Careers in business and commerce are challenging and rewarding. Depending on your interest, you may choose to work in international commerce, online commerce, business management, sales, or marketing. Professionals work across the wide range of careers in commerce and business, from multinational corporations to medium-sized businesses. You might specialize as a budget analyst, sales and marketing manager, IT or online commerce director, or cost estimator. Studies in finance or trade may qualify you for work in international commerce.
How to Prepare for a Career in Commerce
If you're just starting out in the world of commerce or business, it pays to absorb all you can about your field--business, international commerce, management, finance--from your supervisors and mentors. Employers prefer candidates that combine their undergraduate commerce degree with on-the-job experience. Returning to college for additional career training or pursuing additional commerce degrees online while you work can be a great way to build your career.
Commerce Education Requirements
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that completing an undergraduate degree in business, finance, management, or economics can be a great starting point for your commerce career. Many working professionals return to commerce degree programs to earn an MBA or financial management degree to advance in the professions.
Salary Ranges in Commerce Careers and Job Outlook for Commerce Professionals
Financial analysts are among the better-paid commerce professionals, working as managers or consultants. In 2008, the median annual wage was $73,150, with top-tier positions paying $141,070.
The BLS projects an 8 percent increase in jobs for financial managers between 2008 and 2018. Job openings for financial analysts will rise by 20 percent during the same decade.