Beyond Textbooks: What Young Commerce Graduates Need to Know About Industry Readiness
By Sri Harsha, CEO of 4AT Academy
The transition from college to corporate finance is not as straightforward as it seems. Many commerce graduates step into the workforce expecting their degrees to be enough, only to realize that industry demands a very different skill set. The reality is that finance and accounting roles require more than just theoretical knowledge; they require practical experience, adaptability, and an understanding of financial technology.
Where Education Falls Short
1️⃣ Lack of Practical Application: Traditional commerce degrees focus on theory but rarely prepare students for real-world finance challenges like financial forecasting, ERP systems, and AI-driven analytics. While students are taught accounting principles, they often struggle when applying these concepts in dynamic business environments.
2️⃣ No Hands-on Training: While students memorize tax laws and accounting principles, they rarely use advanced finance tools like QuickBooks, SAP, or Power BI in their coursework. This lack of exposure to digital finance tools makes it difficult for them to adapt to technology-driven finance roles.
3️⃣ Limited Industry Exposure: Very few universities collaborate with corporations to give students exposure to real financial workflows, automation, and compliance regulations. As a result, many fresh graduates enter the job market without understanding the practical aspects of working in finance.
Bridging the Industry Readiness Gap
✅ Learn Financial Automation: AI & automation are redefining finance. Mastering tools like Power BI, RPA, and AI-driven FP&A models will make you future-ready. Finance professionals who know how to work with data and automation have a competitive edge in the job market.
✅ Gain Hands-on Experience: Apply theoretical knowledge through internships, real-world case studies, and live financial projects. Practical exposure helps build confidence and prepares students for real-world challenges.
✅ Understand Global Markets: Finance is borderless. Learn about US GAAP, IFRS, and global taxation structures to open doors to international roles. Companies prefer finance professionals who understand international accounting standards.
Final Thought: Success in finance is about real-world skills, adaptability, and continuous learning. Start building these today to outpace the competition. Being industry-ready means proactively seeking opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop skills that employers value.
