The commerce stream gives students education in accounting, finance, business management, economics, and trade. Commerce students, with this education, are best suited to pursue a range of different careers in business management, finance, digital marketing, and banking.
However, as a commerce student, you should understand what career you should choose after class 12.
For example, if you want to pursue a conventional field, you would be required to pursue a bachelors degree. Or else, if you want to pursue a professional course such as the chartered accountancy course, you need to pursue the CA course programme. As this choice can determine the rest of your professional life, it is crucial to concentrate on selecting the appropriate career path. This article explains the different career paths that commerce students can pursue and the respective courses.
Traditional degree courses to pursue after class 12
The majority of commerce students prefer to take the following bachelor’s degree courses after school:
1. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
B.Com is one among the most popular commerce degree courses that are pursued by students once they pass class 12. The undergraduate degree course has subjects like accounting, business law, taxation, and corporate finance to prepare students for a profession in banking, accounting, and financial management. Students can specialise in B.Com (Honours), which incorporates a course in specialised topics such as economics, finance, and business administration.
2. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
BBA course suits students who want to study business administration, leadership, and entrepreneurship. A BBA course introduces the student to a number of streams of topics like human resources, marketing, operations, and corporate strategy to prepare the student for management, entrepreneurship, and consulting careers. The students pursuing BBA opt for a postgraduate degree in MBA (Master of Business Administration) to enhance employability for management positions in MNCs and top organisations.
3. Bachelor of Economics (B.Econ)
Students interested in learning economic policies, financial institutions, and market trends can earn a Bachelor’s in economics.
A B.Econ opens up opportunities for students to explore a career in economic research, financial analysis, policy making, and consultancy.
Professional courses to pursue
Commerce students can also consider pursuing several professional certificate courses that offer specialised skills for particular careers. Such courses provide the students with sector-specific skills and can facilitate their making lucrative professions in fields such as law, finance, and accounting.ย
1. Chartered Accountancy (CA)
Chartered accountancy is one of the most common career choices for students of commerce in India. Chartered accountants deal with areas such as taxation, accounting, and auditing. To become a CA, you need to clear the 3-level CA course exam held by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
2. Company Secretary (CS)
Those students who are pursuing commerce but were unable to pursue mathematics after class 12 can opt for CS courses. The course depends upon areas of corporate governance, legal advisory, and compliance.
3. Cost and Management Accounting (CMA)
CMA course is a professional course focused on cost management, financial planning, and the development of business strategies. It is most suitable for students of commerce who desire to work as cost accountants handling company funds, reducing expenditure, and increasing profitability.
4. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
CFP is a certificate course intended for students seeking to establish a career in wealth management and investment planning. Commerce graduates interested in this field must complete the CFP course curriculum and appear for the 3-level CFA exams. Once certified, they can work as financial planners for both individuals and organisations like wealth management firms and insurance companies.
Understanding commerce career options
Finance and banking careers
The banking and finance sectors remain some of the most well-paying and stable career options for commerce students. Those who are interested in the field can take degree courses such as Bachelor of Financial Markets and Bachelor of Banking and Insurance. Students graduating from these courses can work as investment bankers, financial analysts, and risk managers. You can even get into different public sector government banking posts by appearing for competitive exams such as IBPS PO and SBI PO.
Business and management careers
Commerce students can pursue careers in business and management by completing a BBA or BBM degree. These degrees offer students knowledge about various aspects of business management. With a BBA/BBM degree, you can qualify for management and executive roles like that of a CEO. You can also consider the following role options:
1. Entrepreneur
If you have an entrepreneurial passion and the right conceptual knowledge, you can become a start-up owner. You can combine your commerce knowledge about marketing, finance, and operations with an innovative business idea to become a start-up founder.
2. Business consulting
Commerce graduates are also hired as business consultants. A business consultant will have the duty of consulting businesses on strategy, operations, and market expansion. Consulting companies hire commerce graduates to analyse the performance of the business and make recommendations based on facts.
3. Supply chain and logistics management
Supply chain management careers have grown over the last few years as a result of the boom in e-commerce. You may work here as a career person who will manage product movement, supply chain optimisation, and minimising operational costs.
Digital marketing and e-commerce
The steady rise in digital platforms and online marketplaces has opened new career opportunities within the field of digital marketing and e-commerce management.
1. Online marketing
Businesses depend upon web strategies in order to address customers effectively. You can also opt for certificate courses in search engine optimisation (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, and pay-per-click advertising to become a brand strategist, digital marketer, or social media manager.
2. E-commerce management
E-commerce management is another profession in demand among commerce students who dream of becoming professionals in e-commerce. The growing e-commerce market has all small and large companies registered with the intention of maximising sales. Such enterprises employ e-commerce managers to conduct online sales, product listings, and customer relations online.
Careers in government and the civil services
Besides these provided career opportunities, students of commerce may opt for a career in the civil services, government administration, or public policy. To become IAS, IPS, or IRS officers, you may study for UPSC examinations.
Conclusion
There are numerous career opportunities options for students studying commerce. One can go into finance with banks and NBFCs or study digital marketing with the increased growth of online marketplaces. The most important thing is that you select a career option that fits your area of interest and strength. Also, give thought to your future goals and professional aspirations and see which profession can suit your purpose the most. Based on these aspects, you may opt for conventional degree programs such as B.Com and professional courses such as CA and CFA. With good information within your reach, you can now make an informed decision.
