7 Best Jobs for Commerce Students

Best Careers For Commerce Students
Skills Required For High Paying Jobs In Commerce

What are the best jobs for commerce students?

The answer to this question can be any of the competitive, high-paying career options for commerce students, all of which can lead you to a path of success.

But identifying the role that suits your aptitude and one that will help you climb the ladder in your career for commerce student is a long process and requires a lot of research.

As you explore the right career option in the field of commerce, here is an article to help you get a headstart!

In this blog, we list some high-paying jobs in commerce to make sure your career journey begins on a breezy note.

Best Careers For Commerce Students

Chartered Accountant (CA)

Becoming a Chartered Accountant is one of the most sought-after career options. It is among the high-paying jobs for commerce students and has a massive scope, leading to high demand.

A CA is responsible for the accounting transactions of businesses like accounting, auditing documents, financial reports evaluation, filing tax returns, and keeping a check on revenues, investments, and expenses.

They also assist their employers/clients while managing their accounts and offer taxation and financial advice.

Some core skills CAs must have are:

Knowledge of statistics, mathematics, and accounting
Thorough understanding of financial transactions
Accounting and auditing
Accuracy

How to become a CA?

It takes around 3-7 years to become a Chartered Accountant depending on the time you take to clear the examinations.

To become a CA, students must complete the three levels of the course- Foundation, IPCC, and CA final as prescribed by the ICAI.

Here is what the process looks like step-by-step:

Register with ICAI for the CA foundation exam
Pass the CA foundation exam and enroll to appear for IPCC groups
Clear one or both IPCC groups (You can clear the second one while completing Articleship)
Sign up for Articleship training for three years
Register and pass both groups of CA Final

The annual average salary of a Chartered Accountant in India is ₹ 7 Lacs and ranges from ₹ 2.5 Lacs to ₹ 15 Lacs

You can read more about how to become a chartered accountant in our blog What is Chartered Accountancy and How to Become a CA?

Explore CA jobs here.

Investment Banker

Investment banking is another high-paying career option for commerce students and offers an amazing growth trajectory to people pursuing it.

An investment banker is responsible for increasing company capital while working closely with banks and other financial institutions.

They offer consultation to corporates and other financial organizations and help them achieve their financial goals through acquisitions, sales, asset management, maintaining investment portfolios, etc.

How to become an investment banker?

To become an investment banker, this is the education path to be followed:

Class 12 with a specialization in Commerce (preferably)
Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or business to get an entry-level position with an investment bank. ( Consider degrees like Bachelor in Commerce, Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance, Bachelors in Finance/Accountancy
Master's degree or a doctorate. (Consider degrees like MBA in Finance, MBA in Digital Finance & Banking, Chartered Financial Analyst, and/or Chartered Accountant)
Mathematical, analytical, project management, negotiation, and communication skills

Furthermore, becoming an investment banker requires specific skills, some of which are:

Sound reasoning
Analytical skills
Asset management, valuation, mergers, and company takeovers
Knowledge of drafting investment memorandums, pitchbooks, and management presentations
Ability to pitch to investors, company personnel, clients, and other stakeholders.
Interest in keeping up with the market developments, and the ability to identify potential business opportunities
Financial modeling, developing and presenting financial solutions to clients

According to AmbitionBox, the average salary of an investment banker in India is ₹ 4.5 Lacs and ranges anywhere from ₹ 2.0 Lacs to ₹ 33.5 Lacs

You can read all about becoming an investment banker in these blogs:

Explore investment banker jobs here.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysis is a highly sought-after career for commerce students that offers excellent growth opportunities and competitive compensation.

A financial analyst is responsible for analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and providing insights to help businesses make informed decisions.

They assess economic trends, company financials, and investment opportunities to guide strategic planning and investment activities.

How to become a Financial Analyst?

To become a financial analyst, follow this educational path:

Class 12 with a specialization in Commerce (preferably)
Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or statistics (Consider degrees like Bachelor in Commerce, Bachelor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, or Bachelor of Arts in Economics)
Master's degree or professional certification (Consider degrees like MBA in Finance, Master of Science in Financial Analysis, and certifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), FRM (Financial Risk Manager), or CPA (Certified Public Accountant))
Strong mathematical, statistical, and analytical skills

Furthermore, becoming a financial analyst requires specific skills, some of which are:

Proficiency in financial modeling and forecasting
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Data analysis and interpretation skills
Knowledge of financial statements and accounting principles
Expertise with financial software and tools (Excel, Bloomberg Terminal, etc.)
Research capabilities and attention to detail
Clear communication skills to present complex financial information
Understanding of industry trends and economic indicators
Risk assessment and management expertise

According to AmbitionBox, the average salary of a financial analyst in India ranges from ₹2.1Lacs to ₹13 Lacs per annum, depending on experience, qualifications, location, and employer.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Pursuing CFA is a good option for commerce students as there is always a demand for chartered financial analysts, making it one of the high-paying career options for commerce students.

Chartered Financial Analyst identifies good investment opportunities for their employers and works on managing credit analysis, income analysis, and wealth management.

CFAs can find job opportunities with banks, investment companies, MNCs, financial securities firms, etc.

How to become a CFA?

To become a Chartered Financial Assistant, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in economics, accounting, mathematics, or statistics, and an estimated relevant experience of 4 years. Finding your way to becoming a CFA through CA is also a great idea as it offers several exemptions in the examination process.

The skills needed to become a CFA includes:

Investment analysis
Financial modeling
Investment portfolio management
Data analysis
Knowledge of MS-Excel
Programming languages like SQL, Python

Explore CFA jobs here.

Actuary

Becoming an Actuary is one of the less popular career options for commerce students compared to CA, CFA, or Investment banking.

But it is also one of the highest salary jobs for commerce students. An Actuary analyzes and evaluates the risks in the insurance industry to prepare their organization to deal with potential liabilities.

They are adept at risk management and mathematics and work to prepare the company for a situation like property loss, disabilities, etc.

How to become an Actuary?

It takes about 5-6 years to become an Actuary. Here is how you can navigate through the process:

Opt for Mathematics as the main subject and preferably Science (PCM) in 10+2
Earn a bachelor’s degree lie B.Sc in Actuarial Science or specialization in business administration, commerce, mathematics, finance, economics, or a relevant field.
Pursue M.Sc in Actuarial Science
Clear the ACET (Actuarial Common Entrance Test)
Clear the 15 stages of Actuarial Sciences

You can explore the website of Institute of Actuaries of India for more details.

Apart from education, some skills that an Actuary must have are:

Risk analysis & management
Analytical thinking
Financial modeling
Business and finance aptitude
Knowledge of Mathematics and Computers
Problem-solving skills

According to AmbitionBox, the average salary of an Actuarial analyst in India is ₹ 6 Lacs and ranges anywhere from ₹ 3.6 Lacs to ₹ 11.9 Lacs.

Those pursuing the field can climb the ladder from this base position and achieve better remunerations.

Explore Actuarial jobs here.

Cost Management Accountant (CMA)

Becoming a Cost Management Accountant (CMA) is a relatively difficult course than the others mentioned here.

What makes it worth the effort is the fact that it is one of the highest salary jobs for those pursuing commerce.

CMA is an internationally accredited professional certification for students that have commerce and accounts background. Affiliated with ICAI, this certification also holds value in countries like the USA.

How to become a CMA?

Here is how you can pursue CMA:

Opt for Commerce in 10+2
Pursue a degree with a specialization in commerce, accounts, finance, etc.
Clear the three levels of CMA- foundation, intermediate and final
To become a CMA, you must know:
Financial Accounting and reporting
Cost management
Planning and budgeting
Risk evaluation
Strategizing
Performance Management

According to AmbitionBox, the average salary of a CMA Trainees in India ranges from ₹ 0.9 Lacs to ₹ 9.9 Lacs.

Those pursuing the field can climb the ladder from this base position and achieve better remunerations.

Explore CMA jobs here.

Retail Manager

Retail management is one of the fast-paced jobs for commerce students and has the potential to offer high salaries.

Retail managers overlook and supervise the everyday activities of retail outlets. They are responsible for the staff, sales numbers, stock management, and even client satisfaction.

Their job is to ensure that the store they are responsible for is aesthetically pleasing and runs successfully. Since they are responsible for the overall store operations, both frontend and backend, they must be actively involved with all store activities and be pro at problem-solving.

How to become a retail manager?

It may take around 4-6 years to become a store manager. While the education requirements for this career option are flexible, here is a preferred career path to pursue retail management:

Graduation degree with any specialization from a recognized university
Management diploma/ certificate or MBA from a recognized university
Relevant retail experience

The skills needed to become a retail manager are:

Managerial skills
Increase sales revenue
Stock-keeping
Knowledge of visual merchandising
Identifying potential problems, and scope of errors, and preparing plans to mitigate them
Team management
Good communication skills
Interpersonal skills to build relations with clients, store executives, and other stakeholders

According to AmbitionBox, the average salary of a retail manager in India ranges from ₹ 2.0 Lacs to ₹ 12.4 Lacs.

Explore retail manager jobs here.

Marketing Manager

Marketing management is a dynamic career path that offers diverse opportunities for commerce students with creative and analytical mindsets. It involves overseeing the planning, implementation, and monitoring of marketing strategies to promote products, services, or brands.

A marketing manager is responsible for developing marketing campaigns, conducting market research, managing brand positioning, coordinating with advertising teams, and analyzing marketing metrics to optimize performance and drive business growth.

How to become a Marketing Manager?

To become a marketing manager, follow this educational path:

Class 12 with a specialization in Commerce or Arts (preferably)
Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, advertising, or communications (Consider degrees like Bachelor in Commerce, BBA in Marketing, Bachelor of Mass Communications, or Bachelor of Arts in Advertising)
Master's degree or professional certification (Consider degrees like MBA in Marketing, Master's in Digital Marketing, or certifications like Digital Marketing Certification from Google, Facebook Blueprint Certification, or Certified Marketing Management Professional)
Strong communication, creative thinking, and project management skills

Furthermore, becoming a marketing manager requires specific skills, some of which are:

Strategic planning and campaign development
Consumer behavior analysis and market research
Digital marketing expertise (SEO, SEM, social media marketing)
Brand development and management
Content creation and storytelling abilities
Data analysis and performance tracking
Budget management and ROI optimization
Team leadership and collaboration
Adaptability to evolving marketing trends and technologies
Understanding of consumer psychology and purchasing patterns

According to AmbitionBox, the average salary of a marketing manager in India ranges from ₹2.4 Lacs to ₹25 Lacs per annum, depending on experience, industry, location, and company size.

Professionals with expertise in digital marketing and data analytics often command higher salaries in the current market.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A CPA is responsible for handling taxes, reports, and audit processes for clients, organizations, and sometimes, the government.

They share valuable insights about past events or those that may happen in the future and protect their employers from unforeseeable liabilities or losses.

One of the highest salary jobs for commerce students, becoming a Certified Public Accountant can get you a well-paying job in India, the United States, and many other countries.

Their responsibilities include preparing tax returns, acting on behalf of the taxpayers before the IRS, reviewing financial statements, creating budget reports, conducting audits, and ensuring that the financial records presented to them comply with state, and local rules.

How to become a CPA?

This is how you can become a CPA:

Earn a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a commerce-related field like B.Com, B.A. in Economics, etc.
Clear CPA Exams
Apply for a CPA license
Complete the 150-hour semester of the CPA course
Earn 1-2 years of experience with a CPA

To become a US CPA, Earn a 120 credit score in a commerce field (Each academic year in a university is equivalent to 30 credit points)

The skills required for this career option include:

Learn about accounting and reporting procedures.
Become proficient with new accounting systems and tools.
Stay up-to-date with the tax laws
Proficiency in MS-Excel
Knowledge of SQL, QuickBooks, ERP systems, and software for business intelligence
Interpersonal and communication skills

According to AmbitionBox, the average salary of a Certified Public Associate in India ranges from ₹ 1.7 Lacs to ₹ 8.8 LPA.

Explore CPA jobs here.

Company Secretary

As a Company Secretary, individuals play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of a company by handling legal and regulatory compliance.

They act as a link between the company and its stakeholders, facilitating communication and ensuring adherence to corporate governance norms.

Company Secretaries often engage in drafting legal documents, managing board meetings, and ensuring compliance with various statutory requirements.

They also play a pivotal role in advising the board on corporate governance practices and legal implications of business decisions.

How to become a Company Secretary?

Pursue a Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business, or a related field.
Enroll in the Company Secretary (CS) course offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
Complete the three stages of the CS course, namely Foundation, Executive, and Professional.
Undergo practical training and gain relevant work experience.

Skills required for this role include legal acumen, excellent communication, organizational skills, and a thorough understanding of corporate laws and governance principles.

The average salary for a Company Secretary in India varies based on experience and the size of the organization, ranging from ₹8.8 to ₹15 LPA.

Explore Company Secretary jobs here.

Stock Trader

Stock Traders engage in buying and selling financial instruments like stocks, bonds, and commodities to generate profits for themselves or their clients.

They closely monitor market trends, analyze financial data, and make informed decisions to capitalize on market opportunities.

How to pursue a career as a Stock Trader?

Attain a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.
Gain a strong understanding of financial markets and investment strategies.
Develop analytical and quantitative skills for market analysis.
Stay updated on global economic trends and financial news.
Consider obtaining relevant certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) for added credibility.

Stock Traders need to be decisive, disciplined, and have a risk-taking mindset. The earnings in this field can vary widely based on individual performance, with successful traders often earning significant profits.

Explore Stock Trader jobshere.

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors provide guidance to individuals or businesses on various aspects of financial planning, including investments, retirement planning, and risk management. They assess clients' financial situations, analyze goals, and recommend suitable strategies to achieve financial objectives.

How to become a Financial Advisor?

Obtain a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.
Acquire relevant certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Stay updated on financial market trends, investment products, and tax regulations.

Financial Advisors often work for financial institutions or operate independently. The average salary of a financial advisor can vary based on factors like experience, client base, and the success of investment strategies, ranging from ₹4.7 to ₹9 LPA in India.

Explore Financial Advisor jobshere.

Skills Required For High Paying Jobs In Commerce

In a commerce career, possessing a diverse skill set is crucial for success. Here are the top 5 skills required for a commerce career:

Financial Acumen

Understanding financial principles, accounting practices, and financial statements is fundamental. This skill enables professionals to analyze and interpret financial data, make informed decisions, and contribute to the financial health of an organization.

Analytical Skills

The ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and draw meaningful insights is vital. Commerce professionals often deal with large datasets, market trends, and financial reports, making analytical skills essential for strategic decision-making.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Effective communication is crucial in commerce careers, whether it's presenting financial reports, negotiating deals, or interacting with clients and colleagues.

Strong interpersonal skills help build relationships, resolve conflicts, and convey financial information in a clear and understandable manner.

Technological Proficiency

In the modern business landscape, technology plays a significant role in commerce. Proficiency in using accounting software, spreadsheet tools like MS Excel, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and other business intelligence tools is essential.

Adaptability to new technologies ensures efficiency in financial operations.

Legal and Regulatory Knowledge

Commerce professionals need to be aware of legal and regulatory frameworks governing financial activities. Understanding corporate laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements is essential for roles like accounting, auditing, and financial advisory.

Additionally, other valuable skills include time management, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a continuous willingness to learn and adapt to changes in the dynamic field of commerce.

Developing and honing these skills can contribute to a successful and fulfilling career in commerce.

Conclusion

Today, students pursuing a career in Commerce have a plethora of career opportunities.

Out of the many career options that a commerce student can explore, we have discussed the seven best jobs that promise high-paying salaries and offer massive scope for growth.

As you step into this new phase of your career journey, the article will help you make informed career choices and find the best for you!

All the best

FAQs:

Which job has the highest salary in commerce?
Several jobs in commerce offer high salaries, depending on factors such as education, experience, and location. Some of the highest-paying jobs in commerce include investment banking, management consulting, financial analysis, actuarial science, and corporate law. However, it's essential to research specific industries and career paths to determine which job aligns best with your skills, interests, and career goals.
Is there a good career in commerce?
Yes, there are many rewarding and lucrative career opportunities in commerce. Commerce graduates can pursue careers in various fields such as finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, entrepreneurship, and international business. With the right education, skills, and experience, individuals in commerce can build successful and fulfilling careers in both traditional and emerging industries.
Is commerce best for the future?
Commerce offers a diverse range of career opportunities and skills that are highly relevant in today's economy and are likely to remain in demand in the future. With the increasing globalization of business and advancements in technology, there is a growing need for professionals with expertise in finance, accounting, marketing, and other commerce-related fields. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and digital business models has created new opportunities for commerce graduates to thrive in the future job market.
Which commerce course is best for a job?
The best commerce course for a job depends on individual interests, career goals, and the specific industry or field of interest. Some popular commerce courses that lead to promising career opportunities include:
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) with specializations such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, or Human Resources.
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with concentrations in areas like Management, Entrepreneurship, or International Business.
- Chartered Accountancy (CA) for those interested in accounting, auditing, and financial management.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for those seeking a career in accounting and finance in the United States.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) with specializations in Finance, Marketing, or Operations Management for advanced career opportunities in business leadership and management.

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