Job- the first few thoughts that come to mind after hearing this word are sustainability, necessity, and salary. A well-paid job flatters everybody, yet it is noteworthy to mention that a well-rounded education in the industry is essential to land that high paid job. Every student in their education life is faced with the inevitable choice of opting for the curriculum in which they can further their career in the future. The process can be daunting and thrilling.  The curriculum in commerce is pragmatic and accomplishable, as it offers jobs around the board and broadens the career path dynamically. The commerce stream jobs can be considered jobs that help pay off debts and student loans and offer better yearly vacations. The United States of America, among other countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, is considered the best for learning commerce around the globe.  The following is a list of the ten highest-paid jobs in commerce for graduates and postgraduates. Let’s explore the most prominent commerce jobs in the market to expand your horizon with potential opportunities.  Investment Banker An individual in a financial institution responsible for raising corporate and governmental finances, including other entities, is referred to as an Investment banker. With a firm grasp of verbal and non-verbal skills, excellent number-crunching skills, and a capability to work long grueling hours, one having these skills can land students jobs in commerce. One can seek a Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting, a BBA in finance, a BA in economics, a BCom, an MBA in finance, or an MBA in digital finance and banking to work as an investment banker.  The annual salary of an Investment Banker is $71,873.  Company or Corporate Secretary A business professional is responsible for ensuring the integrity and ongoing projects of the company, ensuring the company’s regulatory requirements across the board, and having core knowledge of the company is referred to as a Company Secretary. Students capable of handling multiple responsibilities, multitasking, and possessing excellent organizational skills can opt for this job as it highlights their talents. The CS course is available as an Executive and Professional program that enables you to pursue a career in the relevant field.  The average salary of a Corporate Secretary is $225,289. Chartered Public Accountants (CPA)  Accounting professionals that hold a license are given the title of certified public accountant (CPA). Every state’s Board of Accountancy is responsible for issuing CPA licenses. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) offers resources for acquiring the license. The CPA designation supports the accounting industry’s efforts to uphold professional standards.  A bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or accounting and finishing 150 hours of study are prerequisites for becoming a certified public accountant.  Common positions held by CPAs include those in public accounting, corporate accounting, and senior positions like a controller or chief financial officer (CFO).  The annual salary of a CPA is $89,452.  Marketing Manager The work of a marketing manager is to help brand the company, plan executive campaigns, and communicate the organization’s message to the target audience. A marketing manager’s work includes ensuring the branding and advertisements of the company or organization are done efficiently. Management and organizational skills, communication skills, and in-depth knowledge of management skills are grounding bases to land this job.  The average salary for this job is $78,826. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) This is considered the most reputed of all finance-related jobs. The responsibilities include making sound plans for the stocks and industries to make a profit for the company. Chartered Financial Analyst also provides investment recommendations to individuals, known as portfolios.  Analytical and computer skills are vital to landing this profile, as most of the work is done using excel sheets and handling spreadsheets. Commerce stream students have a strong base in mathematics, which helps get this profile on a resume.  This profile requires a bachelor’s degree, passing CFA program exams to get this role and a minimum of four years of experience in a relevant role.  The annual salary of a Chartered Financial Analyst is $70,381. Actuary The responsibility of an actuary is to analyze the uncertainty and economic cost risk of the company. For example, they review the data claims by the policyholders to determine the risk and whether it should be resolved. They recommend the amount to be charged, kept, and paid.  The actuaries analyze all these data with their skills in computers, mathematics, and financial theory.  Maths, BSc in Actuarial Science, MSc in Actuarial Science, and Financial Mathematics and Statistics are a few courses one can take up to pursue a profile as an Actuary.  The salary per year is $109,251 per year. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) The CEO is the highest-ranking executive in an organization, supervising all activities in a business organization. The role of a CEO is to implement new plans and policies in the company.  The CEO is responsible for improving financial growth, supporting and broadening the digital market, and setting a strategy for the future. There are over 38,708 CEOs employed in the US.  A few examples of a CEO are- Timothy Donald Cook, of Apple Inc. since 2011. Elon Reeve Musk FRS, CEO and chief engineer of SpaceX; CEO of Tesla, Inc.; and Twitter.  The annual average salary of a CEO is $103,563. Curious about the most lucrative career paths in commerce? Explore our detailed guide on the highest paid jobs in India in commerce, and aim for a prosperous future in the business world. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) The chief financial officer is a finance professional responsible for handling all aspects of cash flow and tax-related issues. The CFO takes all the company’s strategic initiatives.  Students in the commerce curriculum with skills in mathematics, economics, and in-depth knowledge in finance have a bright prospect in this job role.  The annual average salary of a CFO is $122,747. Cost Accountant Cost Accountant is one of the finest career opportunities for students to get jobs in commerce streams. Cost accountants are finance professionals that analyze the company’s products and costs.  These individuals collect and maintain expense databases and determine the costs of rent, salary, and insurance. They are also responsible for reviewing the inaccuracies of the actual costs. Jobs for commerce students can be rigorous and hectic as it deals with numbers and spreadsheets, but one cannot deny that commerce jobs pay their employees accordingly.   An MBA in accounting courses can quickly help one to pursue this role as a career path. Skills such as accounting, management, and understanding of the business can help one secure a place as a Cost Accountant.  The average salary of an Accountant is $52,790.  Explore our Popular MBA Courses Master of Business Administration from Golden Gate University Master of Business Administration (MBA) Liverpool Business School MBA from Deakin Business School MBA in Digital Marketing from Dekin University Executive MBA from SSBM View all MBA Courses Entrepreneur The rapid growth of entrepreneurship globally implies its popularity among young aspirants hoping to showcase their ideas to the world through their creatively-led services. An Entrepreneur is an entity that constructs its own establishment while bearing the most financial burden and reaping its benefits entirely as well.  Besides holding a firm grasp on their relevant field knowledge, entrepreneurship demands problem-solving, analytical, persuasion, and effective communication skills to deal with people.  The average salary of an Entrepreneur is $95,879 per annum.  Top MBA Skills MBA in Finance MBA in HR MBA in Marketing https://www.upgrad.com/mba-course/mba-in-international-business/ MBA in Operations Management MBA in Business Analytics MBA in IT MBA in Healthcare Management MBA in General Management MBA in Agriculture MBA in Supply Chain Management MBA in Entrepreneurship Conclusion Perceiving the dynamic work profiles and demand for talented professionals, commerce students are expected to see bright and fulfilling prospects ahead of them. Students in the commerce curriculum develop well-rounded skills in analytical thinking, managerial skills, technical and computational skills, and arithmetic that help raise the bar for getting jobs in commerce streams. Thus, it can be said that the jobs for commerce students are up and coming.  While knowing your options is integral to seeking opportunities, obtaining proper certifications and skill is the first step toward entering the relevant domain. upGrad is one such platform that enables talented candidates to enhance their candidature and get exciting industry roles. From courses like Master in Business Administration to a well-formulated Doctorate in Business Administration, obtaining professional certification can help you bag lucrative commerce stream jobs.  Check out various upGrad courses to kickstart your career! Learn MBA Courses from the World’s top Universities. Earn Master, Executive PGP, or Advanced Certificate Programs to fast-track your career. You can also check out our free courses offered by upGrad in Management, Data Science, Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, and Technology. All of these courses have top-notch learning resources, weekly live lectures, industry assignments, and a certificate of course completion – all free of cost! Read Our Popular Articles Related to MBA Financial Analyst Salary – Freshers and Experienced Top Interview Questions and Answers for HR MBA Marketing Career Options in US Best Career Options In USA After MBA In Human Resource Top 7 Career Options in Sales Highest Paying Finance Jobs in the US: Average to Highest Top 7 Career Options in Finance in the USA : Must Read Top 5 Marketing Trends MBA Salary in USA [All Specializations] .wpdt-tc-F44336 { color: #F44336 !important;}

The year of 2020 profoundly impacted billions of lives on this planet. An unprecedented, unparalleled circumstance in the form of a global pandemic brought the world to a sudden break. While this crisis was extremely tough for each one of us, it was also one of the finest moments in the history for innovation in education in India. The determination and diversity of our country is a strong force to steer us all through the tough times and so is the story of online degree programs. But first, some background UNESCO defines Gross enrolment ratio (GER) as the total enrolment in a specific level of education, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the population in the official age group corresponding to this level of education. India’s GER in higher education was 27.1% in 2020 as per the report by All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) source In comparison to India, the global average GER is marginally high at 27% but substantially high with developed counties like USA (88.2%), Germany (70.3%), United Kingdom (60%) and well high for emerging countries like Brazil (51.3%) and China (49.1%) also. Degree programs are the fundamental qualification of skills in any discipline. They are awarded only after a learner successfully completed through the designated set of theoretical & practical knowledge and passed various key assessments from a recognized higher educational institute. The degree certifies that the learner is totally capable of applying the knowledge for their discipline in relevant industries. Hence, an academic degree is the key eligibility criteria for any respected job. Birth of online degrees National Education Policy 2020 approved on 29th July 2020 was targeted to bring significant reforms in the higher education system of the country. While education is one of the most key factors of the growth in a developing country like India, this NEP replaced the National Education Policy of 1986 which was last modified in 1992. While the decision to relax regulations for launching online programmes was announced in the Union Budget 2020 in February, it was not until 04th Sept 2020 that University Grants Commission (UGC), a regulatory body set up by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, released the regulations & guidelines for Higher Educational Institutes (HEI) to provide degrees through online medium. As per the guidelines established by the UGC, following criteria have to be met by a higher education institution to offer online programmes: they have been in operation for at least five years; they have earned accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a minimum score of 3.26 on a scale of 4; and, they should also be in the top-100 in overall category in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for at least two years in the previous three years This reform was highly appreciated by educationalist in the country as a measure to improve accessibility to quality higher education programs and boosting the country’s GER in the upcoming years. The vision of NEP 2020 is to reach 50% GER by 2035 and online degrees were launched as the biggest driving factor.  Defining online degrees In a country where children are extremely influenced by the family and relatives to choose their higher education programs, online degree is a highly misunderstood concept. Most of the general population are still adapting to internet especially in tier-III or below cities/towns. Lack of clarity on the advantages of technology in delivering quality education through online medium is a basic misunderstanding among masses. What most people fail to realise is that a data science principle or a digital marketing concept will remain unchanged regardless of the learning environment. Internet is merely one of the medium to share various areas of knowledge. So, online degrees are simply your regular degree programs delivered through an online platform in place of a classroom infrastructure.  If you are looking to understand the key differences between an online degree and on-campus degrees, you can check out our article on this topic: Online vs Offline Degrees: Which is Better? All online degree programs are composed of the below 4-quadrant approach as per UGC (Credit Framework for online learning courses through SWAYAM) Regulations, 2016 Here is what is covered in each Quadrant: Quadrant 1: Online program consists of e-Tutorial that are video-based lectures in live or recorded format to explain various topics by a subject matter expert  Quadrant 2: Online program consists of e-Content  in form of PDFs, Text, e-Books, Illustrations and Documents, including Web resources (Reference links, Wikipedia, Open-source content etc.).  Quadrant 3: Online program consists of Assessments ranging from various problem/ solutions, MCQs, Short answers type, Quizzes, Assignments etc. Quadrant 4: Online program consists of Discussion forums for enhance peer-to-peer interactions amongst students and academic staff Together these four quadrants build the fundamentals of online degree programs. These quadrants ensure an exhaustive learning process for students. They help students learn & implement all necessary concepts in an appropriate manner and build the skill sets as part of their academic curriculum. Hence, an online degree provides an all-round development experience at par with any on-campus degree program. Since the new generation of students have exposure to electronic devices from a very young age, they have build a knack of using technology platforms at ease and hence, academic delivery of degree programs through an online mode has even shown better results for students from upcoming generations.  Last thoughts If you’re thinking whether online degrees is suitable for you personally, you can learn about it at upGrad. upGrad is India’s largest online higher education company with a mission to making our learners achieve their desired outcomes. upGrad has helped over 2 million students from 100+ countries to decide and choose the best online programs that can help them reach their goals. 5 out 6 upGrad learners have received a positive career outcome as per a recent review by Deloitte. You can visit upGrad Degree Counseling  to learn more about best online degree programs, top Universities and add-on services to assist the online degree students.

Do you still need to decide which university you want to attend? This is quite reasonable given the wide range of possibilities that have emerged as a result of COVID, which has essentially changed how one can obtain a degree. It is only natural to ponder on which university to select since the pandemic has opened up a wide range of opportunities in the education sector. As a result, the Indian education system has reformed to cater to the needs of the highly motivated population.  With the current Global Scenario and recent pandemic, even the education system in India is going through many reforms.  To help you understand what is the best option for your future, keep reading. Quick Intro to Online Degree When compared to an offline/on-campus degree, an online degree is a UGC-designated degree (Government Approved) that carries the same level of legitimacy. That is equally legitimate. Whether a degree is earned online or in person, the university’s pedagogy (method of instruction), credits, and recognition all stay the same. MBA, MCA, M.Com, MSc.Ds (Data Science), MA, BBA, BCA, B.Com, and BA are among these degrees. Also included in these degrees are all specialities that are applicable to the sector, like marketing, finance, human resources, operations, data science, artificial intelligence, and others. How are they different from each other S.No What are you looking for  Online Degree  On-Campus Degree Distance Learning 1 Government Recognised  Yes Yes Yes 2 Fees Low High Very Low 3 Study Abroad / WES / Global Recognition Yes Yes No 4 Placement  As per University As per University Usually not provided 5 Exam Online Proctored In Campus In person at campus 6 Approved for Higher Education in India Yes Yes May vary as per College /Degree 7 Credit Transfer Possible Possible Not Possible 8 Learning Session Pre recorded + Live Session over weekend Live class-room sessions Self Learning Is an online degree the same as a Distance learning/degree? NO, distance learning and online learning are not equivalent in terms of recognition, pedagogy, and government policy. Reiterating that an online degree is identical to one earned offline or on campus, while distance learning employs an entirely separate method of instruction. Which one to choose: Online or Offline Degree? In terms of placement, content, and faculty both remain the same but when it comes to fees and mode of communication the students can make a choice as per their requirements..  An online course at the same university often costs 1/4 as much as an offline one. The adaptability of learning is another benefit of an online degree. The sessions can be completed at the student’s leisure, and any live sessions missed will still be available on the student’s Learning Management System (LMS). The advantage of offline learning is that, despite being more expensive, it offers deeper peer-to-peer engagement than occasionally scheduled university-sponsored meet-ups in online courses. Offline also gives the student the chance to make use of the resources available on campus. Please be aware that several online degree programs now include e-Library access and other online resources as well. Why do employers prefer online degrees? Learners with self-discipline: Learners who have finished online education are more self-disciplined. It occurs because online education requires students to set their own deadlines, understand the regulations, and complete tasks on their own. It improves consistency, sincerity, and organisation in whatever one does. Learners who obtain their degree through online education tend to be more self-disciplined than the others. They develop this behavior since they have to set their own deadlines, understand the regulations and complete tasks on their own. It improves consistency, sincerity, and organization in whatever one does. Proper schedule management: You know what timetable works best for you and can plan your life and online education accordingly. It teaches kids how to manage their time and stick to a schedule, which is a crucial skill. Online education helps you in improving time management skills. It helps learners in preparing their own schedule for the day.   Builds strong determination: To succeed in online education, you must be constantly motivated and determined. When a student overcomes all obstacles and distractions to earn an online degree, they become more motivated and focused. As a result, businesses choose individuals who have demonstrated the ability to focus despite work constraints and other barriers. Self-improvement platform: Online learning is a platform where you must correct your mistakes and enhance your skills on your own. This practice of continuous self-improvement develops into a skill that adds value to any business or organization. Self-improvement and dedication lead to success in any employment function. As a result, employers prefer to hire such applicants. More tech-savvy: Students become more tech savvy as a result of online education. They learn how to use new software, attend online conferences, create presentations, and do a variety of other things. Employers look for this quality. Almost every organization needs staff who are knowledgeable in technology and software to ensure that operations run smoothly and accurately. Value of Online degree in the Industry Although students may be concerned that their degree would be reduced because it was obtained online, this is not the case for many businesses. As long as the college/university that awarded the degree is authentic and accredited, the degree is just as valid as the one gained through traditional learning. It is significant in some occupations that the degree is obtained in a specific field rather than where it was obtained. In some cases, an online degree is more appealing to potential employers than a traditional degree. It may be appealing to an employer to see that the student was able to balance a career and a family while simultaneously pursuing an education. Excelling while pursuing an online degree demonstrates dedication, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. It also demonstrates to potential employers that the student is self-sufficient and capable of working effectively without direct supervision. It is critical to understand that not all employers will see online degrees in the same way. Some may have had negative experiences with employees who obtained an education through online diploma institutes. This is one reason a student could consider attending an online campus affiliated with a traditional, on-site school. Employers may be more likely to hire someone with a degree that is backed up by a reputable reputation, whether achieved online or not. Dispelling Common Online Degree Myths Even if you are debating whether to pursue an online degree or a traditional degree, you may have some reservations. Let’s look at some common misconceptions concerning online degrees. Interacting with Professors and Peers When pursuing an online degree, many people believe there will be little social connection with professors and students. Higher education experts, on the other hand, will be actively involved in your courses in an online degree programme. While online learning might be a hands-off procedure because you don’t have to keep to the same schedule or attend lectures at a particular time, guided courses enable students and professors to establish strong relationships. Course facilitators respond to feedback via email, video calls, and other channels. Their role is to provide any assistance you may require while completing your self-paced courses. If you prefer more structure and connection with classmates and teachers, you can always enroll in term-based courses that start monthly or quarterly. You can study with a group of peers and receive more individualized support from your lecturer in these courses. These types of courses may suit you best, or you may like to mix self-paced courses with more interactive term-based courses. The message is that you may pick the level of connection you have with your professors and peers when getting your degree online. Preparing for a Career One of the primary reasons you may be obtaining a college degree is to prepare for your future employment. You may be concerned that an online degree may not be valued as highly as a “conventional” degree by a future employer. However, most employers are more interested with whether you have a degree at all, than than where you obtained it. In many circumstances, an employer will not even ask until you provide information about where you obtained your degree. Employers are more interested in whether you have taken courses, obtained an education, gained experience, and prepared to perform effectively in the workplace. Even if your future employer is curious about whether you received an online degree or a traditional degree, studies have shown that businesses respect online degrees. Your online degree is just as valuable as a traditional degree if you are enrolled in a recognised online university. Can you pursue two degrees at the same time ? Yes, as per the new regulations by UGC a student will now be able to pursue specialties in two fields of their choosing, in a fully physical class setting and a wholly online setting. This essentially means a learner who is pursuing a B.Tech in an engineering college in Mumbai, can also pursue an online BBA degree by a university in Bengaluru. Similarly, Masters programs are also eligible for the same. Conclusion: Although the final choice is up to the Learner as per his/ her needs. We recommend in these uncertain times, the online degree has better advantages.  The student has the potential to earn money while studying because they can schedule their time to focus on their job or improve other necessary skills with help of flexible learning. Additionally, these degrees are already adapted to the ways of teaching online and will cost the learner a lot while yet offering the same degree in case of any COVID situations where the learner needs to return to online learning. If you want to learn more, chek out our online degree courses, & book a career counselling session for free.