You’ve got the facts about studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Melbourne Uni but are you wondering what it’s really like?
Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve talked to Rory, a fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Economics)/Diploma of Music student, to get you some honest opinions about the degree. We’ll be unpacking the pros and cons of the degree, mistakes you should avoid, future career paths and more.
Keep reading to find out more!
Why should you study a Commerce degree at Melbourne Uni?
Top 3 Pros of a Commerce Degree
Top 3 Cons of a Commerce Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting Melbourne Uni Commerce
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying Melbourne Uni Commerce
Potential Career Paths
Why should you study a Commerce degree at Melbourne Uni?
A Bachelor of Commerce at Melbourne University is a great foundation for a career in the world of business since it provides you with an amazing industry-related skill set and develops your approach to ideas and issues in a business setting but also in relation to the world around you.
“Studying Commerce at Melbourne Uni has made me reframe my thinking about the economy and how our business works,” said Rory.
At the same time, a Commerce degree at Melbourne Uni helps you explore other fields and gain skills from non-commerce faculties!
Melbourne Uni is also one of the best places in Australia to study a Bachelor of Commerce and is currently ranked #1 in Australia and #26 internationally!
Top 3 Pros of a Commerce degree
#1: The campus location and culture
The vibrant and bustling campus is one of the best things about studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Melbourne Uni.
“The location of Parkville is really great, there are a lot of cafes and events going on!” said Rory. With all the exciting events, activities and places to explore on campus, you’ll never have a dull moment during your course!
The central location of the campus also means it’s close to Melbourne’s central business district which opens up heaps of opportunities for internships and work experience.
#2: The people you come across
“You’re studying with a lot of motivated and interesting people and it’s a really diverse environment,” said Rory. You’ll find yourself studying alongside passionate, like-minded people and with the variety of clubs and societies available, you’ll also come across students from a diverse range of faculties and study areas.
Needless to say, the connections you make and the people you meet while studying are certainly some of the biggest pros of studying Commerce at Melbourne Uni!
#3: Faculty and staff
The Business and Economics Faculty is one of the best parts of studying a Commerce degree at Melbourne Uni. “The teaching staff is really great and there’s support available whenever you need it,” said Rory.
As we’ve mentioned before, the faculty is ranked #1 in Australia which gives you an indication of just how supportive, approachable and incredible the staff members are!
Top 3 Cons of a Commerce degree
#1: Exam-heavy
One of the worst things about a Commerce degree at Melbourne Uni is that it’s a very exam-heavy course. While your assessments vary depending on the major you choose, most subjects have mid-semester and/or end-of-semester exams which can be worth up to 60%!
This can make the last few weeks of the semester quite stressful and challenging at times.
#2: It can be difficult to connect with peers
Making connections with other students from your degree can be challenging and this is a con that is felt by uni students from other unis too! Rory certainly felt this way about studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Melbourne Uni.
“It can be a bit awkward in tutorials and classes… You have to be someone who is brave enough to start conversations with people,” he said.
#3: There’s a lot of construction going on
“There’s a lot of construction going on at this particular time with a new train station being built on campus! So for the next few years that’s a bit of a disadvantage,” said Rory. After all, no one likes all the distractions and noises that come with construction in progress.
Any regrets?
Rory personally found it challenging to connect with people, especially earlier on.
He shared, “My biggest regret would be not getting super-involved in my first-year and second-year of uni… not getting involved in many clubs, societies and faculty programs because you think they’re not for you, but keep in mind that they are for everyone at the university.”
There are plenty of opportunities out there for all students studying a Commerce degree at Melbourne Uni so remember to jump right in! If you haven’t had luck starting conversations with people in your tutes or lectures, the Commerce Students’ Society might be the place to go.
What do you wish you had known before starting Melbourne Uni Commerce?
“I wish I’d known that it’s okay to not know exactly where you’re headed. Choosing an area you’re interested in is a good start, even if you don’t necessarily think it’ll be where you’re going to end up,” said Rory.
It’s perfectly fine to not be completely certain about what you want to do with your degree! A Bachelor of Commerce at Melbourne University offers you plenty of scope to explore your interests and find what you’re passionate about.
You’ve got options to combine with a diploma, choose your major in your second year, study a double major and study various electives and breadth subjects from other faculties and disciplines. This means that by the time you graduate, you’ll find yourself with clearer direction!
What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities?
“The reputation of Melbourne Uni is something that makes it unique. Also the location and being such a large uni, there’s a lot of people to meet and ideas you can discover and a lot of opportunities you can take advantage of… It’s a very vibrant and interesting city to study and live in,” shared Rory.
Are you in Victoria and applying for university through VTAC? Check out How to Complete Your VTAC Application for step-by-step instructions!
What inspired you to choose Melbourne Uni Commerce?
For Rory, choosing to study a Commerce degree at Melbourne Uni was largely influenced by its reputation and ranking. He was also inspired to choose this degree by his interest in business-related subjects and study areas.
“During Year 12, it was almost a process of elimination! I knew I didn’t want to do Science or Law or Arts but I’ve always been interested in Business Studies and Commerce,” he said.
What are the possible career paths?
A Bachelor of Commerce at Melbourne Uni opens up a lot of incredible career paths to choose from! You might end up choosing a career more relevant to your major but here are just some to think about:
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Business analyst
- Digital marketing manager
- HR executive
- Research
Maitreyi Kulkarni is a Content Writer at Art of Smart Education and is currently studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications (Public Relations and Social Media) at Macquarie University. She loves writing just about anything from articles to poetry, and has also had one of her articles published with the ABC. When she’s not writing up a storm, she can be found reading, bingeing sitcoms, or playing the guitar.
