In today’s competitive business landscape, pursuing further studies after obtaining a BCom degree can be a strategic investment in your future.
In addition to opening up a vast range of career paths, studying post-BCom also gives you global opportunities, credibility, and prestige in your field.
REGENT offers several postgraduate study courses to help you further your career.
This article will examine whether studying further after completing your BCom is good. We will also cover some of the best postgraduate programmes you can consider.
Is it better to pursue further studies or enter the job market after getting your BCom degree?
Opting for further studies after obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce degree can offer numerous advantages contributing to long-term personal and professional growth. Below are some main benefits of studying after completing a BCom degree.
- Specialised knowledge: Further studies towards a postgraduate degree, such as a master’s or specialised certification, give you in-depth knowledge in a specific business area. This advanced knowledge can make you more competitive in the job market.
- Wide range of career opportunities: Further studies open the door to various career fields. This often means you can work in different roles — depending on your area of specialisation.
- Career advancement: Leadership and management roles often require advanced degrees. A postgraduate degree increases your chances of advancing into a management position within your company.
- Global opportunities: With increasing globalisation in the business world, having an advanced degree can open many doors for international job opportunities. Further studies can increase your chances of landing positions in multinational companies.
- Research opportunities: If you have a research interest, pursuing further studies can give you the chance to contribute to your field through research projects. This can be especially advantageous if you aspire to work in academia or research-focused roles.
- Credibility and prestige: An advanced degree can enhance your credibility and prestige within the professional community. It can signal to employers that you’re committed to continuous learning and possess a high level of expertise in your chosen field.
What are the in-demand skills for BCom graduates in today’s job market?
Some skills can make you stand out in today’s competitive job market. These include, but aren’t limited to, the following.
- Analytical and quantitative skills: The ability to analyse data, interpret trends, and make informed decisions using quantitative methods. This skill is crucial for financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning.
- Communication skills: Good communication abilities, both verbal and written, are crucial for conveying information clearly to co-workers, clients, managers, and stakeholders. This skill also includes active listening and presentation abilities.
- Financial acumen: A strong understanding of economic principles, including accounting, financial reporting, and the ability to manage and analyse financial data. This skill is vital for finance and accounting roles.
- Technology proficiency: Using relevant software and tools in business and financial environments. This includes proficiency with accounting software, enterprise resource planning systems, and other technology platforms.
- Problem-solving abilities: Effective critical thinking and problem-solving, including analysing situations, identifying challenges, and devising practical solutions. This skill is essential for addressing complex business issues.
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills: The ability to collaborate with diverse teams, communicate effectively, and work cohesively toward common goals. Strong interpersonal skills help build positive relationships with colleagues and clients.
- Global business awareness: Knowledge of international business practices and global economic trends. This includes cultural awareness and sensitivity to working in diverse environments.
- Entrepreneurial mindset: Creativity, innovation, and a willingness to take calculated risks. An entrepreneurial mindset involves identifying opportunities, thinking creatively, and adapting to change.
Studying for a postgraduate degree or specialised certificate will help you gain many of these skills.
What are the best courses after BCom?
Below is a list of the five best courses to study after finishing your BCom degree.
1. Master of Commerce (MCom)
An MCom degree provides more information and insights about what you already learned during your BCom studies.
It provides advanced knowledge in commerce, accounting, finance, and related fields. Studying towards an MCom degree can lead to opportunities in academia, research, or industry-specialised roles.
2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA is an advanced business degree that covers several aspects of business administration, including finance, marketing, human resources, and management.
It’s highly versatile and can open doors to leadership roles in numerous industries. During the MBA, you will get opportunities to build your skills by completing projects and case studies.
Discover more details about what you will learn by pursuing an MBA degree.
3. Chartered Accountancy (CA)
A CA is a postgraduate qualification focusing on accounting, auditing, and financial management. With it, you can become a Chartered Accountant or pursue leadership roles in finance, taxation, and advisory services.
According to recent estimates, South Africa has a shortage of 20,000 skilled accounting professionals, making it a highly valuable degree. Therefore, studying accounting courses after your BCom is an excellent option.
4. Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
An MBA specialising in Healthcare Management is a postgraduate programme designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to attain leadership roles within the healthcare industry.
This specialised MBA program combines traditional business principles with a focus on the unique challenges and complexities of the healthcare sector.
5. BCom Honours in Human Resource Management
A Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Honours in Human Resource Management is a degree that focuses specifically on the practices and strategic aspects of managing human resources within a business.
This programme is designed to provide students with a strong business and commerce foundation while offering advanced human resource management skills.
Study a postgraduate course with REGENT
Now that you know the power of post-graduation studies and how specialisation in certain fields and upskilling can open many career choices, you can consider enrolling in one of REGENT’s postgraduate programmes.
There are many options, and it is up to you to decide which specialisation you are most interested in.
