Introduction
A Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree alone may not be enough to obtain desired employment possibilities and progression in today’s competitive work environment. Professionals who want to improve their employability and stay ahead of the curve must upskill and acquire specialised expertise. This blog aims to explore the benefits, options, and factors to consider when pursuing short-term courses after completing a BCom degree, providing valuable insights into the vast range of opportunities available for career growth.
The Benefits of Pursuing Short-Term Courses After BCom
- Enhancing Employability and Career Prospects
As the business landscape continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for professionals with specialized skills. According to recent statistics, the majority of employers prefer candidates with additional certifications or training beyond a basic degree. By investing in short-term courses, BCom graduates can demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Additionally, figures indicate that professionals with specialized certifications tend to earn higher salaries compared to those without such qualifications. Employers are willing to offer more lucrative compensation packages to candidates who possess in-demand skills and expertise. Hence, pursuing short-term courses can significantly boost career prospects and open doors to higher-paying job opportunities.
- Gaining Specialized Knowledge and Expertise
While a BCom degree provides a broad understanding of various business functions, short-term courses allow individuals to dive deeper into specific areas of interest or industry requirements. For example, courses in financial management and accounting, digital marketing and e-commerce, business analytics and data science, or supply chain management and logistics offer specialized knowledge that can be directly applied in relevant roles.
By acquiring expertise in a particular field, professionals can position themselves as subject matter experts and attract better career opportunities. Case studies of successful individuals who have taken short-term courses to advance their careers serve as inspiring examples of how specialized knowledge can make a significant difference in professional growth.
- Quick and Cost-Effective Way to Acquire New Skills
Unlike traditional higher education programs that often span several years, short-term courses provide a more time-efficient and cost-effective way to acquire new skills. While a master’s degree or an MBA may require a substantial investment of time and money, short-term courses can be completed in a matter of weeks or months.
Moreover, the flexibility and accessibility of short-term courses allow professionals to continue working while upgrading their skills. Many courses offer online or part-time options, enabling individuals to balance their professional and personal commitments. This flexibility makes it easier for working professionals to embark on a learning journey without significant disruptions to their careers.
Popular Short-Term Courses After BCom
Financial Management and Accounting
Financial management and accounting certifications such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) are highly regarded in the finance industry. These certifications validate an individual’s expertise in financial analysis, investment management, and strategic decision-making. The demand for professionals with financial certifications is on the rise, with attractive salary prospects and opportunities to work in diverse roles within finance departments of organizations.
Duration:
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Typically takes around 6-12 months to complete, including preparation for the certification exams.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Consists of three levels and can take 2-5 years to complete, depending on the candidate’s pace and study commitments.
The following are the job roles students can look forward to after completing a course in Financial Management and Accounting:
- Financial Analyst:
- Entry-level: INR 3-5 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 6-12 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 12-20 LPA
- Investment Banker:
- Entry-level: INR 6-10 LPA (excluding bonuses)
- Mid-level: INR 15-25 LPA (excluding bonuses)
- Senior-level: INR 30 lakhs or more per annum (excluding bonuses)
- Corporate Treasurer:
- Entry-level: INR 6-8 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 10-18 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 20 lakhs or more per annum
- Financial Controller:
- Entry-level: INR 5-8 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 10-20 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 25 lakhs or more per annum
- Risk Manager:
- Entry-level: INR 4-6 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 8-15 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 18 lakhs or more per annum
- Internal Auditor:
- Entry-level: INR 3-5 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 6-10 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 12 lakhs or more per annum
- Financial Planner:
- Entry-level: INR 3-5 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 6-12 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 15 lakhs or more per annum
Top of Form
Digital Marketing and E-commerce
With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for business growth, digital marketing and e-commerce courses have gained immense popularity. Certifications like the Google AdWords Certification and HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to develop effective online marketing strategies, manage advertising campaigns, and optimize websites for better online visibility. The digital marketing industry is experiencing significant growth, and professionals with these skills are in high demand across various sectors.
Duration:
- Google AdWords Certification: Can be completed within a few weeks, with self-paced study and online assessments.
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification: Typically takes a few days to complete, with online training modules and assessments.
Completing a course in Digital Marketing and E Commerce can fetch you the following jobs:
- Digital Marketing Executive:
- Entry-level: INR 2-4 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 4-8 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 8-15 LPA
- Social Media Manager:
- Entry-level: INR 3-5 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 6-10 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 12-18 LPA
- SEO Specialist:
- Entry-level: INR 2-4 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 4-8 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 8-15 LPA
- PPC Specialist:
- Entry-level: INR 3-5 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 6-10 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 12-18 LPA
- Content Marketing Manager:
- Entry-level: INR 4-6 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 8-12 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 15 lakhs or more per annum
- E-commerce Manager:
- Entry-level: INR 4-6 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 8-12 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 15 lakhs or more per annum
- Digital Marketing Strategist:
- Entry-level: INR 5-8 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 10-15 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 18 lakhs or more per annumTop of Form
Business Analytics and Data Science
In the era of big data, business analytics and data science have become indispensable for organizations seeking to gain insights and make data-driven decisions. Courses in data science certification and big data analytics provide individuals with the tools and techniques to collect, analyse, and interpret data effectively. Professionals with expertise in this field can contribute to business growth, process optimization, and predictive modeling, making them valuable assets to companies operating in diverse industries.
Duration:
- Data Science Certification: The duration may vary, ranging from a few months to a year, depending on the course structure and intensity.
- Big Data Analytics: Courses can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the level of specialization and practical hands-on training involved.
Students can pursue various jobs after a course in Business Analytics and Data Science such as:
- Data Analyst:
- Entry-level: INR 3-6 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 6-10 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 10-15 LPA
- Business Analyst:
- Entry-level: INR 4-7 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 7-12 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 12-20 LPA
- Data Scientist:
- Entry-level: INR 6-10 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 10-20 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 20 lakhs or more per annum
- Data Engineer:
- Entry-level: INR 4-8 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 8-15 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 15 lakhs or more per annum
- Machine Learning Engineer:
- Entry-level: INR 6-10 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 10-20 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 20 lakhs or more per annum
- Data Visualization Specialist:
- Entry-level: INR 4-7 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 7-12 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 12-18 LPA
- Data Consultant:
- Entry-level: INR 5-8 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 8-15 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 15 lakhs or more per annum
Top of Form
Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Efficient supply chain management and logistics play a critical role in the success of businesses today. Courses like the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and Lean Six Sigma provide individuals with the skills needed to streamline operations, manage inventory, optimize transportation, and improve overall supply chain performance. The demand for professionals with expertise in supply chain management is growing rapidly, driven by the need for cost reduction, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Duration:
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): Generally, takes around 6-9 months to complete, including study time and preparation for the certification exam.
- Lean Six Sigma: Courses can be completed within a few weeks or extend up to several months, depending on the level of certification (Yellow Belt, Green Belt, or Black Belt) pursued.
Following are some of the most famous job roles which are pursued after a course in Supply Chain Management and Logistics:
- Supply Chain Analyst:
- Entry-level: INR 3-5 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 6-10 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 10-15 LPA
- Logistics Coordinator:
- Entry-level: INR 2-4 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 4-8 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 8-12 LPA
- Warehouse Manager:
- Entry-level: INR 4-6 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 6-10 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 10-15 LPA
- Procurement Specialist:
- Entry-level: INR 3-5 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 6-10 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 10-15 LPA
- Operations Manager:
- Entry-level: INR 5-8 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 8-15 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 15 lakhs or more per annum
- Distribution Manager:
- Entry-level: INR 4-7 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 7-12 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 12-18 LPA
- Supply Chain Consultant:
- Entry-level: INR 5-8 LPA
- Mid-level: INR 8-15 LPA
- Senior-level: INR 15 lakhs or more per annum
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Short-Term Course
While the options for short-term courses are vast, selecting the right course requires careful consideration. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making a decision:
- Personal Interests and Career Aspirations: Choose a course that aligns with your passion and long-term career goals.
- Industry Demand and Job Market Trends: Research industries that are experiencing growth and identify the skills that are in high demand.
- Reputation and Credibility of the Course Provider: Opt for courses offered by reputable institutions or organizations known for their quality education and industry recognition.
- Course Duration, Cost, and Flexibility: Assess the time commitment, financial investment, and scheduling options to ensure they fit your personal circumstances.
- Networking and Placement Opportunities: Look for courses that offer networking opportunities and connections with industry professionals, as well as job placement support.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from past students to gain insights into the course content, instructor quality, and overall learning experience.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, upskilling through short-term courses has become essential for BCom graduates. By pursuing these courses, individuals can enhance their employability, gain specialized knowledge, and unlock new avenues of career growth. The wide range of options available in areas such as financial management, digital marketing, business analytics, and supply chain management provides ample opportunities for professionals to acquire valuable skills and stay ahead in their respective fields. With careful consideration of factors such as personal interests, industry demand, and financing options, individuals can embark on a rewarding learning journey that paves the way for long-term success. So, seize the opportunity to invest in your future and take proactive steps towards professional development through short-term courses after BCom.