Scored below 75%? Save your career with B.Com(H)

Want to pursue B.Com (H), but scored below 75% in class 12? Prof Amit Goyal, director, TKWs Institute of Banking & Finance, Delhi, explains the merits of B.Com (Hons) as a career choice and more importantly, the opportunity that still awaits deserving aspirants.

B.Com has always been a preferred degree for students to pursue a career in finance or accounting. With Delhi University announcing the highest cut-off list ever in its history, many students are left with few options. If you've scored anything below 85% in 12th class, B.Com (H) sounds like a distinct possibility. Read on to know how you can still save your career dream.

What makes this degree so popular?

Candidates with a B.Com background are the best choice of employers in banking and financial services industry. Moreover, there is a never ending demand of corporate finance professionals in all kinds of business firms. This demand is further increased with the large amount of accounting work which is being outsourced to India from western countries. A B.Com student has a strong foundation of accounting concepts and is able to develop an ability to assess financial performance of a company.

The industry demand makes BCom (H) a popular program.

What is the current market value of B.Com (Hons) from DU versus other institutes and colleges?

Undoubtedly, a B.Com (Hons) from Delhi University has no parallel match. The best market value is of B.Com Delhi University. Unfortunately, DU has very limited seats where nearly 2 lakh aspiring students are unable to get admission. A large number of these students enroll for correspondence B.Com which does not do much good to these students. The value of any course comes from the knowledge gained from it. A student who sincerely pursues regular classroom training in B.Com from any university of India has better job prospects than a correspondence student.

How is the option of Correspondence?

Many students opt for a correspondence degree just for the lure of universities' brand name, where they were unable to secure admission. But they forget that it cannot substitute the presence of teachers, regular classes and mentoring by the institution. In absence of any guidance, correspondence students study only for exams wasting three precious years of their lives. A regular course at graduation level is also very important for complete development and grooming of a student.

What is B.Com Banking & Finance (Hons)?

This three year curriculum has been introduced by TKWs where students study traditional subjects of commerce along with industry relevant subjects of banking & finance. Sports and other co-curricular activities are regularly organised. Along with a UGC recognised degree the program also helps the students in securing a job in banks and financial services industry. After the course, students can pursue higher education in M.Com, MBA, CFA, CA, ICWA, CITF, etc.

How many students does TKWs admit for the course? Does the institute provide placement assistance and any value-added services to its students?

Presently, TKWs enrolls 40 students in july intake and another 40 students in August intake for its B.Com degree program. The institute provides complete placement assistance to students enrolled in this program. The students undergo regular soft skills training, indoor and outdoor sports and many extra-curricular activities during the program. Every student is given a Tablet PC for interactive learning during the sessions. National and International study tours are organized for the students. The students interact with industry leaders during 6-8 guest lectures organized every year. Students also get an opportunity to do internships and projects with the industry.

What is the placement record of TKWs' students right after graduating with B.Com Banking & Finance (Hons)? What was the average, highest and minimum salary offered to the 2011-12 batch?

The average placements of TKWs' students in 2011-12 batch has been around Rs 3.0 lakh per annum ranging from Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 5.2 lakh across all programs. B.Com placement figures will be available after the first batch goes for a placement. We expect these students to be placed with salaries starting Rs 2.5 lakh.

What is the eligibility?

All students who have scored above 50% in 10+2 from any stream are eligible to apply for the program. The selection is done on basis of an online aptitude test and personal interview. (Click here for TKWs Prospectus & Registration)  

Could you suggest a self-assessment test for aspirants to judge their aptitude and fitment for the course?

TKWs conducts a Banking Aptitude Test before enrolling the student on payment of Rs 500/-. This test gives a detailed report with insights about strength and weakness. The students get a copy of the report, immediately after the assessment. 

Do you think a B.Com grad and an MBA can reach at par after a few years in terms of salary and rank?

A B.Com can definitely start at a salary better than many MBAs. Once a B.Com graduate clears a probationary officer's examination, he can grow up to the rank of CEO without doing an MBA. Although not having a post graduate degree can pose to be a bottle neck to growth, with many organizations.

What choices should students make to gear up to this competition?

Students should always try to choose classroom education over a postal or online program. Such programs are good for working professionals. But for a student who is trying to build a career proper knowledge and experience of classroom are indispensable.

Suggest top 3 careers that you think are the best for commerce grads - both in terms of money and growth in the industry.

Career in corporate finance, investment banking or trade services are the most promising options for a commerce graduate. Specialized post graduate qualifications may be required in some after graduating in commerce.

 

Other interesting reads:

- Confused between CA versus CA?

 - Tracking DU cut offs