A popular field of education, commerce presents both established and emerging avenues. Let’s review the courses you can capitalize on.
Increasing industrialization, outsourcing of work in the IT (Information Technology) and ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) sectors and the expansion of the service sector have fueled an increase in demand for professionals with commerce degrees.
Studying this field enhances one’s analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, offering an array of career opportunities. This includes prospects in accounting, banking, management, finance, law, etc. Chartered accountancy courses offer lucrative career openings and can be pursued alongside an undergraduate (UG) degree in commerce.
Academic options have widened for commerce graduates and postgraduates with many job openings in e-commerce. Students with qualifications in this field can also apply for sales, finance, and marketing roles that require professionals to tackle corporate challenges and question existing paradigms.
BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES:
To explore opportunities beyond conventional degrees, one can choose from a range of courses; these include Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) , Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) and Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF) at the UG level. Courses like BBA and BMS are designed for students who are keen to pursue careers stemming from management studies.
“BBA is a professional degree and includes a practical approach. It involves projects and presentations that enable students to understand the industry better. After attaining their degree, students can get placed at entry-level positions in corporate organizations.” One can pursue a master’s degree in various disciplines like marketing, sales, human resources, and finance, with healthcare, sports management, data science, and sustainable leadership emerging as some unique options.
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY:
Chartered accountants (CAs) take on the role of a business advisor and are required to make high-level strategic decisions aimed at driving business, improving profit margins, and increasing the market share for their clients or employers. “Most CAs also use their expertise to set up their businesses, becoming highly successful entrepreneurs. Along with technical skills. CAs generally build a solid foundation in economics, marketing, and management information systems. They can also opt for jobs as finance officers in the accounts department of an organization.” Once professionals gain work experience, they can establish their private practice.
COMPANY SECRETARY:
Despite the job title, the role and responsibilities of a company secretary are not secretarial or clerical in nature. They ensure compliance with laws that relate to the workings of a company and oversee the financial, accounting, legal, personnel and administrative functions of a company. Students can choose to specialize in this field while pursuing an undergraduate degree in commerce.
One must possess strong analytical and communication skills and knowledge of corporate laws and tax regulations to establish such a career in sectors like banking, retail, and insurance.
HUMAN RESOURCES:
For human resources (HR) roles, several companies prefer hiring candidates who have a commerce degree with a specialization in HR.
“Students are trained in HR operations like payroll, provident fund, and gratuity processing. Currently, HR roles are key business profiles in banks and financial institutions. Thus, professionals with a degree in this field have better job prospects.”
Commerce education is the bedrock of an economy and is closely linked to business, trade, and industry. While it is lucrative in terms of career and financial prospects, students need to understand what each specialization entails and whether it compliments their personal goals and capabilities.
HOW COMMERCE OPENS DOORS BEYOND THE BOARDROOM:
- Media and entertainment — Explore areas such as media planning and buying, public relations, digital marketing, film production and so on.
- Technology — Fintech specialists, data analysts, and automation consultants are some roles that demand a strong business studies background.
- Fashion and luxury retail: Understanding supply chains, marketing and brand management is essential for navigating cultural trends and consumer aesthetics.
