Best Study Abroad Courses for Commerce Graduates

Once upon a time, graduating in Commerce meant there were only two professional paths ahead of you: becoming a Chartered Accountant or a Bank Manager. But that scenario is changing for the better. Commerce graduates didn’t have a choice to pick from a wide variety of career options for a successful professional life. Today, businesses globally rely on the quantitative, analytical, strategic, and reasoning powers of commerce graduates.

There is an increased demand for data and digital innovation worldwide. If you are a commerce student, the time to explore study and career opportunities abroad is now.

Whether you are a high school student at the threshold of adulthood or a young adult who has completed their Bachelor’s, studying abroad gives you not only the prestige of global universities but also opens up your career horizons. In this blog, we will walk you through the top 10 study abroad programs for commerce students and the steps to make your professional dreams come true.

Business Analytics and Data Science

Inarguably, this is the most in-demand job of recent times, where Commerce and Tech come together. Given the importance of data, corporations like Amazon and Goldman Sachs are desperately seeking individuals who can go beyond balance sheets and determine how to convert data into actionable insights. Commerce students have the necessary acumen to help businesses navigate the future by predicting trends using the power of data.

Top destinations for these courses are the USA, UK, Ireland and Australia. The best universities in the world for Business Analytics and Data Science are MIT Sloan, Imperial Business School, The University of Melbourne, and UBC Sauder School of Business.

Finance and Investment Banking

A course in finance abroad can open doors to some of the most prestigious organisations in the world.

Since finance is the king of commerce, there won’t ever be a time when capital isn’t relevant. There will always be a need for M&A experts, asset managers, and risk assessors.

Commerce students possess the skills necessary for corporate valuation, derivatives, financial modelling, and international regulations. These qualities make them ideal candidates for courses like Finance and Investment Banking, which can help commerce students build successful careers as investment bankers, portfolio managers, financial risk analysts and hedge fund managers.

Top destinations for a career in finance and investment banking are the USA, the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Wharton, UPenn, Harvard, Stanford, MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, Columbia University, Yale, Cornell and UC Berkeley are some of the best universities for finance and investment banking courses.

Digital Marketing and Advertising

A career in digital marketing and advertising may seem like a mismatch for a commerce graduate, but nothing can be further from the truth. Students who combine analytical rigour with a creative mindset can thrive in marketing and advertising.

Today, every business has gone digital. Brands need experts with analytical and creative abilities to navigate the algorithms of Google, Meta, and Instagram to drive revenue.

If topics like consumer behaviour, SEO and metrics excite you, you will definitely have a great career as a digital marketer, SEO specialist, brand strategist or social media director.

Top countries for digital marketing and advertising courses include the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Australia.

University of Southern California, Imperial College, NYU, HEC Paris, Columbia University, King’s College London, University of Manchester, and University of Southampton are the top colleges for digital marketing and advertising courses.

International Business Management

If you see yourself in corporate boardrooms, managing a multicultural team and navigating the precarious world of trade laws, you should consider a career in International Business Management.

Companies are on an expansion spree, conquering new markets and understanding new audiences. They need managers who have the skills to understand global logistics, international trade law, cross-cultural management and foreign exchange. Commerce students possess the ideal intellectual mix to excel in roles such as international trade manager, export/import consultant, and global operations director.

Top destinations for international business management courses include the UK, Germany, France and Canada. Some of the best universities for international business management courses are the University of South Carolina, HEC Paris, London Business School, and Georgetown University.

Supply Chain Management and Logistics

The pandemic and the subsequent lockdown made the world realise how important logistics are. With the rise of e-commerce and quick commerce, there is a growing need for professionals who can effectively simplify the supply chain.

Commerce students, thanks to their business acumen, are highly sought after in this field, enriching verticals such as procurement, inventory management, operations, research, and logistics.

Top countries for supply chain management and logistics courses include Canada, the USA, Germany and the Netherlands. Commerce students can excel in various roles, including Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Analyst, Operations Manager, and Procurement Specialist.

Accounting and Finance

Commerce students have the option to pursue a career in accounting abroad through courses that hold global accreditations, allowing them to practice anywhere in the world.

Since tax and audit are applicable everywhere, a globally certified accountant, auditor, forensic accountant or tax consultant is highly sought after and is employable anywhere in the world.

The best countries to study accounting and finance include the UK, the USA, Canada, and Australia.

Financial Technology

Financial Technology, or FinTech, offers strong career prospects to commerce graduates, thanks to its blend of financial expertise and technology. Even entry-level fintech jobs pay more than traditional finance jobs thanks to the hybrid skills of the FinTech expert.

Traditional banking has been undergoing significant disruptions thanks to apps, blockchains, and cryptocurrencies. Banking corporations are keen to join the digital revolution and are hiring skilled employees who help them be relevant in the changing times.

Top destinations for FinTech courses are the UK, Singapore and the USA. Career paths for this field include FinTech product managers, blockchain analysts, and payment systems managers.

Economics

Students pursuing a career in economics are a natural progression, as it builds on their foundational knowledge in finance, business, and accounting. Commerce graduates are trained to consider the “big picture” of how rates, inflation, and policies impact the world.

Abroad, economics as a study program focuses on research and math. A career in economics abroad offers them amazing job prospects and a higher pay scale.

There is a great demand from governments, think tanks and banks for economists, policy analysts, data analysts and economic researchers.

The best countries for economics programs are the UK, the USA, and Singapore. Top institutions include the London School of Economics and Ivy League schools.

The Admissions Roadmap

Commerce students need more than just good academics (although good grades don’t hurt) to get into a top program in some of the elite universities across the world.

Whether you are a graduate or a Class 12 student, you should adopt a strategic approach that involves familiarising yourself with test preparation exams such as GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, TOEFL or IELTS.

With the help of a study abroad consultancy, develop the right profile, research the right programs, prepare for interviews and arrange for finances. Here is a clear roadmap:

1. Aim for a minimum of 60%-70% in Class 12 or graduation.
2. Focus on Maths. Top programs are seeking candidates who can effectively handle data and statistics.
3. Zero in on the right program at the university of your choice.
4. After 12, prepare for the SAT or ACT.
5. After completing 12th grade, prepare for the GMAT or GRE.
6. Prepare for English proficiency tests.
7. Choose TOEFL if you are more comfortable with a computer-adaptive format that requires voice recording.
8. Choose IELTS if you prefer more human interaction.
9. You can also choose other English tests such as DET, PTE and C1 Advanced, depending on the destination country and university requirements.
10. Create a compelling story with your 10, 11 and 12 marks, essays explaining why you want to pursue the course, and Letters of Recommendation from mentors and guides who endorse your candidature.