Future opportunities for commerce students after 12th
Most people believe that commerce students have limited future career options. They can either become accountants or pursue a regular banking job. Contrary to this myth, commerce students actually have a broad spectrum of future opportunities.
For instance, India’s growing digital space has opened up roles in data analytics and digital marketing positions for commerce students. Similarly, demand for market researchers and consultants has been rising, given the reliance on big data. However, the type and scope of career options available to commerce students depends on whether they have completed class 12 with or without maths since colleges list maths as an important criteria for UG courses. So, let’s first understand the courses commerce students can pursue after class 12 and then examine the industries that offer good employment opportunities to them.
Top courses after class 12 commerce with mathematics
- Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
- Bachelor of Accounting and Taxation
- Bachelor of Statistics
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Applied Economics
- Bachelor of Banking and Finance
- Bachelor of Management Accounting and International Finance
Top courses after class 12 commerce without mathematics
- Bachelor of Commerce (General)
- Bachelor of Marketing
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management
Apart from these courses, commerce students can also pursue courses in journalism, mass communication, design, aviation, agriculture, and hospitality domains.
Promising career options for commerce students after class 12
Banking and financial services
Commerce students can enter the banking and financial services field after pursuing an undergraduate degree in commerce or a related field post-class 12. While students can enter the field with a B.Com degree, specialised degrees like Bachelors in Banking and Finance offer better insights into banking and financial regulations. With India’s growing economy and increasing financial awareness among people, roles in investment banking, corporate banking, and financial consultancy are likely to rise.
Top roles in the field:
- Investment banker
- Financial analyst
- Stockbroker
- Bank clerk
- Insurance agent
Accounting and auditing
Accounting and auditing are common career pathways for commerce students in India. Accountants and auditors are responsible for preparing and examining financial records and identifying potential areas of risk and opportunities for businesses and individuals. Students entering this job field must possess good mathematical and statistical knowledge, along with analytical skills. Commerce students can pursue accounting careers with a CA course certification either during or before graduation.
Top roles in the field:
- Chartered accountant
- Auditor
- Tax consultant
- Internal auditor
- Forensic accountant
Market research and analytics
Today, most businesses rely on market analytics data to make informed decisions. Market researchers and analysts assess customer trends, behaviours, and sales patterns. Companies then develop products and services according to the projected sales forecasts and customer trends.
Top roles in the field:
- Consumer insights manager
- Data analyst
- Market research analyst
- Business intelligence analyst
- Consumer insights manager
Retail and e-commerce
According to a recent Deloitte study, India’s e-commerce sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21% and reach $325 billion (Rs. 26.98 lakh crores) by 2030. This expanding growth is expected to create new job opportunities within the sector for commerce students. Students can pursue careers in the field after completing their B.Com degree and relevant retail management courses.
Top roles in the field:
- Retail manager
- E-commerce specialist
- Supply chain manager
- Merchandiser
- Sales executive
Consulting and advisory services
The field of consultancy services is growing as businesses turn to expert advisory on how to manage risks and grow. Consultants and advisors help businesses solve various problems in areas like risk management, marketing, business operations, investments, and finances. These services are focused on helping businesses avoid risks and strengthen their profit management. Commerce students can pursue careers in the field after completing a B.Com degree and other relevant certification courses. For instance, they need to pass the Certified Financial Planning course to work as a financial planner.
Top roles in the field:
- Risk manager
- Business analyst
- Management consultant
- Tax consultant
- Financial planner and advisor
Government services
Commerce students interested in pursuing civil services after studies domains can appear for competitive exams like UPSC. UPSC civil service examination is one of the toughest competitive exams in the world that requires thorough knowledge of subject matter, mathematics, and current affairs, along with critical thinking and analytical skills. Upon passing the exam, students are allotted services from Group A (like IAS, IPS, IRS) and Group B (section officer roles).
Top roles in the field:
- Civil servant
- Tax officer
- Economic analyst
- Government auditor
Transportation and logistics
With an increasing number of online marketplace, roles in logistics management have skyrocketed. This field deals with the smooth movement of goods from the buyers to the sellers. Commerce students can pursue specialised courses in transportation and logistics to understand how to manage supply chain operations, transportation, and distribution.
Top roles within the field:
- Logistics coordinator
- Supply chain analyst
- Warehouse supervisor
- Transportation manager
Conclusion
Commerce students have a vast range of future career opportunities. The career choices available to students depend on whether they have completed class 12 with or without mathematics. Students who have completed the course with maths can pursue B.Com and BBF degrees to build careers in banking, finance, accounting, and consultancy domains. Those who have completed class 12 without maths can choose BBA and bachelors of marketing degrees to pursue job roles in retail, logistics, and e-commerce sectors. While commerce students can build careers as chartered accountants and company secretaries right after school, it is always better to build on one’s educational qualifications. To improve their employability, students can opt for easy loans from NBFC to finance further education from Indian and overseas universities.