Can a Commerce Student Do a PGDM Business Analytics Course?

Business analytics is currently one of the most popular courses in India. Enrolling in a postgraduate degree in this field allows you to work as a business analyst, data analyst, data scientist, strategist, and more. The subject covers a wide range of topics, including data collection, data mining, predictive modeling, statistical analysis, and other related disciplines. Although this field of study is largely concerned with statistical methods and data analysis, there are no subject prerequisites for studying it. So, if you are pursuing your undergraduate study in commerce and are wondering can B.Com students do a business analytics course read this article till the end. 

Continue reading to learn about the nuances and aspects that are important for commerce students interested in studying business analytics.

What is a PGDM in Business Analytics Programme?

A PGDM in Business Analytics is a postgraduate diploma program provided by AICTE-approved B-schools or business colleges. This program is equivalent to a business analytics MBA. 

This program's primary goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of analytical principles, tools, and applications to enhance business decisions. Students will understand the subtleties of data analysis and how to use it to anticipate business models. Business analytics course in India are offered to train students for increasing demand from the industry. 

A PGDM in business analytics from a reputable B-School can secure students jobs in recognized firms with an average income of 7-10 lacs/ annum. 

Which stream is required for business analytics?

Given that the discipline is concerned with statistics and related sciences, one would wonder which stream is required for business analytics. However, there are no hard subject barriers to entering this course. 

If a student has graduated with a minimum of 50% in aggregate and a valid scorecard in any management entrance exam, such as CAT/XAT/MAT/CMAT, etc., they can apply for admission to the PGDM- Business Analytics. This is the basic eligibility criteria for admission to this program at any B-School in India. 

Can a Commerce Student do a Business Analytics Course?

If you are wondering who is eligible for PGDM in business analytics or can B.Com students do a business analytics course, the answer is a big YES. 

The area of data science is so diverse that it welcomes people from all backgrounds, even non-technical ones. In fact, there is a growing interest in this course among commerce students. However, because this course includes components such as mathematical decisions, computational procedures, and statistics, it is recommended that commerce graduates spend time learning the field and gaining relevant knowledge before enrolling.  

Who is eligible for PGDM in business analytics?

The eligibility criteria for PGDM in Business Analytics may vary from one institution to another. However, certain general eligibility criteria are required to get admission to this programme.

Educational Qualification:

• Graduation from a recognized university or college in any discipline with a minimum of 50% in aggregate.

Entrance Examination:

• Candidates should have a valid score in any of the management entrance examinations, including CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, JMAT, GMAT, etc.

Work Experience (Optional):

• While work experience is not always mandatory, some institutions may prefer candidates with relevant work experience. 

Group Discussion and Personal Interview

• As part of the selection process, candidates must also participate in a group discussion and a personal interview. It evaluates the candidate's communication skills, aptitude, and course appropriateness.

Pros and Cons of Business Analyst Course for Commerce Students

If you're thinking about enrolling in a PGDM program in Business Analytics, you should assess the benefits and drawbacks. The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of business analytics courses for commerce students.

How to Become a Business Analyst after B.Com?

After completing a PGDM in Business Analytics, students can have a plethora of career options both nationally and internationally. But if you are wondering how to become a business analyst after B.Com, here is a detailed list.

• Do Some Research

Investigate the program thoroughly before enrolling. The business analytics programme includes statistical analysis, data collection, and mining. Examine the course syllabus to see if a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics is a good fit for you. Also, consider your post-diploma ambitions and career goals. This introspection will help you determine whether the course corresponds with your intended objectives.

• Enroll in a Business Analytics Programme

Once you become sure about pursuing a PGDM in business analytics, it is time to search for a suitable B-School and enroll in the course. Always select a business school that is AICTE-approved and has good infrastructure, faculty, and placement cell. 

The minimum criteria for admission to a PGDM in business analytics include

• Graduation with a minimum aggregate of 50%.

• A valid score in any recognized management entrance exam, such as CAT/XAT/MAT/CMAT, etc.

Some colleges may also require candidates to take additional entrance exams. To gain admission to Globsyn Business School, for example, one must take the Globsyn Admission Test (GAT), as well as Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) sessions.

• Develop Your Skills

The PGDM in business analytics emphasizes not just the fundamentals of business analytics, but also extra interpersonal skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management. Also, because commerce students come from a non-technical background, they must equip themselves with technological abilities such as SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, UML (Unified Modeling Language), and so on.   

• Undertake Projects/ Workshops/Internships/Seminars 

Develop your practical skills through participation in live projects, workshops, internships, and seminars. Getting hands-on experience will help you better grasp the tools and technology used in business analytics, as well as their practical applications in business processes. Furthermore, this exposure will provide insights into the functions and responsibilities of a business analyst.

• Maintain a Good Score

Retaining a good cumulative GPA over the semesters is essential for placement. Maintaining a strong academic record will also help you create a strong resume later in your career search.

• Build a Strong Portfolio

A portfolio serves as evidence of your accomplishments. It highlights the areas you have worked in and your prior experiences. So, compile all of your completed practical projects, assignments, etc. into a compelling portfolio. Also, all work you did for your internship or any upskilling course related to business analytics must be included in your portfolio.

• Apply for Jobs/ Campus Placements

Getting a job as a business analyst will be easier if you follow the steps outlined above. Participate in campus placements if your college offers them; otherwise, attend multiple job interviews and select the one that offers the best package, career progression possibilities, scopes for upskilling, and so on.

Try to build a strong professional network while working. This network will be useful in the future for gaining access to better professional prospects.

Careers in Business Analytics after B.Com

As companies are becoming more data-driven a career in business analytics after B.Com could be highly promising. That being said, career options after completing a PGDM in business analytics are diverse. So, here is the list of B.Com business analytics scopes.

Top Companies Recruiting Business Analysts

The completion of a PGDM in Business Analytics could place you in a highly demanding work market. Several leading companies hire trained business analysts. So, if you want to make a career in business analytics after B.Com, here is a list of top recruiters to consider.

• Google

• Facebook

• KPMG

• L&T

• Infosys

• Wipro

• LinkedIn

• Capital IQ

• Tata Group

• Microsoft, etc. 

Conclusion

If you are still skeptical about the business analyst course for commerce students, remember that firms like Google, Apple, Meta, and many more rely on data to manage their operations. In their staff, they have a dedicated team of business and data analysts. Students from a commerce background can therefore pursue a PGDM in business analytics if they have a fundamental understanding and aptitude. All they have to do is find a suitable institute and prepare thoroughly for admission.