Top Career Options & Courses after 12th Commerce

“Commerce changes the fate and genius of nations” - Thomas Grey 

That is true because someone who grasps business fundamentals can build a prosperous future for himself. For this reason, more than 40.3 lakh students select commerce as their preferred subject stream. Students studying commerce have a multitude of options to choose from. The broad and expanding commerce sector offers many fantastic job options for you to consider. But many options create hassle and confusion, too.

Get ready for an adventure through 12 incredible career options tailored specifically for you. From marketing experts to financial gurus to corporate titans, we'll guide you through every thrilling step of the journey, fueling your enthusiasm and propelling you forward. So grab your seat, unleash your hidden talents, and embark on an epic journey to uncover your business superpowers!

Below are some of the career options for Commerce students after 12th:

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
The Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) is one of the most popular commerce courses for every other student. Students who complete the three-year undergraduate program will thoroughly understand various business-related topics, including accounting, finance, economics, business management, and taxation. It gives commerce students a wide range of job opportunities, making it a great option for developing a successful career in the industry and gaining a thorough understanding of business, money, and economics.

Chartered Accountant 
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, or ICAI, provides this training. After completing the 12th grade, students can pursue a five-year degree in accounting (CA), which has a set curriculum and a certificate recognised by a statutory body. With this certificate, an accounting professional is qualified to handle taxation, accounting, filing returns, managing the financial statements of both individuals and businesses and keeping records. 

Economics
This three-year program covers economics topics, case studies, and analytics. Foundation and core of any industry, business, or subject. Gaining expertise in economics can lead to numerous opportunities in both India and other countries.

Company Secretary (CS)
Essential responsibilities for a company secretary may include assisting the board with legal, statutory, and regulatory needs, filing tax returns for the company, and so forth.  It is one of the most preferred course options after 12th. The nice thing about this career option after 12th is that students from any stream can apply for the foundation program after passing all three exam stages and their 12th-grade exams. This is undoubtedly among the most excellent post-12 commerce degrees, offering significant pay.

Research Analyst
Operations, economics, finance, and equities are among the fields in which one can pursue a career as a research analyst. A bachelor's degree in a specific research field, like marketing, finance, or economics, is required to work in this field. At the same time, a Master of Business Administration course can also help you advance in your career after a few years of work experience.

Bank PO/Banking
A bank's entry-level post, the Bank Probationary Officer (PO), starts an employee's career as a trainee. Both public and commercial banks administer bank PO exams. Candidates must work on various tasks connected to a bank's day-to-day operations throughout their two-year probationary period. These responsibilities include processing and authorising loans, handling cash flow, handling client complaints, supervising secretarial work, issuing ATM cards and chequebooks, and more. When the candidate finally completes a higher education program, he or she gets promoted to assistant manager.

Personal Financial Advisor
Experts in money matters, personal financial advisors assist their clients in achieving short- and long-term financial objectives. They can offer guidance on anything from retirement to insurance, taxes, and real estate investments. Influential personal financial advisors must possess a thorough understanding of the investing markets and a talent for choosing the finest stocks, bonds, or mutual funds for the people they serve. 

Cost and Management Accountant
One of the best job alternatives for business students is becoming a Cost and Management Accountant (CMA). Your areas of expertise as a CMA professional will be strategic planning and financial management. Additionally, apply your understanding of business management, economics, and accounting to assist firms in making wise financial decisions. Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles and exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities are prerequisites for this commerce-related vocation. As a CMA, you can work in the public or private sectors and with the government or nonprofits.

Entrepreneurship
These days, many people want to create their own businesses or "start-ups," so this career is the talk of the town. Entrepreneurs create the company's design and launch after conceiving the business idea and developing the organisation's structure, function, and strategy. The field of entrepreneurship is broad, and one might be involved in various business endeavours to market goods, services, or procedures.

Financial Analyst
A financial analyst is an analytics role that works with a lot of data. After reviewing a company's present economic situation, they will offer suggestions for improvements. These adjustments aim to increase profit by making more innovative investments. For students studying commerce, this full-time employment option involves financial analysts creating investment plans and making investment judgments. All decisions are made after reviewing the company's historical and current data.

Business Development Manager
Every firm, big or small, needs a knowledgeable expansionist. A business development manager's job greatly depends on a firm's future success. They are taught to conduct market research, identify the ideal markets for the company's objectives, produce leads, interact with potential customers, and uphold connections.

Writer
For students studying commerce, numerous employment opportunities don't require any further education. Even while pursuing their education, one might hold these jobs. One such employment is authorship or writing. Writing in this context can refer to copy for websites, blogs, and books and SEO writing. To work in this profession requires a laptop, a consistent internet connection, and creative word choice.
Writers can operate as freelancers or full-time employees from a distant location. Payment options for the latter mode include project-based, hourly, and per-word rates. Writers decide what kind of project or niche to write in.

Lawyer
The finest business courses that don't focus on fundamental finance are those in law. Many employment alternatives for students studying business include a total career transition. Nonetheless, lawyers work to help others and enjoy a distinguished standing in society. Typically, recent grads begin by assisting a more experienced attorney. With some experience and patience, they handle matters in any area of the law.

Marketing
Commerce students can look for entry-level marketing positions after finishing their 12th grade and opportunities to develop experience and eventually advance in their industry. Many marketing positions are available with small organisations, particularly in the rapidly expanding field of digital marketing. Enrolling in a Certificate Program in Digital Marketing is the most straightforward route into this field. Later, after you've finished your degree, you may pursue a postgraduate course in the same area to increase your chances of success.

BCA – Bachelor of Computer Application
With Technology advancing rapidly and taking over the world, young people can pursue careers in coding, networking, platform management, application development, database management, and other related fields. This is a three-year program. BCA is a three-year independent course. Following that, one can choose a job or enrol in an MCA program or master of computer applications. Many people here switch careers, enter management, and pursue an MBA or master of business administration.

Human Resource Management
Managers of human resources recruit, interview, and hire new workers in addition to managing benefit schemes and other employment-related incentives. There are many chances in the business and management sector due to people's increasing interest in working in this field.

Hotel Management
Hotel management is among the highest-paying occupations for students studying commerce. Hotels significantly impact the national and international economies and play a big part in travel and tourism. One of the most popular specialisations for commerce students, with or without math, offers many of the highest-paying jobs. Hotel managers usually start off earning more than four lakhs a year, and as they gain experience, their pay may go up. 

Journalism and Mass Communication 
This professional path is another option available to students, where they will study the latest economic trends in the country. After completing this course, candidates can easily find work in print and digital media, as well as other media outlets.

Digital Marketing
After a 12th-grade education, one of the most incredible career options available nowadays is digital marketing. In contrast to traditional marketing, digital marketing enables the promoting of products, brands, or services using digital platforms. With hundreds of new job opportunities being produced every second, it is one of the industries that is developing at the fastest rate.

Actuarial Science
Actuarial science is a discipline that studies risk in several industries, including business, finance, insurance, and healthcare. Actuaries are experts in this profession who use financial theories, statistics, and mathematical equations to assess the risk and uncertainty of a range of potential future occurrences that may influence businesses. They undertake analysis, gather statistical data, and create and execute various business plans to achieve this.

Government jobs (UPSC/SSC)
IRS officers work for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Customs and Excise Department, and other revenue-related agencies. They assess, collect, and enforce taxes and duties to carry out their responsibilities. To become an IRS employee, candidates must pass the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and indicate they want to work for the Indian Revenue Service. For those studying commerce, this is among the most significant government positions.

Data Analyst
Data analysis is an emerging employment path for students studying commerce. Data analysts handle data from acquisition to analysis and interpretation. You will extract and manipulate data with tools like SQL, Python, and R and frequently present the results in graphical forms like graphs or charts.
Additionally, data analysts assist in pinpointing problem areas and formulating plans for enhancing data-driven procedures. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are necessary for a job in commerce, which is in high demand across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance.

Psychology
Psychology is a broad field of study that aims to explain human thought and behaviour patterns. For the simple reason that any area involves humans, it contains it, intentionally or not. While pursuing a BA, MA, or MSc, specialisation in one of the following fields might help narrow down career opportunities.
●    Social behaviours
●    Cognitive process
●    Industrial psychology
●    Forensic psychology
●    Health psychology
●    Educational psychology
●    Counselling psychology
●    Child psychology
●    Human development
●    Clinical psychology

Travel and Tourism
The travel and tourism sector caters to both leisure and commerce. It entails leaving them with treasured memories. It meets the needs of hosting and drawing visitors as well as assisting them in discovering and comprehending the local cuisine and culture. Studying hotel and resort planning, environmental studies, intercultural dialogue, food management, service management, and many other topics are all part of it.

Conclusion
Students, congratulations! You've unlocked a world of fascinating opportunities for a career in management and commerce. As you pursue your dream job, remember your interests and believe in your gut.
Recognise the challenges you face as opportunities for growth and education. Seek guidance from mentors and establish relationships with like-minded individuals. Success is more than just having money; it's about being happy and fulfilled in your work. Thus, take risks, discover uncharted territory, and embark on a journey to shape your destiny.

FAQs

Q-1 Is commerce a good career option?
A-1 The business world offers a wide range of fulfilling careers, such as investment banking, marketing, finance, chartered accounting, human resources, and entrepreneurship.

Q-2 What work is in demand in commerce?
A-2 Professions, including supply chain managers, risk managers, digital marketers, financial analysts, and data analysts, are highly sought after in the commerce sector because of companies' dynamic nature and the requirement for specific skills.

Q-3 Is commerce good for UPSC? 
A-3 Commerce is not directly related to the UPSC Civil Services test, although it may be useful for people interested in economics-related fields or in administrative roles like the Indian Economic Service (IES) or the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).

Q-4 Is commerce easy or hard?
A-4 Everybody's 12th commerce level of difficulty is different. It calls for a strong foundation in subjects like business studies, accounting, and economics. In business classes, students can succeed if they have the right study habits and support.

Q-5 Can someone join the entrepreneurial journey after passing commerce in the 12th field?
A-5 You don't necessarily need a degree in entrepreneurship to pursue it; however, it is highly advised. You can dive right into business endeavours to gain some practical experience and education.

Q-6 What are the different specialisations in commerce?
A-6 A wide number of specialisations in commerce address different facets of business and economics. A few of the most important areas of study in the field of commerce are supply chain management, business analytics, banking and financial services, risk management and insurance, real estate management, tourism and hospitality management, accounting and finance, marketing, management, human resources, economics, international business, entrepreneurship, and supply chain and digital marketing.

Q-7 Which commerce profession has the highest salary?
A-7 
●    Chartered Accountant (CA)
●    Marketing Manager
●    Investment Banker
●    Human Resource Manager
●    Entrepreneurship