A Foundation for Success: Essential Business Skills You Gain from a BCom Degree

A BCom is a highly respected degree among many employers. Providing students with broad business skills opens the door to many career opportunities in finance, marketing, technology, and more.

REGENT offers a Bachelor of Commerce degree that equips students with strong skills that build the foundation for successful careers in business management. 

This article discusses the top skills you will learn with a BCom degree, including basic and more advanced business skills, and how these skills will help you stand out in the job market. 

What are basic business skills?

Basic business skills form the foundation for success for anyone looking to enter the corporate world. Though these skills are considered “basic”, they are crucial for navigating day-to-day operations, and every business professional needs them. 

These include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Communication skills: The ability to convey verbal and written messages effectively. This includes explaining ideas, writing professional emails, and listening well.  

• Basic financial literacy: Understanding fundamental economic concepts, such as budgeting and profit and losses. 

• Critical thinking and problem-solving: These involve the ability to analyse situations, identify issues, and devise the best solution—even under pressure. 

• Time management: Prioritising tasks from most to least important to ensure you meet your deadlines. This includes managing your time using tools and techniques for higher productivity. 

• Teamwork and collaboration: Working well with others and understanding team dynamics to achieve a common goal. This includes being able to provide and receive constructive feedback. 

• Basic IT skills: Proficiency with essential software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as other digital tools for your area of specialisation.  

• Customer service: Knowing how to handle customers, including talking to them appropriately and helping them with any issues. This also includes staying calm even if customers are upset. 

• Adaptability and flexibility: Adapting to new situations and being open to changes. This may include assisting in other departments when necessary. 

• Networking: Building and keeping relationships with other professionals in your industry—inside and outside your organisation.

What are essential business skills employers look for?

In today’s competitive job market, employers seek professionals with more advanced skills. This is especially true for graduates specialising in different business areas, such as finance, IT, or marketing. 

Here are some essential business skills many employers look for: 

• Leadership and management skills: Employers seek workers who can easily lead team members and take initiative. This includes critical thinking and team management. 

• Advanced analytical skills: They want employees proficient in data analysis and who can interpret complex data. 

• Innovation and creativity: Companies seek creative and innovative workers who can generate new ideas to help them grow. 

• Sales and negotiation skills: Employers also seek sales understanding and the ability to negotiate deals. This is especially true if you speak directly to customers in a sales or advertising position. 

• Project management: Skills in planning, organising, and closing projects are critical for all businesses. As such, employers seek workers who can use project methodologies such as Agile or Scrum to complete projects effectively and on time. 

• Financial acumen: Employers seek skilled financial staff who understand financial management, investment strategies, and economic principles that impact the business.

• Advanced information technology: Due to constant technological advancements, companies seek employees with advanced skills in information systems and technology. IT is one of the highest-paying professions in South Africa. 

• Global and cultural awareness: Understanding global markets, cultural differences, and how these affect business functions is a valuable skill companies seek. 

How does a Bcom develop my business skills?

A Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree is designed to give students a broad understanding of various business areas, including human resources, marketing, finances, accounting, and more.

These degrees often include a vast curriculum with several modules covering different business facets. For example, REGENT’s BCOm degree covers topics such as: 

• Statistics
• Economics
• Accounting
• Business Management
• Commercial Law
• Information Systems
• Entrepreneurship
• International Business

Plus, it also allows you to choose electives based on your interests. These include: 

• Project Management
• Health Management
• Information Technology
• Supply Chain Management
• Human Resource Management
• Risk Management
• Digital Marketing
• Business Intelligence
• And more

Through all these modules, you learn skills in several aspects of business, which will equip you to enter various positions in the corporate world. 

FAQ

What soft skills do I need in business?

Soft skills are vital in business, facilitating effective interactions, collaboration, and problem-solving. Some top soft skills you need include communication, emotional intelligence, and teamwork. These skills will help you work well with others and handle emotional and stressful situations.

What hard skills are necessary for business?

Hard skills are teachable abilities that can be measured and are crucial for business success. The type of hard skills you need depends on your job position. However, some popular skills include financial management, data analysis, project management, and marketing and sales. 

Study a BCom degree with REGENT

A Bachelor of Commerce degree is a fantastic option if you know you want to pursue a career in the business world and want to keep your options open. 

Not only does a BCom open doors to vast career opportunities, but it is also a highly respected degree by employers, making it easier to find a job. 

Learn more about REGENT’s BCom degree programme to discover possible career opportunities and entry requirements.