Career Options After B.Com

Right after completing our higher secondary education, we all start dreading the rat race we’ll soon be part of. No matter what stream we choose, it’s inevitable! If you’ve made up your mind to choose B.Com as your ideal stream, you’ll simultaneously be wondering about the career options it may lead you to and their scope. Questions like what to do after B.Com will always be clouding your mind.

B.Com is the most common undergraduate degree opted for by students from a commerce background. It provides them with a deep understanding of the commercial field through a blend of core and elective courses. Each university has its own rules to allow students to choose their elective courses from economics and taxation to accountancy. The Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree duration is 3 years, and the approximate fees in India range from INR 10,000 to INR 1,00,000.

When thinking of what to do after BCom, many students find it difficult to decide on their next career step. If you’ve recently graduated with a B.Com degree, you have several options ahead of you. As a B.Com graduate, you already have gained an accounting and finance background, which can further be leveraged to pursue professional degrees in the same field and receive global opportunities.

With so many degrees to choose from, picking the right one can be crucial. After completing your 12th grade, you may come across this difficult situation yourself. There are many career options if you are from commerce background and today we will explore the career options one has after pursuing B.Com degree and its potential.

What is B.Com?

B.Com or Bachelor in Commerce, is an undergraduate degree that provides students with comprehensive understanding of finance, accounting, economics, and business management making it a stepping stone in building a career in finance. This degree is a mix of both theoretical and practical knowledge preparing the student for a variety of roles in the sectors related to commerce and business. 

What to do After a B.Com Degree?

If you are pondering what to do after B.Com, you are not alone. It is a common question in every commerce graduate’s mind. There are a plethora of career options after B.Com from which you can choose to get better opportunities and enhance your professional career. The following sectors are the various areas where commerce graduates can build their careers.

1. Finance

A B.Com degree provides a solid foundation in finance, but to withstand the cutthroat job market, additional skills and qualifications are important. An individual can focus on fields like taxation and accounting whereas pursuing taxation will lead to positions like Tax Consultant, Tax Compliance Manager, CA, Tax Manager, and more. If you decide to pursue accounting, it will give you the opportunity to become an Accountant, Financial Analyst, Audit Associate, Cost Accountant, and more. 

2. Fashion 

If you are interested in fashion and have a B.Com background, In that case, it can help you immensely because a B.Com degree can open doors for career opportunities like Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Retail Manager, Fashion Buyer, and Fashion Marketing specialist which requires accounting and financial knowledge along with industry-specific knowledge. 

3. Law

With a B.Com degree, you can enter several legal professions by gaining additional qualifications like pursuing CS or LLB. You can be a Legal Advisor, Corporate Lawyer, Compliance Lawyer, Legal Consultant, Paralegal, and even a Lawyer with a B.Com degree.

4. Banking

B.Com degree extensively provides a strong base for a career in banking, there are banking opportunities present in both – the private sector and in government. You can explore different career options as a fresher including Relationship Manager or Loan Officer. As an Experienced professional, you can work as a Bank Officer or a Credit Analyst.

5. Insurance

With a degree in B.Com, you can easily build a career in the Insurance sector with a specialization in Insurance Management. Knowledge of Insurance is required in banks, financial institutions, insurance organizations, and audit firms. One can get the role of Insurance Agent, Underwriter, Claims Adjuster, Insurance Broker, Risk Manager, and more.

6. Education 

The path to B.Ed goes from B.Com making it extremely essential for budding educators from a commerce background. B.Ed is a post-graduation program that is required to pursue roles like School Teacher, Lecturer, and Education Consultant. Individuals from the commerce field who want to join academia usually take up B.Com and move on to pursue a B.Ed after it. 

Career Options after B.Com:

Professional Courses after B.Com:

1. Chartered Accountant (CA)

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of what to do after B.Com is Chartered Accountants (CA). It is one of the most esteemed professional qualifications to pursue and requires rigorous preparation to succeed. CA is also known for being notoriously difficult as the passing rate of CA Final, May 2024 was just 19.88% which is said to be a decent passing rate compared to the past.

To become a CA, one can start right after completing their 12th grade, and take the Foundation level exam. After passing the Intermediate level (second level), you can start your internship which would be up to three years, and then give your CA Final. If cleared in the first attempt it takes around 5 years to complete the course. 

Salary of a CA 

On average, a Chartered Accountant can get about 7 to 17 lakhs per annum. There are a lot of factors considered in determining the average salary like experience, location, and the firm. But as the experience increases the pay increases significantly as well. 

Source 

Top Hiring Companies for CA

• PwC India
• Deloitte India
• Tata Consultancy Services
• KPMG LLP
• Accenture
• Ernst & Young India

2. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

ACCA is a prestigious global accounting certification that is recognized in over 180 countries giving it international validity. The ACCA course can be done in 1-2 years, depending on your pace of studying and the number of exemptions you might have gotten because of your B.Com or any other bachelorette. 

One has to take 13 papers spread across 3 levels about subjects like taxation, auditing, strategic business reporting, and financial reporting. The demand for ACCA is increasing day by day because of the global opportunities. 

Salary of an ACCA

On average, an ACCA-qualified person gets an average of 6 to 9 lakh per annum but one can earn more than 16 lakh per annum after gaining more experience. 

Source 

Top Hiring Companies for ACCA

• Ernst & Young (EY)
• Amazon
• Deloitte
• Barclays
• Wipro
• Pwc

Planning to Pursue ACCA Accounting Career?

Click Here

To Book Your Free Counselling Session

3. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is a globally recognized course for investment and finance professionals. It is widely regarded in the domains of investment banking, asset management, and financial analysis. The CFA Charter is widely recognized around the world which enhances its credibility and the global recognition helps the charterholders receive opportunities from across the world. 

The CFA certification has three levels of exams, where Level 1 focuses on fundamental knowledge and understanding of investment tools. Level 2 emphasizes the application of investment tools and asset valuation techniques. Level 3 concentrates on portfolio management and wealth planning. It takes about 3 – 4 years to complete provided you pass each exam on the first try. 

Salary of a CFA

On average, the entry-level position offers around Rs. 7 to 12 lakh per annum, and a mid-level position offers around Rs. 13 to 25 lakh per annum. CFA is a course where one can start earning well right after clearing Level 1 which is one of the reasons for its increasing popularity. 

Source

Top Hiring Companies for CFA

• JP Morgan Chase
• HSBC
• Wells Fargo
• CitiGroup
• RBC

4. Company Secretary (CS)

The Company Secretary (CS) plays an important role in bridging the gap between a company’s board of directors, stakeholders, government bodies, and other parties involved. Their responsibilities comprise acting as a mediator, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and providing advisory services. 

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) offers this program. The duration of the course is about three years. The course is divided into three parts: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. The foundation focuses on company law and governance, intermediate level emphasizes advanced concepts in business law, accounting, and management. The final level covers all the topics in great detail. CS specialists are in high demand across sectors due to their skill in addressing legal and compliance issues.

Salary of a CS 

On average, the entry-level position offers from Rs. 5 to 10 lakh per annum, although it depends on the size of the company, location, and a lot of other factors as well. The salary increases with experience exponentially.  

Source 

Top Hiring Companies for CS

• KPMG
• Reliance Industries
• Infosys
• Aditya Birla Group  
• Tata Consultancy Services 

5. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) offers the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) title, which is a worldwide recognized professional certification. It is one of the most popular courses to take after earning a B.Com degree. The CPA credential is highly regarded globally, helping the certification holders get opportunities from across the world. 

Requirements include a minimum of 150 hours of accounting coursework. Along with, a challenging four-part exam that covers Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation. CPAs are in high demand for their skills in financial reporting, auditing, and tax planning. Intermediate CA/CMA students can receive exemptions from the first two tests, AFAE and BRLC. The course takes around 18 months to complete. 

Salary of a CPA

On average, the starting package of a CPA professional is about Rs. 6 to 10 lakh per annum. It can go beyond Rs. 8 to 15 lakh per annum with experience. 

Source

Top Hiring Companies for CPA

• Pwc
• Deloitte
• KPMG
• EY
• Government agencies 

Post Graduate Courses after B.Com:

1. Master of Commerce (M.Com)

Master of Commerce is a two-year postgraduate program that provides an in-depth understanding of economics, trade, revenue, and taxation. For students who wish to specialize in fields like accounting and finance to begin a career in this industry, this degree is perfect. 

To enroll in an M.Com program at a reputed university, one normally needs to have at least 50% of your bachelor’s degree in aggregate. Graduates with an M.Com have several options in the public, private, and governmental sectors. One can pursue employment in the BFSI sector, become a teacher or lecturer, or carry out research in a field of interest.

Salary of an M.Com 

On average, the starting package after an M.Com degree is about Rs. 2 to 4 lakh per annum.  

Source

2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Known for its ability to significantly boost earning potential and career prospects, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most sought-after postgraduate degrees in India. A thorough understanding of business management, encompassing finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and strategic planning, is imparted throughout this two-year program.

Most Indian business schools grant admission via the Common Admission Test (CAT). You need to be in your last year of graduating or have a bachelor’s degree in any field to take the exam. It is common for MBA graduates to land positions as business managers, financial analysts, marketing managers, consultants, and executives in a variety of industries, including banking, technology, and healthcare.

Salary of an MBA 

On average, the starting salary of an individual after completing an MBA ranges between Rs. 8 – 15 lakh per annum.

Source 

Top Hiring Companies for MBA 

• Tata Consultancy Services 
• Reliance
• Cognizant
• Wipro 
• ICICI Bank

Short-Term Courses after B.Com:

1. Digital Marketing

If you’re searching for a creative career, digital marketing is a great option. Courses on digital marketing, which span three to eleven months, provide you with an overview of the digital business environment and cover fundamental ideas and strategies such as web design, email marketing, content marketing, PPC, SEO, SEM, and SMM. This trending industry offers rewarding job roles with hefty annual packages, making it one of the best courses to pursue after B.Com.

You can work as a manager, SEO Executive, Content Writer, Social Media Marketing Specialist, Digital Marketing Executive, or Search Engine Marketer. 

Salary of a Digital Marketer 

On average, the starting salary package in digital marketing ranges between Rs. 3 to 9 lakh per annum.

Source

Top Hiring Companies for Digital Marketing 

• Nua 
• FabBox
• Black White Orange
• SyncUp

2. Certificate in Investment Banking

Investment Banking Certification is an extensive worldwide qualification meant to assess your comprehension, expertise, and knowledge of investment banking. In the setting of mergers and acquisitions, LBOs, IPOs, corporate actions, restructuring, financial statement analysis, and other critical investment decisions, the six-month CIB course provides a methodical and strategic approach to valuation for both public and unlisted companies.

Salary of CIB

On average, the starting package after completing a Certificate in Investment Banking is Rs. 6 to 18 lakh per annum.

Source

Top Hiring Companies for Investment Banking 

• State Bank of India
• Wipro
• Russell Investments
• Cintra 

3. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

For those who are passionate about finance and want to plan and manage the finances of their firm, the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification is a new and internationally recognized professional program. There are more than 1,70,000 CFP-certified professionals around the globe and their demand is constantly increasing. 

The course is offered by the Financial Planning Standards Board, it takes about 6 months to get this certification. The student is supposed to complete a specific educational program, have relevant experience, and perform well in the exam to get this certification. Opportunities and pay for CFP experts increase in line with the growing demand for financial planning.

Salary of a CFP

On average, the starting package after completing Certified Financial Planner is Rs. 2 to 14 lakh per annum.

Source

Top Hiring Companies for CFP

• Acme Services
• Fintoo
• IFA Global
• Spark Private Wealth
• Spectre HR Services

3. Financial Risk Management (FRM)

The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) offers the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification, which is widely recognized as the gold standard in the financial and risk management industries. The FRM certification is highly valued in banking and finance, indicating skill in risk management. 

Demand for FRMs has increased, particularly after the pandemic, as businesses attempt to protect their finances. The course can be finished in around nine months. Exams are normally conducted in two sections, in May and November. 

Salary of an FRM

On average, the starting package after completing the course of Financial Risk Management is Rs. 7 to 13 lakh per annum.

Source 

Top Hiring Companies for FRM

• PwC
• ICBC
• JP Morgan Chase
• KPMG

Planning to Pursue FRM Accounting Career?

Click Here

To Book Your Free Counselling Session

Scope and Jobs after B.Com 

Jobs after B.Com are based on the sector and specific career chosen by the student. the number of opportunities increases for an individual in that sector and specific career because of having expertise in a particular area. Some of them are mentioned below:

Salary After B.Com 

B.Com provides a strong foundation of finance but to build a career in finance, one has to do more than just a B.Com degree. Jobs after B.Com are not paying well enough to have an easy life although the scope after B.Com is exponential which helps in picking up an additional professional course or certification. Pursuing courses like ACCA, CA, CPA, and CFA showcases potential to employers resulting in better-paying opportunities. 

Competitive Exams

1. Bank PO

In the Indian banking industry, the Bank PO position is one of the most sought-after jobs. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection administers the IBPS PO for several public sector banks. The State Bank of India conducts SBI PO for its branches. Reserve Bank of India holds RBI Grade 2 for filling its managerial positions. 

The exam is divided into three sections prelims, mains, and interview/group discussion. A bank job in India is considered to be the epitome of stability and an extremely popular career path for a lot of B.Com graduates. 

2.UPSC

For many B.Com. graduates, preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is a prestigious alternative. After passing the exam, civil officials are responsible for important administrative responsibilities like overseeing district administration and upholding law and order. 

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination from where the government recruits for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, IRTS, etc. The exams consist of three parts, preliminary examination, main examination, and interview/personality test. 

Conclusion 

The completion of a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree opens up a plethora of career opportunities in finance, fashion, law, banking, insurance, and education. The B.Com degree provides the groundwork you need to succeed in these fields, and with the right guidance and additional qualifications, you can land jobs that offer financial stability as well as professional growth. 

If you recently finished your B.Com and are unsure of what to do next, our academic experts can help you map out a successful career pathway and empower you to take the next step toward your objectives. Contact us using the WhatsApp icon located at the side of this article for individualized advice and support.

FAQ’s on Career Options To Consider After B.Com:

What are the career options after B.Com?

A B.Com degree opens you to a wide range of professional options in different industries. Professional courses like Chartered Accountants (CA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Company Secretary (CS) are some of the best options to choose from. Postgraduate degrees like Master of Commerce (M.Com) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) are other popular options. Furthermore, there are many lucrative career options in industries including banking, investment banking, digital marketing, and financial risk management.

Can we get a job after B.Com?

You can get a job after B.Com. However, if you want to expand your opportunities at a global scale, courses like ACCA, CFA, and US CPA would help you get there.

Is B.Com good for the future?

B.Com as an undergraduate degree helps build a strong base for other professional courses in the field of finance and accounting. But a professional degree is required for more opportunities.

Can I get a bank job after completing B.Com?

You need to pursue a global professional finance or accounting degree like ACCA, CFA, and US CPA to make the most of your B.Com degree and gain international opportunities.

Will I be able to get a high-paying job after completing B.Com?

After completing your B.Com, you can find decent-paying jobs, particularly if you pursue further education or industry certifications. Pay is said to be high for positions like Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant, and Chartered Financial Analyst. Furthermore, lucrative salary packages are available for employment in digital marketing, investment banking, and financial planning.

Partham Barot is an ACCA-certified professional. showcasing his expertise in finance and accountancy. he’s revolutionising education by focusing on practical, real-world skills. Partham’s achievements underscore his commitment to elevating educational standards and empowering the next generation of professionals.