Director is responsible for different sports teams and also schools and universities. Here, you will handle the entire Athletics department. This is more of an administrative role but requires knowledge of sports and fitness as well. For instance, on an average day, the Athletic Director would be preparing the sports budget, hiring coaches, and arranging and attending conferences. Other tasks also include taking care of sports equipment, managing disputes, and writing reports on the school teams.
There are many career options for commerce students that do not require additional qualifications. One can even work in these positions while completing their studies. Writing or authoring is one such job. Here, writing can be in terms of SEO writing for blogs, website copies, and also books. All one needs to work in this role is a steady internet connection, a laptop, and creativity with words.
Writers can work both in a full-time capacity and as remote workers in a freelance capacity. In the latter mode, payment is the form of per word, per hour, or project basis. Writers can choose the type of project or niche to write on.
Within organizations, many jobs do not require individuals to pursue a specific degree. Among them, Relationship Managers are top of the list. This is one career options for commerce students that provide long-term sustainability. Relationship Managers maintain relationships with a company’s customers. From answering queries and complaints to general information and sales, all fall under the purview of the Relationship Manager’s duties.
Through the efforts of the Relationship Manager, the business expands and also brings in more profit. Undoubtedly, Relationship Managers need to be good communicators and have interpersonal skills. Being able to convince people and ability to perceive emotions would make the job easy. Most RMs are given a set of customers or vendors to fully service while also acquiring new customers.
Event planning is one of the top career options for commerce students to thrive in. The Event Planners manage personal and corporate events from start to finish. All aspects of the event, from meeting clients, researching, and talking to vendors to the actual day itself, everything is under the Event Planner. Most Event Planners work on their own through an entrepreneurial practice or under an Event Management company. Half of the job involves visiting sites and talking with vendors to negotiate deals. This is quite a tough and also taxing job.
Some of the best course for commerce students that is also not about core finance is the law. These career options for commerce students, in truth, involve a complete change of career. However, lawyers hold a prestigious position in society and they work in servicing others. Fresh graduates, generally, start by assisting a senior lawyer. After some time and experience, they handle their cases in any field of law.
Know about how to become a lawyer.
Other Helpful Resources:
Best Courses and Careers in Commerce Stream
Complete List of Highest Paying Commerce Stream Jobs
Comprehensive Guide on Understanding CFA vs CA
Solving the CFA vs. MBA Dilemma
There is phase between after completion of graduation course and choosing career options for students, during this phase you are confused what to do in career and how to do it. But if there is a way to earn even during this period, and yes you don’t even need to learn any additional skills; just use your gained knowledge. This is the opportunity to work with Chegg India, as Subject Matter Expert.
As Chegg Subject Matter Expert you will using your knowledge gained from your graduation to help other commerce students. Subject Matter Experts are responsible for solving queries and answering the questions posted by the students on the platform. And for every accurately resolved question you make money. You can choose from various subjects like accounting, economics, finance, operations management etc. This opportunity is not only for commerce students, but for anyone who has subject matter expertise, whether its science, business, maths, or healthcare.
Confused about how you will choose one career from multiple career options for commerce students. Don’t worry here are few steps through which you can choose right career for yourself.
You need to be interested in the work that you might do throughout your life. So, before choosing any career in commerce, gauge your interests, abilities, future goals and skills. Short-list such options which meet all these criteria.
After you have short-listed the various courses and career options for commerce students, you need to research and gather information about them. Know their institutions, future scope, earning potential, risks associated, growth rate etc.
Before you go and choose any commerce course or career options for commerce students, do take expert advice. You can talk to your seniors in the field, people who are already doing that course or job or can go to a career consultant. Talking to experts will provide you with deeper insight.
After you have talked to advice and done your research, choose the best prospect which also matches you interests, career goals, earning expectations and start working on that.
Commerce is the career path which automatically has money and success embedded in it. What students need to do is evaluate themselves and choose the right courses in commerce. Then after completing courses one can choose any of the career options that are available.
And if you are searching for great career options for commerce students then you can consider the courses mentioned here. A career as CA, Investment Banker or Analyst looks quite bright if you do your best.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive in to our guide on Career Advice.
There are several career options for commerce students, that they can choose from. What is important is your interest, career goals, skills and abilities. However, if you want to know some of the high-paying career options, these are the ones:
1. Chartered Accountant
2. Certified Public Accountant
3. Certified Financial Analyst
4. Data Analyst
5. Investment Banker
Most jobs in Commerce are well-paid. However, there are certain job profiles which are considered great career options for commerce students because they are high-paying. These jobs are:
1. Chartered Accountant
2. Athletic Director
3. Cost and Management Accountant
4. Company Secretary
All career options for commerce studentshave high scope. It is up to the individual to deliver on the expectations of the job. Chartered Accountants, Certified Public Accountants, Certified Financial Analysts, lawyers, and Cost, and Management Accountants tend to have a consistent demand. Certain jobs also allow individuals to seek out international jobs with experience.
Most commerce students enrol in a full-time undergraduate degree right after class 12th examinations. It is preferred that students should opt for higher education rather than look for employment. ICAI’s chartered accountant course accepts class 10th students but most pursue it together with an undergraduate degree. After a degree like B.Com, one can apply for entry-level jobs for the experience. Thereafter, if there is a need to look for a master’s degree in the same field or switch jobs in another field.
Yes. Commerce is a good career option for students. There are not only full-time degrees but also professional courses in Finance. After earning a suitable degree, thecareer options for commerce students are endless, limited only to the student’s aspirations. Commerce students can even switch careers, if they wish to and venture into law, investment banking, data analysis, etc.
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