Top 5 Career Options For Commerce Students: Maths & Non-Maths Courses, Salary & Growth

Reader's Digest: Searching for the Best Career Options For Commerce Students After Class 12th? Read the blog for the most successful Maths & Non-Maths Courses, Salary & Growth.

Are you a commerce student wondering about the many career paths ahead? If so, you're in the right place! Welcome to this comprehensive guide on "Career Options For Commerce Students."

As you navigate the intriguing world of commerce, you might ask yourself: "Why should I choose a career in commerce?" or "What are the top career options available to me?" Well, you're about to find out.

In this blog, we'll break down the possibilities step by step, highlighting the top career choices for commerce students both with and without a math background. Let's dive in!

Points to be Discussed:

• Top[ Reasons to Choose a Career in Commerce: Discuss the versatility of a commerce degree, its relevance across industries, and the potential for lucrative opportunities.
• Top 5 Career Options for Commerce Students (With Maths): Delve into the specifics of five career paths that marry commerce with mathematics, such as Chartered Accountancy, Actuarial Science, etc.
• Top 5 Career Options for Commerce Students (Without Maths): Explore alternative avenues that emphasize commerce skills but don't require an extensive math background, including Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, etc.

Why Should I Choose a Career in Commerce?

Here are some reasons why you might consider choosing a career in commerce:

Reasons to Choose a Career in Commerce	Description
1. Diverse Opportunities	Commerce offers various career options, including accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain management, international business, and more. This diversity allows you to find a niche that aligns with your interests and strengths.
2. High Demand	Businesses of all sizes require commerce professionals to manage finances, analyze data, market products, and streamline operations. This high demand can lead to better job prospects and potential for career growth.
3. Transferable Skills	Skills gained in a commerce career, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and financial management, are highly transferable and valuable across various industries.
4. Financial Rewards	Many commerce-related roles offer competitive salaries and opportunities for bonuses and incentives, particularly in fields like investment banking, corporate finance, and management consulting.
5. Global Perspective	In an increasingly interconnected world, commerce professionals often work on international projects, exposing you to diverse cultures, business practices, and markets.
6. Entrepreneurial Opportunities	A commerce background can be a strong foundation for starting your own business. Understanding financial management, marketing, and market trends is crucial for entrepreneurship.
7. Job Stability	Businesses require commerce expertise regardless of economic conditions, which can contribute to job stability even during economic downturns.
8. Continuous Learning	Commerce fields are dynamic and ever-evolving, requiring professionals to stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and regulations. This keeps the learning process ongoing and engaging.
9. Impact on Business Success	Commerce professionals play a pivotal role in driving business growth and success. Your contributions can directly influence a company's profitability and sustainability.
10. Varied Work Environments	Commerce professionals can work in diverse industries such as finance, retail, healthcare, technology, and more, allowing you to explore different work environments and company cultures.

What are the Top 5 Career Options for Commerce Students (With Maths)?

Raj's journey began in a small Indian town. Armed with a penchant for numbers, he pursued commerce with a dash of mathematics. Uncertain of his path, he met Maya, a seasoned mentor.

Raj explored diverse finance, marketing, and data analytics options with guidance. Maya's wisdom unveiled a world of opportunities.

Raj's analytical skills and Maya's table of "Career Options for Commerce Students" propelled him. He chose finance, thriving as an investment analyst. Today, Raj mentors others, perpetuating Maya's legacy. From a quiet town to a bustling career, Raj's story exemplifies how choosing the best career options for commerce students can transform your lives.

Here's a table of career options for commerce students with a mathematics background:

Career Option	Study/Course	Highest Salary (INR)	Scope	Growth
Chartered Accountancy (CA)	CA Course	20-30 lakhs per annum	High demand in finance, taxation, audit	Opportunities in diverse industries
Company Secretary (CS)	CS Program	22-33 lakhs per annum	Corporate law & governance, legal compliance	Expanding role with law knowledge
Cost and Management Accountant (CMA)	CMA Course	15-25 lakhs per annum	Management accounting and financial planning	Increasing need for financial experts
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)	CFP Certification	8-15 lakhs per annum	Personal financial planning and advisory	Growing demand for financial planning
Actuarial Science	Actuarial Exam	20-30 lakhs per annum	Risk assessment, data analysis, & statistical modelling	Advancement to senior roles

Read More: Best Institutes for Management Studies

Option #1 - Chartered Accountant (CA)

A Chartered Accountant, often called a CA, is a professional money expert certified by a particular authority. This unique certification says they are good at handling business numbers. They help with money stuff like filing tax forms, checking financial papers, keeping investment records safe, and making and updating money reports.

Being a pro in this field can lead to many job chances. You could work independently as an independent CA or for big Indian and foreign companies, local and worldwide banks, or places that check financial info, like audit firms.

How Can I Become a Chartered Accountant?

Becoming a CA isn't easy, but it's worth it. You must pass the CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final exams. These tests are set by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This journey takes about 4 to 5 years, including a time when you learn by working.

Which Course Should I Take?

If you want to become a CA, you have two choices: you can start with the Foundation Course or the Direct Entry Route. The Foundation Course is for people who finished high school (Class XII), and Direct Entry is for those who graduated.

How Much Money Does a Chartered Accountant Make?

CAs get paid well because they're good at what they do. They might make around $10,000 to $15,000 every year when they're new. But as they get better, their pay can go up a lot.

Position	Lowest Salary (INR)	Average Salary (INR)	Highest Salary (INR)
Entry-Level CA (0-1 year experience)	6-8 Lakhs	7-10 Lakhs	10-12 Lakhs
Mid-Level CA (2-5 years experience)	10-12 Lakhs	12-20 Lakhs	20-30 Lakhs
Senior CA (6-10 years experience)	20-25 Lakhs	25-35 Lakhs	35-50 Lakhs
Partner in CA firm/ CFO	40-50 Lakhs	50-70 Lakhs	1 Crore & Above
Consultant/Specialized roles	15-20 Lakhs	25-40 Lakhs	40-60 Lakhs

Growing and Finding Opportunities in Chartered Accountancy

CAs have lots of chances. They can work with big companies or be their boss. Since they know so much about money, there's always a need for them, so they have a lot of chances to grow.

Option #2 - Company Secretary (CS)

A Company Secretary (CS) is like a legal expert for a company. They help with the law-related things a company needs to do. A CS takes care of the company's taxes, keeps important records, advises the board of directors, and ensures the company follows all the legal rules.

How to Start Your Journey as a Company Secretary?

To be a CS, you must pass the CS Foundation, Executive, and Professional exams. These exams are done by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). It usually takes 3 to 4 years to finish everything, including learning from practical experience.

Earnings You Can Expect as a Company Secretary

Working as a CS can pay well. Take a look at this table to know more:

Position	Highest Salary (INR)	Lowest Salary (INR)	Average Salary (INR)
Trainee Company Secretary	25,000 per month	10,000 per month	15,000 per month
Junior Company Secretary	7 lakh per annum	3 lakh per annum	5 lakh per annum
Senior Company Secretary	20 lakh per annum	8 lakh per annum	12 lakh per annum
Chief Company Secretary/Head	40 lakh per annum	20 lakh per annum	30 lakh per annum
Company Secretary in MNCs	1 crore per annum	25 lakh per annum	60 lakh per annum

Option #3 - Cost and Management Accountant (CMA)

CMAs are like financial guides for businesses. They're experts at understanding money matters in a company. They're good at managing costs, making budgets, and helping a business run smoothly.

Becoming a CMA is a smart move. It's like taking a unique course in money management. This course is right for you if you want to be in charge of money stuff in a company.

These days, lots of students who like business are choosing this course. People who finish their higher secondary education (10+2) from a good school with at least 50% marks can apply for the CMA Foundation Level. Being a pro at money stuff can bring you lots of success.

How to Become a Cost and Management Accountant?

To be a CMA, you must pass three exams: CMA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. These exams are organized by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI). This journey usually takes about 3-4 years.

What CMA Earns?

People really appreciate CMAs for their smart money ideas. Here's what they can earn:

Position	Lowest Salary (INR)	Average Salary (INR)	Highest Salary (INR)
Entry-Level CMA	3,00,000	5,00,000	8,00,000
Mid-Level CMA (3-7 years exp)	8,00,000	12,00,000	20,00,000
Senior-Level CMA (>7 years exp)	20,00,000	30,00,000	50,00,000+
Finance Manager	12,00,000	20,00,000	35,00,000
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	30,00,000	50,00,000	1,00,00,000+

Read More: Difference between Management and Marketing

Option #4 - Certified Financial Planner

Do you want to become a Certified Financial Planner or CFP? It's a special certification given by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) to people who want to work as financial planners.

This CFP certification is recognized worldwide and is thought to be the best training for financial planning. It's not just about learning how to manage money but also about doing it ethically and responsibly.

So, what exactly is financial planning? It's like making a game plan for your money to help you reach your life goals. This involves looking at your finances, planning, and implementing that plan to help you succeed.

How Can You Become a Financial Analyst?

To be a financial analyst, most people start by getting a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or something similar. If you want to go even further, some jobs might need a master's degree and special certificates.

What Should You Study?

Look for courses in finance or related subjects that teach you how to work with numbers and analyze things. You could also consider getting a certificate like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification to stand out.

Earning Money as a Financial Planner in India

If you're wondering how much money you could make as a financial planner in India, here's an idea:

• If you're starting an entry-level Financial Planner), you might earn around 3,00,000 INR. But as you get better, you could earn up to 7,00,000 INR!
• If you've got some experience (Mid-Level Financial Planner), you might make about 7,50,000 INR. And the highest you might earn is 14,00,000 INR.
• As a Senior Financial Planner, you could make around 15,00,000 INR. But if you're at the top of your game, you might take home 30,00,000 INR.
• If you become a Financial Consultant or Advisor, you might earn about 8,00,000 INR. However, the most experienced advisors could make up to 18,00,000 INR.
• Portfolio Managers, the people who handle big investment portfolios, might make around 10,00,000 INR. And if they're really good, they could earn up to 28,00,000 INR.
• Being a Financial Planning Manager is a big deal. They might make about 14,00,000 INR, but the top ones might earn 32,00,000 INR.

What Lies Ahead in Financial Analysis?

Financial analysts can specialize in investment banking, managing risks, or managing portfolios. With time, they can become Senior Analysts, Investment Managers, or even Chief Financial Officers. It's a path full of opportunities to grow!

Option #5 - Actuarial Science 

Imagine a world where businesses, insurance companies, and financial institutions make intelligent choices based on predictions about what might happen. This is where actuaries come in. They look at data, determine risks, and devise plans to lessen the impact on money matters.

Actuaries are good at math and solving problems. They're also good at business stuff and working with numbers. Their main job is to see how risky things might affect money and make it less risky.

An actuary is like a business expert. They're great at guessing how much risk is when people do money-related things and are good at making the risk not so bad. Almost every company that needs help managing risks uses actuaries.

How Can You Become an Actuary?

To be an actuary, you must take special tests given by actuary groups. Finishing this might take 3 to 5 years, as you'll need to study and prepare for the tests.

What Should You Study?

You can study special actuarial science programs or pursue math, stats, or finance degrees. These will help you understand the tough math things you'll use.

Earnings (In India)

Position	Lowest Salary (INR)	Average Salary (INR)	Highest Salary (INR)
Trainee or Entry-Level Actuary	3,00,000	5,00,000	8,00,000
Associate Actuary (after passing a few exams)	8,00,000	12,00,000	20,00,000
Fellow Actuary (fully qualified)	20,00,000	30,00,000	50,00,000
Actuarial Analyst	5,00,000	9,00,000	15,00,000
Senior Actuarial Analyst	12,00,000	18,00,000	28,00,000
Actuarial Manager	25,00,000	35,00,000	60,00,000
Chief Actuary	50,00,000	75,00,000	1,20,00,000+

Opportunities to Grow in Actuarial Science

As businesses start using more data, they need actuaries more. Actuaries can go up the ladder to become Chief Risk Officers or Advisors. They can also work in different areas like healthcare and pensions.

What are the Top 5 Career Options for Commerce Students (Without Maths)?

Rahul, an Indian commerce student passionate about numbers, faced a roadblock due to his aversion to math. Disheartened, he met his mentor, Aisha Kapoor, a successful business consultant.

Aisha shared a table of diverse career options for commerce students without heavy math involvement. Inspired, Rahul explored marketing, found his forte in crafting compelling narratives for brands, and started a content marketing agency.

Aisha's guidance unlocked his potential and showcased how creativity and commerce intertwine. Rahul's journey proved that unconventional career options for Commerce students can also lead to remarkable success in the business world.

Here's a table of career options for commerce students without mathematics, along with relevant information:

Career Option	Study/Course	HIGHEST Salary (INR)	Scope	Growth
Business Management	BBA, MBA	10,00,000+	Wide range of industries	Managerial positions, leadership roles
Human Resources (HR)	BBA, MBA in HR	8,00,000+	Across industries	HR manager, talent acquisition
Marketing and Advertising	BBA, MBA in Marketing	12,00,000+	Branding, promotions	Marketing manager, brand strategist
E-Commerce and Entrepreneurship	E-Commerce courses, Entrepreneurship programs	15,00,000+	Online business, startups	Founder, business development
Banking and Finance	B.Com, B.Com (Hons), M.Com	12,00,000+	Banking, finance industry	Financial analyst, investment banker

Option #1 - Business Management

Business Management is like a key to the business world, offering many different areas to focus on. These areas include things like Supply Chain, Operations, and Strategy.

What Would You Do?

1. Making Smart Plans: Creating long-term plans for the business.
2. Leading Teams: Helping and guiding teams to reach the company's goals.
3. Keeping Things Running: Making sure the daily business activities go smoothly.
4. Money Matters: Looking after the budget and the company's financial health.

Which Course to Pick?

A lot of people choose to study for an MBA. This usually takes about two years. The cost can differ depending on whether you go to a public school or a private business school.

How Much You Could Earn?

Whether you're starting or a big boss, working in Business Management pays well. On top of your salary, you might get extra money based on how well you do at your job.

Here's an idea of how much you could earn (in INR):

• Starting Management Trainee: 300,000 (Lowest) - 800,000 (Highest)
• Business Analyst: 350,000 - 1,200,000
• Sales Manager: 500,000 - 2,000,000
• Marketing Manager: 600,000 - 2,500,000
• Operations Manager: 700,000 - 3,000,000
• Product Manager: 1,000,000 - 3,500,000
• Senior Business Analyst: 800,000 - 2,500,000
• Human Resources Manager: 500,000 - 2,200,000
• Business Development Manager: 600,000 - 2,800,000
• Strategy Consultant: 1,200,000 - 5,000,000
• General or Regional Manager: 1,500,000 - 6,000,000
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): 3,000,000 - 20,000,000+

Opportunities to Grow:

Business Management keeps changing as businesses change. This means there's room for you to grow, try out different roles, and even help decide how a business should work. It's an exciting path to explore!

Option #2 - Human Resources (HR) 

People Who Help Businesses

Human Resources (HR) folks are like the designers of a company's best treasure – its people. They care about finding the right people, ensuring they're happy, and helping them get better at their jobs.

What do HR People Do?

1. Finding New People: They pick the best people to join the company.
2. Making People Better: They help employees learn new things and do their jobs well.
3. Making Work Good: They create a pleasant atmosphere where everyone likes working.
4. Taking Care of Pay: They ensure employees get the proper pay and benefits.

What to Study?

If you want to do HR work, you can study Human Resources in college or do a unique Master's in Human Resource Management.

Money You Can Make

The amount of money you can earn in HR depends on your job and the company's size. You can earn more if you have lots of experience and special certificates.

Top Jobs and Money They Pay:

• HR Manager: Can earn up to ₹12,00,000, at least ₹3,50,000, and on average ₹6,50,000.
• Training Manager: Can earn up to ₹10,00,000, at least ₹3,00,000, and on average ₹5,50,000.
• Recruitment Specialist: Can earn up to ₹9,00,000, at least ₹2,50,000, and on average ₹4,50,000.
• Compensation Analyst: Can earn up to ₹8,00,000, at least ₹2,00,000, and on average ₹4,00,000.

What's Next?

HR is a cool job that can be done in many different industries. As more companies realize how important HR is, HR experts can even become big bosses like Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs).

Read More: Courses in Management after 12th  

Option #3 - Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and Advertising folks are like the creators of how we see things. They make up exciting stories that connect with the people they want to reach and help brands do well.

What Jobs Are There?

Brand Manager: They're the ones who decide how a brand looks and feels. Digital Marketing Specialist: They're in charge of making ads on the Internet. Market Research Analyst: They study what people like and what's popular. Advertising Copywriter: They write the words for ads that make you want to buy things. What Should I Study?

You could do a Bachelor's in Marketing or a Master's in Marketing for more advanced jobs.

How Much Can I Earn?

The money you make depends on the marketing job and what you do. You can make more money if you have a significant role or do remarkable things. Let's Make a Table

Role	Highest Salary (INR)	Lowest Salary (INR)	Average Salary (INR)
Brand Manager	10,00,000	3,00,000	6,00,000
Digital Marketing Manager	12,00,000	3,50,000	6,50,000
Market Research Analyst	8,00,000	2,00,000	4,50,000
Advertising Copywriter	6,00,000	1,50,000	3,50,000

What About Growth?

Marketing and advertising jobs have lots of chances to grow. If you get better and show you're good at coming up with ideas, you could become the top marketing person (Chief Marketing Officer) or even start your own marketing company.

Choice #4 - E-Commerce & Entrepreneurship

People who run online businesses are like the trailblazers of the internet marketplace. They create and take care of shops on the web, linking things they want to sell with people worldwide.

What You Would Do:

• Online Business Manager: You would look after how the online store works.
• Inventory and Delivery Organizer: Ensure there are enough stock and handling deliveries.
• Making Shopping Awesome for Customers: Your job would be to make sure people have a great time shopping online.
• Online Marketing Expert: You'd be the one to tell lots of people on the internet about the things you're selling.

What Can You Learn?

You don't have to go to school for this, but it might be a good idea to check out classes about online business or programs that teach you how to manage a business online.

Option #5 - Banking & Finance

People who work in Banking and Finance are essential in handling money, making investments, and keeping the economy steady.

What They Do:

• Bank Helper: They help customers with money-related things.
• Money Expert: They look at investment chances and give advice.
• Credit Checker: They decide if someone can be trusted to borrow money.
• Money Planner: They help people make good money plans.

What Should I Study?

You could consider doing a Bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance or a Master's in Finance.

Role	Highest Salary (INR)	Lowest Salary (INR)	Average Salary (INR)
Retail Banking Officer	8,00,000	2,00,000	4,50,000
Investment Analyst	12,00,000	3,50,000	7,00,000
Credit Analyst	10,00,000	3,00,000	5,50,000
Financial Planner	9,00,000	2,50,000	5,00,000

Opportunities to Grow

Jobs in banking and finance are continually growing. As time passes, you could become a manager or focus on one thing like investment banking or risk management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing a career path after the 12th in commerce can be exciting and challenging. The variety of options caters to different interests and strengths, ensuring a fulfilling journey ahead. The key takeaways are:

- Commerce offers diverse opportunities spanning finance, marketing, HR, and more.
- High demand for commerce professionals translates to better job prospects.
- Transferable skills acquired are valuable across industries.
- Financial rewards, global exposure, and entrepreneurial opportunities await.
- Continuous learning and impact on business success make commerce appealing.

Select a path that aligns with your passion and embark on a rewarding career.