Commerce

In the commerce program you’ll develop your business skills in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Potential careers

What can you do with a commerce degree? Here are a few jobs and fields that relate to the program:

chartered professional accountant (CPA)
chartered financial analyst (CFA)
entrepreneur (serial, social, corporate, lifestyle)
business development
venture capital analyst or investor
product development
management consulting
international sales and marketing
international trade (import/export)
international consulting
international banking and investment
international economics and development, including non-governmental organizations
customer experience
human resources
project management
public relations
marketing and communications
sustainability planner
supply chain and logistics
real estate and development

Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.

Find a career that fits you

Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
Enrol in the Your Career Starts Here course to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.

Experience & connections

Opportunities in the commerce program

With the mandatory Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
In the Gustavson Mentorship Program a local business leader will offer you guidance.

Opportunities outside your program

With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.

Networks you can connect to

Here are a few professional associations related to commerce:

Hands-on learning opportunities

These courses in the commerce program offer extensive hands-on learning.

Co-op

Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience

Course-based

All of our specializations incorporate live clients or projects, field trips or real-life learning

Field experience

COM 480 - International Study
(international experience)
Travel overseas for cultural sensitivity and foreign language training

ENT 413 - Portfolio Practicum
Take part in industry tours, networking sessions, start-up experiences and more

Professional or technical skill development

COM 204 - Introduction to Professional Practice
Gain work search skills such as preparing résumés and interviewing

COM 205 - Professional Skills Development
Compete in business competitions and simulations, attend conferences and meet business professionals.

COM 405 - Career Preparation Across Borders
Build your own professional development portfolio in preparation for your career launch.

Research project

COM 470 - Business Research
(international experience)
Research a business or management topic related to the country of the exchange

Study abroad

International Exchange
study for four months in another country and experience international business first-hand

These courses are not always offered as described.

What you'll learn

Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the commerce program.

Improve business operations

generate recurring profits and increase the value of the business
understand and apply the concepts of capacity and demand management
use business tools like process design principles
understand quality management and control
apply tools for decision making

Lead and influence others

motivate and lead others to achieve business goals
use concrete examples, data, case histories and other tools
build consensus and understanding among stakeholders
direct others and work in a team-based environment

Manage professional development

Set achievable goals in personal career planning
develop professional relationships through networking
identify and act on career opportunities
avoid conflicts of interest and understand business ethics

Data and systems management

select the appropriate statistical methods for business data analysis
use qualitative data to solve business problems
identify and use the most suitable software for tasks
adapt to new business tools and software applications
use information systems and networks to make ethical business decisions

Financial decision making

interpret and understand complex business documents and data
use accounting tools and apply core accounting concepts and processes
make decisions that support business goals

Marketing

understand marketing theory, concepts and tools to make and defend decisions
develop marketing strategies, segmentation and SWOT analyses

Organizational awareness

understand organizational structures and the implications of decisions
understand organizational culture
appreciate differences in people’s views, values and work attitudes

Triple bottom line thinking

use concepts, tools and frameworks that help businesses shift to sustainable practices
identify and recommend opportunities for sustainable business practices

International focus

understand multicultural workplaces and relationships
be sensitive to international and cultural business practices
make recommendations and decisions that reflect an understanding of globalization
understand the challenges of operating a business in an international marketplace

What's next?

To explore more visit the commerce site. For degree planning contact your adviser for help.