7 answers
Safdar
Student
Hala, Sindh
5
Questions
Asked
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Is a Bachelor's degree in Commerce or Business still valuable in today's job market, or should I switch fields?
Hi everyone,
I am currently an Intermediate Commerce student evaluating my future academic and career trajectory.
I want to know the current market value and long-term demand for a Commerce degree compared to alternative fields like technology or computer science. If I pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA), Accounting, or Finance, what are the emerging career prospects?
Alternatively, are traditional commerce paths becoming obsolete without combining them with technical skills? Any advice from industry professionals on whether I should continue with higher studies in business or pivot to another field would be greatly appreciated!
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7 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Dean; Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
788
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
A Bachelor's degree in Commerce or Business is still valuable in today's job market. Businesses will always need people who understand finance, accounting, management, marketing, sales, and business operations. However, the job market is changing, so having only a degree may not be enough. Practical experience, communication skills, problem-solving, and digital knowledge are becoming increasingly important.
If you choose BBA, Accounting, or Finance, there are still many career opportunities. You can work in banking, accounting firms, financial services, consulting, business management, sales, marketing, human resources, or corporate finance. Accounting and finance can also lead to professional qualifications, which can improve your career opportunities. New areas such as fintech, business analytics, digital banking, risk management, and sustainability are also creating new roles for business graduates.
Technology and computer science are growing fields, but that does not mean everyone needs to switch to them. Choosing a field only because it is popular can be risky if you do not enjoy the work. Business and technology are also becoming closely connected. Companies need professionals who understand both business needs and technology, so a combination of business knowledge and technical skills can be very useful.
If you continue with Commerce or Business, I would recommend adding some technical skills alongside your degree. For example, learn Excel, data analysis, artificial intelligence tools, digital marketing, etc. Internships, projects, certifications, and part-time work can also help you develop practical skills and make your degree more valuable.
If you choose BBA, Accounting, or Finance, there are still many career opportunities. You can work in banking, accounting firms, financial services, consulting, business management, sales, marketing, human resources, or corporate finance. Accounting and finance can also lead to professional qualifications, which can improve your career opportunities. New areas such as fintech, business analytics, digital banking, risk management, and sustainability are also creating new roles for business graduates.
Technology and computer science are growing fields, but that does not mean everyone needs to switch to them. Choosing a field only because it is popular can be risky if you do not enjoy the work. Business and technology are also becoming closely connected. Companies need professionals who understand both business needs and technology, so a combination of business knowledge and technical skills can be very useful.
If you continue with Commerce or Business, I would recommend adding some technical skills alongside your degree. For example, learn Excel, data analysis, artificial intelligence tools, digital marketing, etc. Internships, projects, certifications, and part-time work can also help you develop practical skills and make your degree more valuable.
Jaycelle Leuterio
Tax Consultant/ Accountant
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jaycelle’s Answer
Think about your decision not as choosing between business or technology, but as deciding what skills you want to be known for. A Commerce degree provides a solid base, but your career path matters as much as the degree itself. BBA, Accounting, and Finance can lead to different careers, so it's important to consider what interests you.
If you like structured problem-solving and financial tasks, Accounting might be a good fit. If you're drawn to investments and financial analysis, Finance could be your path. A BBA offers a broad range of opportunities, like consulting, marketing, or management, but you might want to specialize later.
Don't switch to computer science just because technology is booming. It requires a real interest in programming and technical problem-solving. Instead, aim to be a business professional who is tech-savvy. For instance, an accounting student who knows data analytics is valuable, as is a finance student skilled in data visualization. A BBA graduate who understands digital business models and AI can offer unique insights.
While studying, develop practical skills to complement your degree. Depending on your interests, this could include Excel, Power BI/Tableau, SQL, basic Python, data analytics, AI tools, or financial modeling. You don't need all at once, just pick a couple that align with your career goals.
Don't view a degree in isolation. Think about the complete package you'll graduate with: your degree, internships, technical skills, communication skills, projects, and relevant qualifications. Two people with the same Commerce degree can have very different skills when they enter the job market.
Before changing fields, research entry-level jobs that interest you. Look at 20–30 job descriptions to identify common qualifications and skills. This will help you decide what to study.
You don't have to choose between traditional business and the future. You can create a career that blends both.
If you like structured problem-solving and financial tasks, Accounting might be a good fit. If you're drawn to investments and financial analysis, Finance could be your path. A BBA offers a broad range of opportunities, like consulting, marketing, or management, but you might want to specialize later.
Don't switch to computer science just because technology is booming. It requires a real interest in programming and technical problem-solving. Instead, aim to be a business professional who is tech-savvy. For instance, an accounting student who knows data analytics is valuable, as is a finance student skilled in data visualization. A BBA graduate who understands digital business models and AI can offer unique insights.
While studying, develop practical skills to complement your degree. Depending on your interests, this could include Excel, Power BI/Tableau, SQL, basic Python, data analytics, AI tools, or financial modeling. You don't need all at once, just pick a couple that align with your career goals.
Don't view a degree in isolation. Think about the complete package you'll graduate with: your degree, internships, technical skills, communication skills, projects, and relevant qualifications. Two people with the same Commerce degree can have very different skills when they enter the job market.
Before changing fields, research entry-level jobs that interest you. Look at 20–30 job descriptions to identify common qualifications and skills. This will help you decide what to study.
You don't have to choose between traditional business and the future. You can create a career that blends both.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Safdar
Cynthia Avelar
Accounting Manager
3
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Getting a bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field is still a great choice today. Companies always need people who know about finance, operations, strategy, and accounting. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting, and it has led me to a stable and rewarding career.
The business world is changing, especially with new technology and artificial intelligence. The most successful people will be those who mix strong business skills with technical abilities like data analysis, AI tools, business intelligence, or project management.
Don't feel like you need to change fields just because technology is advancing. Instead, think about how you can add tech skills to your business degree. This combination can make you very competitive in the job market.
In the end, pick a field that matches your interests and strengths. If you like subjects like accounting, finance, economics, or management, there are still many great career opportunities. Keep learning and adapting to stay ahead as industries change.
The business world is changing, especially with new technology and artificial intelligence. The most successful people will be those who mix strong business skills with technical abilities like data analysis, AI tools, business intelligence, or project management.
Don't feel like you need to change fields just because technology is advancing. Instead, think about how you can add tech skills to your business degree. This combination can make you very competitive in the job market.
In the end, pick a field that matches your interests and strengths. If you like subjects like accounting, finance, economics, or management, there are still many great career opportunities. Keep learning and adapting to stay ahead as industries change.
Craig Whyte
Technical Support Manager
2
Answers
Cork
Updated
Craig’s Answer
'Traditional' degrees remain deeply valuable, I believe foundational business acumen will always be in high demand. However, technology moves faster than academic curricula. You cannot wait for the syllabus to catch up; you must take ownership of designing your own learning experience on a daily basis.
The most successful graduates proactively integrate tools like data analytics, AI, and creative problem solving into their coursework long before it’s required by a lecturer. Emerging roles, such as fintech analysis, sustainable finance, and business management, demand professionals who combine fundamental business principles with technical agility and creative thinking. Rather than pivoting entirely (unless your true passion) bring an innovative mindset into your business studies from day one.
The most successful graduates proactively integrate tools like data analytics, AI, and creative problem solving into their coursework long before it’s required by a lecturer. Emerging roles, such as fintech analysis, sustainable finance, and business management, demand professionals who combine fundamental business principles with technical agility and creative thinking. Rather than pivoting entirely (unless your true passion) bring an innovative mindset into your business studies from day one.
Thank you so much!
Safdar
Michelle Duke
Developer Relations
13
Answers
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Degrees and qualifications are certainly still valuable, and I would supplement this with doing other things outside your degree:
- Work experience
- Running a side hustle
- Doing online certifications or courses
- Getting involved in university clubs/societies/etc. Try and do something like aligns like Secretary or Treasurer
Remember, at the end of the day, everyone is going to graduate your course with the same piece of paper. You want something to stand you out from the crowd. Get involved and give it a shot.
- Work experience
- Running a side hustle
- Doing online certifications or courses
- Getting involved in university clubs/societies/etc. Try and do something like aligns like Secretary or Treasurer
Remember, at the end of the day, everyone is going to graduate your course with the same piece of paper. You want something to stand you out from the crowd. Get involved and give it a shot.
Thank you!
Safdar
Updated
Ahmad’s Answer
A Commerce degree still has good market value, especially in accounting, finance, auditing, taxation, consulting, fintech, risk management and business analytics. However, instead of pursuing a general Commerce or BBA degree, you may want to specialize in Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics, Management Information Systems or Supply Chain Management, as a specialization can make you more competitive. Traditional commerce careers are not becoming obsolete, but routine tasks such as bookkeeping and data entry are increasingly being automated. You should also learn how to leverage AI effectively because, by the time you graduate, AI will likely be ubiquitous across most industries and using it will be a basic workplace expectation rather than a unique skill. Combine your business education with advanced Excel, Power BI, SQL, financial modeling, ERP systems, internships and, where relevant, a professional qualification such as CPA or CMA. If you enjoy business and working with numbers, there is no need to switch completely to Computer Science; a specialized business degree combined with technical skills and AI fluency can provide a strong long-term career path.
Graeme Innes
Communications
1
Answer
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Graeme’s Answer
A Bachelor's degree in Commerce or Business is an excellent investment in your future. It provides a strong foundation of business knowledge and skills that can be put into practice quickly once you join the workforce. From there, the experience you gain will add even more value to the concepts and skills you learned. Seeing how "marketing", "finance", "human resources", and "strategy" actually show up in a company may inspire you to consider specializing (e.g. accounting versus marketing). Regardless of where you end up, you will find that your BCOM gives you the flexibility to move around an organization or consider new career paths at any time in your career.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Safdar