Are you considering studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash University, but want to know what the degree is really like down the track?
Meet Synnoeve, a third year Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts student at Monash! She’s filled us in on the details beyond the basic information, including pros and cons, what you can expect, and advice for commencing students.
If you want to find out more about the life of a Bachelor of Commerce student at Monash, read on!
Why should you study a Commerce degree at Monash?
Top 3 Pros of a Commerce Degree
Top 3 Cons of a Commerce Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting Monash Commerce
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying Monash Commerce
Potential Career Paths
Why should you study a Commerce degree at Monash?
This degree provides you with a well-rounded foundational understanding of Commerce as a whole while enabling you to tailor your degree to a specific Commerce major.
Throughout your Bachelor of Commerce, you will learn about the influence of trade on nations, politics, leadership, and societies over time, as well as the changing nature of commerce in society today due to global and digital trends. Not only does the degree equip you for the workforce, but Monash possesses a vibrant and dynamic campus life!
Top 3 Pros of a Commerce degree
#1: The real-life application of skills learned
Synnoeve claims that much of the learning in tutorials is geared towards the real-world application of skills. For example, all students studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash are required to complete 6 foundational units over the course of their degree which provide basic skills and introductions to the various majors.
#2: Immersive learning style
Synnoeve praises the immersive and interactive tasks and assessments a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash has to offer. In tutorials, which typically run for 2 hours every week, students can expect much collaboration and problem solving, as they analyse case studies by applying the week’s content.
Tutorials usually also involve quite a bit of hands-on learning through drawing diagrams, completing question and answer sheets, in-class quizzes, and presentations.
#3: Supportive teaching network
The faculty is friendly and highly supportive of student learning, says Synnoeve. She adds that there are Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)— teaching sessions run by an experienced student who has done your subject, available for help on harder units.
In addition, the library at Monash runs extensive programs to support student learning including finding resources for assessments and essays, and those who would like to polish their writing skills can do so via sessions offered by the university in proof-reading and English-language.
Top 3 Cons of a Commerce degree
#1: Inadequate math skill requirement
The VCE (or equivalent) maths level required to enrol in this course is not equal to the mathematics expected of the coursework for a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash, says Synnoeve.
As such, it is recommended you have a strong maths foundation if you’re planning on studying Commerce, she says, as the majority of commerce majors (areas of specialisation) are mathematics-heavy! These include Economics and Accounting.
#2: Heavy workload
Synnoeve says the workload for this degree can be heavy, with assessment styles usually being formal examinations/tests, as well as essays with case studies and presentations.
On the other hand, it is rare for students to spend more than 3 or 4 days at uni per week, with class time itself roughly taking up 12 hours of the week. Typically, staying on top of the workload is the responsibility of students in their spare time!
#3: Lack of support for professional work experience
“[There is] not much support regarding internships in relevant fields compared to other universities,” says Synnoeve.
Although a Bachelor of Commerce does not have inbuilt internships or work placements as a requirement, every student must do either a capstone, consulting project, international or internship ‘experience’ unit as part of their core Commerce units.
This unit allows students to work off-campus with industry partners, while the consulting project is a small team or individual based unit that provides practical work experience through participating as consultants of a real business project.
Any regrets?
Synnoeve says she has absolutely no regrets about choosing her degree!
She claims that Clayton, the main campus Monash Commerce students attend, has a vibrant social scene, with a welcoming first-year culture and friendly staff, and events such as open concerts and food-stalls constantly running.
What do you wish you had known before starting Monash Commerce?
“I wish I had been able to talk to a student from the course to get their opinions and help navigating the first year,” says Synnoeve.
Fortunately, she says, the Monash Commerce Society hosts networking and social events throughout the year to keep students connected. Although some of this has moved online in accordance with changing COVID restrictions, much is still accessible through their Facebook page.
What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities?
Synnoeve shares, “The sense of community within Monash was also an important factor for me. There can be a lot of group work (depending on what major you choose), so you want to like who you’re studying with and feel like they are on the same page as you.”
What inspired you to choose Monash Commerce?
“I wanted to learn more about the way the economy works and enter into a career that focusses on this. I liked the option of a double degree at Monash and being able to explore most of the majors at Monash through the 6 compulsory subjects,” says Synnoeve.
“If you’re drawn to Monash, definitely check it out,” she adds. “If you like a bigger group of people and a more active uni lifestyle then I would suggest Monash because it gives a really good balance between social and work…. There’s always something happening. You’ll never be alone on campus!”
What are the possible career paths?
A Bachelor of Commerce at Monash University provides you with a diverse and exciting range of career paths, some of them including:
- Accountant
- Consultant
- Auditor
- Actuary
- Marketing coordinator/manager
- Financial controller
- Financial analyst
- Behavioural economist
Zara Zadro is a Content Writer for Art of Smart and a current undergraduate student at the University of Sydney. She studies a Bachelor of Arts/Advanced Studies majoring in Media & Communications and English. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music and discovering new parts of Sydney. She has also written for the student publications Honi Soit and Vertigo. After she graduates, Zara hopes to do a Masters in creative writing and live overseas, which she cannot wait for!
