Best career options after BCom: Job, salary, and PG courses

Bachelor of Commerce, or BCom, is a popular course choice among students wanting to pursue a career in the domain. The course equips students with the necessary professional skills and competencies required for high-paying jobs in the field of commerce. Graduates can look forward to some of the best career options after a BCom degree. Moreover, there are some lucrative postgraduate courses as well that you can choose to pursue after graduation. This blog takes a look at all possible prospects after completing a BCom. 

Best job options after a BCom degree

Let us begin with exploring the best career options after a BCom degree program. The list below highlights the top career roles to apply for after graduation along with the approximate top salaries for BCom graduates for each role. 

1. Entrepreneur

One of the top career options after BCom with the highest salaries is the role of an entrepreneur. They are referred to as professionals who create their own businesses to meet market needs. They plan and direct daily operations for the achievement of overall business goals. 

Roles and responsibilities

• Starting and growing their business
• Foreseeing business changes and adapting to the changing requirements of their customers
• Leading sales and marketing campaigns for their business for growth

Important skills needed

• Leadership 
• Risk-taking potential
• Strategic planning and direction for successful execution

Average annual pay (approx) of an Entrepreneur in India: INR 15 lakh per annum – INR 30 lakh per annum

2. Investment Banker 

They offer assistance to organizations and other individual entities to raise money from the market through informed investment decisions. They also help their clients to manage their finances appropriately. 

Roles and responsibilities

• Financial modeling for valuation of debts and equity for mergers and acquisitions and transactions for raising capital
• Market research to collect information about the latest financial conditions and developments in the market
• Business development to help clients grow their business by tapping into lucrative investment opportunities

Important skills needed

• Valuation skills
• Project management
• Entrepreneurial skills 

Average annual pay (approx) of an Investment Banker in India: INR 8 lakh – INR 23 lakh per annum

3. Chartered Accountant (CA)

These are professionals in the world of finance and accounting who offer a host of expert services to individuals and organizations. They deal with the most crucial financial matters of a business, helping clients with solutions for accounting matters. It is among the top BCom career options with the highest salaries.

Roles and responsibilities

• Auditing the financial position of an organization
• Filing income tax returns for clients and offering advice on all tax-related matters
• Identifying potential risks and preventing them by advising clients on tax issues

Important skills needed

• Effective interpersonal communication
• Leadership ability for smoother achievement of goals
• Adaptability to different client requirements

Average annual pay (approx) of a Chartered Accountant in India: INR 8 lakh – INR 12.6 lakh per annum 

4. Business Analyst

Business Analysts gather and analyze data to understand the business requirements of clients. They also identify and present opportunities for business improvement. They are primarily responsible for executing strategic initiatives for enhanced productivity and efficiency of a business.

Roles and responsibilities

• Collecting business requirements of clients
• Analyzing the various processes and procedures of the client’s business
• Project management

Important skills needed

• Critical thinking
• Negotiation skills
• Data gathering and analysis

Average annual pay (approx) of a Business Analyst in India: INR 7 lakh – INR 20 lakh per annum

5. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

They are licensed professionals responsible for auditing, accounting, and all tax-related matters in a business organization. They also work with individual clients, helping in maintaining and improving their finances and reporting any discrepancies. 

Roles and responsibilities

• Auditing financial statements and other documents to ensure compliance with financial laws and regulations
• Preparing individual and business tax returns
• Offering personal financial advice to help clients with long-term financial planning

Important skills needed

• Time management
• Analytical reasoning
• Proficiency in using financial software  

Average annual pay (approx) of a Certified Public Accountant in India: INR 5 lakh – INR 10 lakh per annum

6. Insurance Underwriter

Among the top BCom career options with the highest salaries is the job role of an Insurance Underwriter. These professionals are responsible for assessing the risk involved in insuring a client. This is done to determine the appropriate insurance coverage and premium to be decided for the client.

Roles and responsibilities

• Determining the premium payable by the client
• Making decisions on whether or not to accept insurance applications from applicants 
• Post-funding analysis to re-evaluate risk or chances of a potential fraud

 Important skills needed

• Mathematical skills
• Effective negotiation skills
• Verbal and written communication

Average annual pay (approx) of an Insurance Underwriter in India: INR 5 lakh – INR 9 lakh per annum

7. Stock Broker

They are financial professionals responsible for buying, selling, and trading financial securities for clients. They assess the performance of the shares of various companies in the stock market. In return for their expert services, they charge a fee or commission from their clients. They essentially serve as intermediaries between the client and the stock exchange.

Roles and responsibilities

• Offering advice on investment to clients
• Managing investment portfolios for clients
• Monitoring the performance of the stock market

Important skills needed

• Quick decision-making
• Time management and the ability to work under pressure
• Efficient interpersonal skills

Average annual pay (approx) of a Stock Broker in India: INR 5 lakh – INR 8 lakh per annum

8. Financial Analyst 

They offer advice to organizations on finance-related matters. These may include decisions concerning investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and the like. They also identify potential investment opportunities for organizations and offer the required guidance in the matter.

Roles and responsibilities

• Creating financial models to assist informed decision-making for businesses
• Making recommendations for potential investment opportunities
• Communicating with clients, understanding their requirements, and offering the required assistance

Important skills needed

• Problem-solving ability
• Data analysis
• Attention to detail

Average annual pay (approx) of a Financial Analyst in India: INR 4.3 lakh – INR 12.4 lakh per annum

9. Auditor

Auditors are responsible for evaluating all financial records of an organization to ensure their accuracy and compliance with accounting and legal regulations. They are also designated with the task of preparing special audit and control reports. They review the financial accounts of all companies and other entities. 

Roles and responsibilities

• Prepare audit reports
• Identify and evaluate potential risks that may cause company failure
• Adherence to ethical code of conduct for organizations

Important skills needed

• Analytical ability
• Desire for initiative
• Integrity and ethics 

Average annual pay (approx) of an Auditor in India: INR 4 lakh – 11 lakh per annum

10. Financial Planner/Wealth Manager

The last on our list of career paths for BCom graduates with salary is the role of a financial planner or wealth manager. They are generally responsible for offering assistance to clients in meeting their overall financial objectives. These may include goals related to investments, savings, and planning for retirement. They help their clients maintain these goals as well every financial year.

Roles and responsibilities

• Create financial plans for their clients and help them in achieving these goals
• Monitor client accounts and make the necessary changes to improve their overall financial performance   
• Communicate with clients about new products or any changes brought about in financial legislation and their potential impact on the client’s account

Important skills needed

• Risk management
• Maintaining effective client relationships
• Active listening 

Average annual pay (approx) of a Financial Planner in India: INR 4 lakh – INR 6 lakh per annum

Higher education after BCom degree

We discussed the various career paths for BCom graduates with the salary in the earlier section. However, you may choose not to start working immediately after graduation and continue with advanced studies. In this case, we have shared below some of the top postgraduate courses after BCom that you can pursue. These courses can enhance your knowledge base and skill sets and boost your career prospects and earning potential.

1. Master of Commerce (MCom) 

The course enables professionals to upskill themselves and assume top management and leadership positions. The program offers a comprehensive understanding of corporate tax laws and planning, cost analysis and control, and international business and e-commerce.

Expected job role	Key skills gained	Average annual salary (approx)
Risk Manager	Problem-solving, working under pressure, analytical risk assessment	INR 21.9 lakh – INR 23.7 lakh per annum
Personal Finance Advisory	Analytic reasoning, customer relationship management, detail orientation	INR 4.5 lakh – INR 8 lakh per annum
Tax Policy Analyst	Collaboration, detail orientation, tax analysis	INR 4 lakh – INR 6 lakh per annum

2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The course is designed to help you emerge as a leader in your industry. Students can choose from a wide array of specializations as per their academic interests and career aspirations. The course is ideal to make way for earning top salaries for BCom graduates.

Expected job role	Key skills gained	Average annual salary (approx)
Brand Manager	Communication, market research, consumer insights	INR 9 lakh – 22 lakh per annum
Performance Management Analyst	Data analysis, customer service, data collection	INR 5 lakh – INR 16 lakh per annum
Digital Marketing Manager	Creativity, strategic thinking,  design thinking	INR 4 lakh – INR 23 lakh per annum

3. Master of International Business (MIB)

This degree program is among the popular postgraduate courses after BCom helping students develop skills to work in the international economic arena. Students can look forward to lucrative career paths in international business after this course. 

Expected job role	Key skills gained	Average annual salary (approx)
Human Resources Manager	Communication, leadership, organizational ability	INR 13.9 lakhs – 48.2 lakhs per annum
Product Manager	Strategic thinking, market research, ability to prioritize	INR 9 – 25 lakh per annum
Management Analyst	Interpersonal skills, analytical ability, time management	INR 8 lakh – INR 18 lakh per annum

4. Chartered Accountancy (CA)

It is a specialized course with immense potential for top salaries for BCom graduates. Students are given the choice to focus their learning on specific topics for a rewarding career path ahead. These include corporate accounting, business research, cost methods, cost control techniques, and the like. 

Expected job role	Key skills gained	Average annual salary (approx)
Finance Manager	Communication, proficiency in accounting software, financial analysis	INR 12 lakh – INR 21.3 lakh per annum
Investment Banker	Time management, innovation, analytical reasoning	INR 8 lakh – INR 23 lakh per annum
Forensic Auditor	Auditing, research, public speaking	INR 6 lakh – INR 10 lakh per annum

5. Master of Economics

This is yet another postgraduate degree that can unlock rewarding career paths for BCom graduates with salary competitive in the market. It helps students learn advanced concepts like econometrics, economic theory, and applied economics. 

Expected job role	Key skills gained	Average annual salary (approx)
Economist	Research, forecasting ability, analytical skills	INR 8 lakh – INR 20 lakh per annum
Financial Analyst	Problem-solving, accounting, data analysis	INR 4.3 lakh – 12.8 lakh per annum
Data Analyst	Critical thinking, data visualization, machine learning	INR 4 lakh – INR 10 lakh per annum

6. Company Secretary (CS)

The course is a professional program oriented to preparing students for the corporate world. It is one of the popular postgraduate courses after BCom teaching graduates to manage the regulatory, legal, and compliance aspects of an organization.

Expected job role	Key skills gained	Average annual salary (approx)
Legal Advisor	Ability to review legal material, attention to detail, collaboration	INR 5.2 lakh – INR 13.9 lakh per annum
Company Registrar	Organizational ability, emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication	INR 4.9 lakh – INR 6.4 lakh per annum
Principal Secretary	Customer service, filing and documentation, confidentiality	INR 4.6 lakh – INR 7.6 lakh per annum

7. Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)

The last on our list of postgraduate courses after BCom is the PGDM program. It is a two-year full-time course equipping students with the knowledge and skills for various managerial roles.

Expected job role	Key skills gained	Average annual salary (approx)
Business Manager	Communication, problem-solving, time management	INR 7 lakh – INR 16.8 lakh per annum
Operations Manager	Conflict resolution, decision-making, budgeting	INR 6 lakh – INR 15.1 lakh per annum
HR Assistant	Attention to detail, adaptability, organizational ability	INR 4 lakh – INR 5 lakh per annum

Pursue online BCom with Online Manipal

We discussed the various career opportunities and salary ranges for graduates with a BCom degree. We also highlighted the different postgraduate courses that you can opt for after BCom. It is evident that a BCom degree is the first logical step to a rewarding professional career in the field of commerce. It also unlocks opportunities in the world of accounting and finance. 

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) offers an online BCom degree program for 3 years. The course prepares students with skills and competencies to assume top-paying jobs in the field of commerce. Most importantly, you can pursue the course from the comfort of your home in 100% online mode. 

Manipal University Jaipur is accredited with an A+ degree by NAAC. Its online degrees are entitled by the UGC and evaluated by WES.   

Conclusion

Take the first step to a rewarding career path in the field of commerce, finance, and accounting with an online BCom degree. Manipal University Jaipur offers online BCom on the Online Manipal platform. Sign up for the degree course with MUJ and unlock a lucrative career in the commerce domain.