Commerce is essentially learning various activities that transpire in the diverse world of business, such as sale and purchase of goods and services from the producer to a buyer. Commerce is designed to develop the business acumen, financial literacy and analytical skill. It helps young minds gain in-depth knowledge and utilise them, for the greater good of the nation. However, the framework of commerce desires sharp and gritty minds to spearhead growth.
The curriculum covers integral subjects such as economics, accountancy, and business studies. If you have a penchant for the variances of the economy and the commerce scenario, this is where you are bound to make a mark. Accountancy, economics (finance and taxation), statistics, cost accounting, money and banking, auditing, and business studies/business law are integral to gain grasp on the nuances.
India has always held a stronghold, when it came to laureates in the fiscal sphere. Great stalwarts such us Dhirubai Ambani, Amartya Sen, LN Mittal, Prannoy Roy have emerged from the commerce faction in our Indian soil. In fact, India has noted a marked rise of interest amongst students for commerce.
Commerce provides many career opportunities for students in chartered accountancy, investment in banking sectors, insurance field, stock market level, and so on.
Options
Chartered accountant: This has become one of the popular course among aspirants, owing to its prime future prospects. A knack for numbers and love for accounting is desired. Deepak Parekh is a great example. The present chairman of Housing Development Finance Corporation started his career as a chartered accountant with New York’s Ernst & Young Management Consultancy Services.
Company secretary: It is is a senior post in the company, responsible for the efficient administration of a company. This course is perfect for those who are exemplary at business studies and management theories. Suprakash Mukhopadhyay is an illustrious member of this category. The chief compliance officer, vice president, treasurer, secretary of TCS Ltd., holds a repertoire of being a chartered accountant, cost accountant and a qualified company secretary.
Cost accountant: Cost accountant is also a good career option, managing the cost of the products or services of the company.
Finance analyst: One of the highly demanded jobs in the financial industry, this role entails researching macroeconomic and microeconomic scenarios, gathering financial information along with company fundamentals, to graft dynamic growth plans.
Ranji H. Nagaswami, CFA was the Chief Investment Advisor to Mayor Bloomberg in New York City and directed the investment policy for New York’s $120 billion Pension and Investments office. She started her career as a quantitative analyst for UBS, before heading up the U.S. Fixed Income division.
Finance planner: This is best for those who show a keen interest in understanding the nuances of savings and upkeep of finances. Finance planners provide finance-based advice to individuals or companies, helping them meet their short-term or long-term financial goal.
Investment analyst: They are integral to the nation’s finance, collecting information and research on stocks, bonds, share, and commodities. They hone their focus on particular niches to become experts in the field, thereby providing the right information to clients.
Portfolio manager: He/she is responsible for making crucial investment decisions, thereby carrying out investment activities on behalf of individuals or institutions. It is a demanding job that requires a greater surveillance on the economic variances.
The emerging demands for sound professionals in Indian business/commerce require an upliftment in the educational structure, with a keen emphasis on constant learning and certification.
The writer is Founder and Chairman, ICA Edu Skills.
