The sales, marketing, and finance industries have jobs for those with degrees in business and commerce. With a degree in business and commerce, it's possible to become a financial manager or a securities sales agent. Both of these professions require a bachelor's degree; a license or registration may also be required.
Essential Information
Pursuing a degree in business and commerce can open many career opportunities for individuals interested in sales, advertising, marketing and finance. Students can obtain a business and commerce degree at the associate's or bachelor's degree level. Studying these fields may also help graduates obtain licensure and certification for careers in financial management or securities sales.
| Career Title | Financial Manager | Securities Sales Agent |
| Education Requirements | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Other Requirements | CPA licensure may be required | Registration with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, pass General Securities Registered Representative Examination |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 15% | 4% |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $134,180 | $64,770 |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Options
Graduates of business and commerce degree programs may find work in a variety of settings, including corporations, small businesses and government agencies. These careers can range from entry-level positions to business leadership roles. The following are examples of business and commerce jobs that graduates can find with a bachelor's or master's degree.
Financial Manager
Financial managers are a common career for persons obtaining a degree in business and commerce. They are responsible for the resources of a company, agency or organization. Depending on the specific duties of their jobs, financial managers may have different titles, such as business administrator or chief financial officer.
They may also work as credit managers and approve clients for loans or credit accounts. Job duties can include generating financial reports and overseeing budget operations. Some financial managers also collect information about profits, expenditures and income projections.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job applicants in this field generally need a bachelor's degree (www.bls.gov). Since many financial managers work in accounting, CPA licensure might be required. The BLS reports that the job growth for this position was expected to be 15% between 2019 and 2029. It adds that financial managers earned a median salary of $134,180 as of May 2020.
Securities Sales Agent
Securities sales agents may also be known as brokers, financial consultants, stockbrokers or fixed income managers. These professionals manage transactions on behalf of their clients and may operate as representatives of individual investors or corporations. They also advise their clients on ideal investments and receive commissions by handling securities exchange transactions.
In addition to holding at least a bachelor's degree in business, commerce or a related area, the BLS notes that investment advisers and brokers must register with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which includes taking the General Securities Registered Representative Examination.
Depending on the state, brokers may also have to take the Uniform Securities Agents State Law Examination. Although not required, securities sales workers can pursue certification, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst or Certified Financial Planner designations.
Due to their commission-dependent earnings, these professionals may also need strong communication and interpersonal skills. The BLS notes that the median salary for all securities, commodities and financial services sales agents was $64,770 as of May 2020. Employment opportunities for this group were expected to rise 4% during the 2019 to 2029 time period, the BLS states.
Business and Commerce Degrees
Students can find a variety of degree programs in business and commerce at all levels. Some of the more common programs related to business and commerce include business administration, management, accounting and marketing. Students in these degree programs may take classes in microeconomics, mathematics, logistics, business ethics and leadership techniques. Undergraduate programs also include general education courses.
Studying business and commerce can prepare individuals to become a financial manager or securities sales agent. Financial managers can expect much faster than average job growth through 2029, while securities sales agents are looking at average growth in job opportunities.
