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Congratulations on completing your BCom degree! You’re now officially a commerce graduate. But this is just the beginning of an exciting and highly rewarding journey ahead. Obtaining a BCom degree means that you now have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of commerce and business that pave the way to a promising career journey.
But in today’s cut-throat competitive business landscape, you would need a little more than a BCom to make your mark. The good news is that there are plenty of options for higher learning and upskilling after a BCom to stay competitive and stand out.
From formal degree programs like MCom to professional certification courses, you can take your pick and tread confidently ahead. This blog serves as your guide in answering the most crucial question that’s crossing your mind right now—After BCom, which course is the best? Let’s help you make this important decision in your career journey.
Most In-Demand Courses After BCom
Let’s look at it like this. A BCom degree is your secret key to unlocking a huge variety of professional certifications and tech-driven programs—all designed to enable students to take the next big leap forward in their career journey. Some of the highly popular courses after BCom are outlined below to help you get started:
1. Master of Commerce (MCom)
A natural progression after a BCom degree, an MCom is among the most popular PG courses after BCom. A two-year postgraduate degree, the MCom degree is designed to provide students with deeper expertise in accounting, economics, commerce, and mathematics, helping them assume more rewarding roles in these fields.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years (approx) |
| Career Opportunities | Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant, Investment Banker |
| Top Recruiting Companies | KPMG, Axis Bank, Wipro, P&G, RBI |
| Average Salary | INR 19 LPA (approx) |
| Skills Developed | Problem-solving ability, quantitative aptitude, presentation, advanced technical knowledge in accounting, taxation, and financial modeling etc |
Source: AmbitionBox
2. Chartered Accountancy
This is typically considered the best course after BCom and is undoubtedly in high demand among graduates. One of the top reasons for its popularity is that the Chartered Accountant qualification is held in high esteem in society, and it paves the way for several lucrative career opportunities in taxation and accounting, to name a few.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4-5 years |
| Career Opportunities | Financial Manager, Consultant, Accountant, Auditor, Banker |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Deloitte, KPMG, Reliance Industries, ITC Limited, Tata Motors |
| Average Salary | INR 11.5 LPA (approx) |
| Skills Developed | Auditing, financial reporting, advanced accounting, tax compliance, data analysis |
Source: AmbitionBox
3. Business Analytics
This is emerging as one of the most popular options among courses after graduation in Commerce students. With foundational knowledge in accounting, finance, and economics, BCom graduates find it easy to transition into Business Analytics programs, leading to higher growth and strategic roles with higher pay.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 months – 2 years (approx) |
| Career Opportunities | Business Analyst, Analytics Consultant, Data Scientist, Data Architect, Marketing Analyst |
| Top Recruiting Companies | BCG, TCS, Microsoft, American Express, McKinsey |
| Average Salary | INR 10 LPA (approx) |
| Skills Developed | Data analysis, quantitative analysis, data cleaning, data visualization, business strategy |
Source: AmbitionBox
4. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
This is another popular certification in the list of after-graduation courses in Commerce, ideal for students aspiring to careers in auditing, international accounting, and financial analysis. It is a prestigious global qualification in accounting and finance, leading to high-paying, promising careers for graduates.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-3 years (approx) |
| Career Opportunities | Financial Controller, Tax Consultant, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Audit Manager, Forensic Accountant |
| Top Recruiting Companies | HSBC, JP Morgan, Accenture, Unilever, BDO |
| Average Salary | INR 9.9 LPA (approx) |
| Skills Developed | Audit, financial management, data analysis, critical thinking, and management accounting |
Source: Indeed
5. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
This is a highly powerful career move undertaken by several BCom graduates and thus figures on our list of the top 5 postgraduate courses after BCom. A perfect combination of fundamental concepts in finance and accounting, with strong management skills, the MBA course equips graduates to make an impressive mark in finance and accounting or seamlessly transition into any other industry (depending on the MBA specialization chosen).
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years (approx) |
| Career Opportunities | Private Equity Associate, Product Manager, Startup Founder, Strategy Consultant, Operations Manager |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Bain & Company, Flipkart, Deutsche Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, Nestlé |
| Average Salary | INR 8 LPA (approx) |
| Skills Developed | Decision-making, financial acumen, negotiation, collaboration, entrepreneurship |
Source: Glassdoor
Finance and Accounting Courses After BCom
The best part about choosing a BCom at the undergraduate level is that you will never find a dearth of options to pick post-graduation courses after BCom. No matter what field of commerce you lean more toward, there’s a wide range of possibilities to unlock in terms of the study options. Listed below are the best courses to take up in the field of finance and accounting after completing a BCom:
1. Chartered Financial Analyst
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | Globally recognized postgraduate professional qualification awarded by the CFA Institute. |
| Duration | 3-4 years (approx) |
| Career prospects | Equity Research Analyst, Risk Analyst, Treasury, Portfolio Manager, Investment Banker |
| Top recruiters | Goldman Sachs, Fidelity Investments, Deloitte, ICICI Bank, Bloomberg |
| Average salary (approx) | INR 7.5 LPA |
| Skills developed | Financial analysis, portfolio management, data analysis, critical thinking, and financial modeling |
Source: AmbitionBox
2. Certified Public Accountant
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | US-certified certification opening doors to numerous MNCs upon completion, with high pay packages |
| Duration | 1-1.5 years (approx) |
| Career prospects | Controller, Forensic Accountant, Public Accountant, Taxation Specialist, Compliance Consultant |
| Top recruiters | Genpact, Barclays, Unilever, Philips, Capgemini |
| Average salary (approx) | INR 6 LPA |
| Skills developed | Financial auditing, proficiency in accounting software, problem-solving skills, data security and analysis, and ethical judgment |
Source: Indeed
Law-Related Courses After BCom Graduation
Law is yet another discipline to explore after completing your undergraduate studies in Commerce. Hence, it is among the widely chosen professional courses after BCom.
1. Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
It is the most popular and typically the most direct route for BCom graduates who are keen aspirants of law programs after completing the program. They aim to gain a foundational understanding of the field of law, building on their knowledge of commerce, and to assume relevant roles in the legal domain.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | The Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB) is an impactful program following a BCom, serving as a bridge between commerce and law, offering learners a dual advantage and unlocking several career prospects. |
| Duration | 3 years (approx) |
| Career prospects | Corporate Lawyer, Judicial Assistant, Litigation Lawyer, Magistrate, Public Prosecutor |
| Top recruiters | Khaitan & Co, Reliance, Wipro, Infosys, and Deloitte |
| Average salary (approx) | INR 6.6 LPA |
| Skills developed | Advocacy, communication, critical thinking and analysis, attention to detail, and legal research |
Source: Indeed
2. PG Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
This is yet another of the popular after BCom courses in the law domain—a specialized course that provides detailed knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework and the management of trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | Ideal for graduates from both law and non-law backgrounds aspiring for high-growth roles in R&D units, law firms, and corporate houses. |
| Duration | 1 year (approx) |
| Career prospects | Trademark Specialists, Patent Analysts, IPR Consultants, Legal Associates, and more |
| Top recruiters | Oracle India, Siemens, Biocon, Bank of America, and Evalueserve |
| Average salary (approx) | INR 5 LPA |
| Skills developed | Trademark and copyright management, patent drafting, prosecution, IP valuation, and case research and analysis |
Source: AmbitionBox
Professional Courses After BCom Graduation
Let’s now look at a few of the best courses after graduation in Commerce, which fall in the category of professional study programs and are particularly aimed at boosting the career prospects of the graduates.
1. Company Secretary (CS)
A premier professional course in governance, corporate law, and compliance, the Company Secretary program prepares students to assume roles in legal advisory, compliance, and corporate management upon completion of the BCom.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | Regulated by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), it prepares students for a rewarding career in corporate governance |
| Duration | 2.5-3.5 years (approx) |
| Career prospects | Legal Advisor, Practicing Company Secretary, Corporate Planner, Corporate Secretary, and Insolvency Professional |
| Top recruiters | Cognizant, Kotak Mahindra Bank, L&T, Trilegal, and ONGC |
| Average salary (approx) | INR 7 LPA |
| Skills developed | Legal interpretation, risk management, financial acumen, corporate governance, and due diligence |
Source: Glassdoor
2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
This is also among the highly preferred professional courses after BCom, as it is recognized worldwide. The course is designed for professionals in accounting and corporate finance.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | Offered by the IMA, this US course is a two-part professional certification program that teaches students financial analysis, effective decision-making, financial planning, and control. |
| Duration | 2.5-4 years (approx) |
| Career prospects | Financial Analyst, Financial Controller, Management Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Risk Manager |
| Top recruiters | KPMG, Morgan Stanley, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Accenture |
| Average salary (approx) | INR 8.4 LPA |
| Skills developed | Financial planning, internal compliance, effective communication, cost accounting, and data analytics |
Source: Payscale
Skill-Based & Short-Term Courses After BCom
As stated earlier, there is a wide variety of study programs that aspiring learners can pursue after completing a BCom degree. In addition to the comprehensive after BCom courses list shared above, you can also opt for a whole range of skill-based or short-term certification programs after course completion.
1. Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
An industry-recognized program that prepares you for lucrative job roles in the finance industry at competitive pay packages, this skill-based course is the perfect answer to the question in your mind after graduation—” After BCom, which course is the best?”
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | Certification offered by the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) in 100% online mode to BCom graduates aspiring for roles in equity research, investment banking, and corporate finance. |
| Duration | 4-6 years (approx) |
| Career prospects | Investment Banking Analyst, Financial Analyst, Corporate Finance Analyst, Equity Research Associate, and Valuation Consultant |
| Top recruiters | McKinsey & Company, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and General Electric |
| Average salary (approx) | INR 6 LPA |
| Skills developed | Valuation techniques, financial forecasting and analysis, sensitivity analysis, financial design and modeling, and corporate strategy |
Source: AmbitionBox
2. Business Accounting and Taxation (BAT)
A job-oriented postgraduate course, it enables learners to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs.
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | Highly practical program; more focus on hands-on training in industry-relevant tools and technologies for high-paying job roles in taxation and accounting. |
| Duration | 3-6 months (approx) |
| Career prospects | Accounts Managers, Corporate Legal Assistants, Tax Consultants, Financial Analysts, and Tax Analysts |
| Top recruiters | EY, PwC, SBI, HUL, and Accenture |
| Average salary (approx) | INR 5.5 LPA |
| Skills developed | Bookkeeping, proficiency in accounting software, financial analysis and reporting, statutory compliance, and budgeting |
Source: AmbitionBox
How to Choose the Best Course After BCom?
With so many options right before you as soon as you graduate with a BCom degree in hand, the choice can be rather tricky and even overwhelming at times. From traditional postgraduate degrees in finance and accounting or law to short-duration professional and skill-based certifications, BCom graduates have no dearth of choices in courses after BCom. How do you choose the right one that best aligns with your interests and goals?
- Identify your interests – both personal and professional. The field of study that you are more inclined toward is more suited for you in terms of higher education, as you’re likely to stay motivated and committed to it.
- Clearly define your career objectives – short and long-term. They are the biggest motivators for you to move forward in your academic path.
- Review your choices. Whether you’d like to move forward with a traditional, formal degree program or pursue a shorter, skills-oriented path is entirely your choice.
- Consider the time and cost involved. This is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a postgraduate program after BCom. Evaluate the total time and cost to be incurred in each course and map it against your own bandwidth or resources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing a Course
When choosing a future study program to pursue after a BCom, it’s crucial to remember that it is a one-time critical decision for your future that may have a serious impact on your career. Hence, it’s important to try to avoid any mistakes in the decision-making process:
- Don’t go for it simply because it “sounds good”: Making blind choices based on the popularity of a program or its prestige in society is not a good place to start. Instead, focus more on the course curriculum, the career opportunities it unlocks, and its alignment with your career goals.
- Avoid hurried research: Choosing a program without sufficient research on its potential career outcomes may result in the wastage of time, effort, and money because you may soon realize that there are no relevant jobs available after course completion.
- Don’t ignore your personal interests: Make sure to select a course that not only aligns with your career goals but also fits in with your everyday interests. Only when you’re passionate about something are you likely to stay motivated and continue it day to day; otherwise, the likelihood of a dropout is inevitable.
Conclusion
The options for further study after a traditional BCom degree are numerous. What matters most is making the right choice for your career trajectory ahead. Whether you choose to pursue a conventional path, such as MCom, CA, or CS, or a professional program like MBA or specialized certifications such as ACCA, CFA, or Data Analytics, you can tailor your choices to align with the ongoing industry demand.
To pursue an online BCom degree from the comfort of your home, visit Online Manipal, a renowned platform that offers an Online BCom degree imparted by Manipal University Jaipur. Acquire the latest industry-relevant skills in the field of commerce to gain a foundational understanding of concepts, which you can then build upon through other specialized programs after graduation.
FAQs
1. What can I do after a BCom degree?
You can pursue a professional postgraduate degree, such as an MCom, which is the next logical step after a BCom for many students. Alternatively, you can choose a skills-based, industry-relevant course, such as Data Analytics or Business Accounting and Taxation, to enhance your employability. CA and CS are also popular options among BCom graduates.
2. What are the one-year courses after graduation in Commerce?
Some of the most popular diploma courses to pursue after a BCom that can be completed in about 12 months include:
- Diploma in Financial Accounting (DFA)
- Diploma in Accounting, Finance, and Taxation
- PG Diploma in Banking & Finance
3. Which B.Com job has the highest salary?
Some high-paying roles after a BCom include Chartered Accountant (CA), Investment Banker, and Certified Management Accountant (CMA), among others.
4. What are the top 3 courses in Finance?
Some of the most widely preferred post-BCom courses in Finance are the Financial Risk Manager (FRM), the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and an MBA in Finance.
5. Which courses are best to pursue after a BCom for high-paying careers?
To secure a well-paying job after completing a BCom, students can consider pursuing the CMA, CA, or CFA. An MBA in Finance or in Data Analytics can also unlock rewarding career opportunities for BCom graduates.
6. Is an MBA a good option after BCom?
Yes, pursuing an MBA after completing a BCom is a wise choice for many BCom graduates, as MBA programs that specialize in disciplines such as Finance, Business Analytics, or Data Analytics can help students secure top management positions in relevant industries.
7. Is it possible to switch career fields after BCom?
Absolutely! You can pursue alternative career paths after BCom, such as Law, IT, or journalism.
8. Should I pursue higher studies immediately after BCom?
It is entirely a personal choice and depends on your overall career goals. Pursuing a higher degree or a specialized program after BCom enhances your learning and skills and makes you more attractive to employers.
9. Is MCom a good option after BCom?
An MCom degree is the most logical and popular choice for BCom graduates and is ideal for deepening your knowledge and expertise in commerce, unlocking high-paying career prospects.
10. Which course is best after BCom for government jobs?
If you plan to apply for a government jobs after BCom, you can prepare for competitive exams such as SSC, UPSC, State PSC, or Banking PO while pursuing courses like MCom, LLB, or MBA.
Sources:
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/chartered-accountant-salary
https://in.indeed.com/career/chief-financial-officer/salaries
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/business-analyst-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/investment-banker-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/private-equity-associate-salary-SRCH_KO0,24.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/treasury-salary
https://in.indeed.com/career/certified-public-accountant/salaries
https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-in-law
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/patent-analyst-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/company-secretary-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Certification=Certified_Management_Accountant_(CMA)/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/tax-analyst-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/financial-modeling-analyst-salary
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