Beyond the Basics: Career Paths with a BCom General

Choosing what degree to pursue straight after high school can often feel overwhelming because of all the different choices.

The decision becomes even more complicated, with many specialised degrees offering narrow career pathways—that only allow you to find a job in a specific industry.

In this regard, a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree is the ideal qualification that offers maximum flexibility. 

In this article, we will discuss a BCom general degree, including its definition, possible career opportunities, and options for further specialisation, so you can decide if this is the right degree for you.

What is a BCom (General) Degree?

A General Bachelor of Commerce degree is an undergraduate programme that typically takes three years to complete. It is designed to equip students with a broad knowledge of commerce. 

Commerce is the exchange of goods and services on a significant scale and makes up a big part of our economy. There are four different types of commerce:

1. Business to Business (B2B): Transactions between companies, such as a restaurant sourcing kitchen equipment from a supplier.

1. Business to Consumer (B2C): Direct sales from companies to the end customer, like online shopping on platforms like Takealot.

1. Consumer to Consumer (C2C): Individuals selling products or services to each other, facilitated by platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

1. Consumer-to-Business (C2B): Consumers offering products or services to companies, such as influencers marketing products in exchange for payment.

By pursuing a BCom general degree, you will not only delve into the four different commerce types but also build essential skills in leadership, communication, and management that are critical for thriving in the commerce and business industries.

What sectors employ a bachelor of commerce?

The versatility of commerce means that a BCom graduate can find a job within nearly any industry, from small businesses to global companies. 

This degree serves as a springboard for career advancement. It gives you the foundation to build your experience and potentially pursue high-level positions across different business industries, such as:

• Accounting Sciences
• Auditing
• Banking
• Business
• Management
• Communication
• Economic and Management Sciences
• Financial Services
• Governance
• Human Resources
• Insurance
• Manufacturing and Distribution
• Marketing
• Transportation
• Warehousing

Career Options with a General BCom Degree

A BCom qualification lays the groundwork for a diverse career landscape. Below is a list of the best BCom degree jobs:

1. Accounting Assistant: Supports financial operations by processing invoices, managing payroll, and maintaining accurate financial records.

1. Logistics Manager: Oversees the coordination and movement of goods from suppliers to customers, ensuring efficient supply chain operations.

1. Marketing Manager: Develops and implements marketing strategies to promote the company’s products or services. Also responsible for driving brand awareness and customer engagement

1. Research Analyst: Conducts in-depth data analysis to provide insights and recommendations for improving business decisions and strategies.

1. Business Manager: Manages day-to-day business operations, including budgeting, team management, and strategic planning to achieve company goals.

1. Project Manager: Leads and coordinates project teams. These professionals need to make sure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications.

1. Security Sales Consultant: Sells security solutions, including systems and services, by identifying client needs and providing tailored recommendations.

1. Internal Auditor: Evaluates the effectiveness of a company’s internal controls, financial systems, and compliance with regulations, providing risk management insights.

Furthering Education after a BCom Degree

Deciding what to do after completing a BCom general degree can significantly impact your career trajectory.

The best option would likely be a Bachelor of Commerce Honours (BCom Hons).

This specialised one-year program builds on the foundational knowledge you gained in a BCom degree. Therefore, it allows you to specialise in a particular field, such as accounting, finance, or marketing. 

It offers more in-depth teaching, setting you apart in the competitive job market. Pursuing a BCom Honours enhances your expertise in a particular field, opening opportunities for higher-level management positions.

FAQ

Is a BCom general degree worth it? 

A general BCom degree is definitely worth the investment due to its versatility. It opens the door to many different career opportunities across commerce. This means you will be able to choose from several different job positions based on your interests and can always change careers later.  

What postgraduate options are available for BCom graduates?

After completing your BCom degree, you can choose to study several different degrees, including honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and more. 

The best option would be to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce Honours (BCom Hons) since it allows you to specialise in a specific field, such as finance, marketing, and human resources. This will make you more employable since companies like to hire specialised employees.

Which specialisation is best for BCom?

There is no “best” specialisation. It ultimately comes down to your interests and job aspirations. That said, some specialisations do come with higher salaries. For example, careers in finance earn high salaries in South Africa. 

Study a BCom degree with REGENT

If you’re ready to jump into the growing and lucrative world of commerce and want to learn various skills so you can step into different job positions, studying for a commerce degree is the ideal solution.

Have a look at the different courses REGENT Business School offers, including a general Bachelor of Commerce, BCom in Accounting, BCom in Human Resource Management, and more.