Starting a career in SAP this year

07 Jan Starting a career in SAP this year

Today is end of the first week of January, and I’d like to help you if one or your resolutions is to land a better and more challenging job.

Specifically, if your dream is to start working in IT because you heard is where the big bucks are, I can give you some pointers. Also,  if you are already on IT, and your resolution is something like “I will learn a new technology”, this might also help you, so let’s begin..

Where do I start?

Well, one of the most popular options being pushed (even to kids) is coding: “Learn to code and you will find a job in the IT Sector” it is mentioned in magazines, websites and blogs.

What options do I have in IT if I don’t like coding?

Learning coding is great. It is a very good opportunity, as it is highly on demand, especially anything related to mobile, apps and AI. But what if you are more process oriented, or don’t like coding? Fortunately, coding is not the only choice to work in IT.

One of your options can be become a consultant in other technologies, like Sales Force, EPIC, SAP, CISCO, etc.

Specifically, I vote for SAP, as it has been my career path since 2006.

What is SAP ERP?

In case you don’t know what SAP is, it is an integrated system (an Entreprise Resource Planning – ERP), with different modules that interact in real time to control all key areas on a business. It can handle all supply chain, linked with Finance, budgeting, CRM, etc.

SAP It is implemented around the world in 130 countries, and 80% of Fortune 500 companies use it as a backbone, so chances are it is already implemented in your country.

The entry salary for a Jr. consultant in the US is between 60 – 75k dlls, and a Sr. consultant can make around 100 – 120k yearly, plus there are other opportunities. *2

Can I learn SAP if I am not an IT person or don’t have experience?

The answer to both questions is yes.

You might think, well, I am not an “IT Person” or don’t have much experience in general, there are plenty of resources to learn/practice SAP.

If you come from a business background, you will find out that SAP is very oriented to business processes, so you mostly need to understand all the relationships between the different modules and the configuration parameters.

You don’t need to know programming; although a general understanding on the main database tables for your area will be very useful. And actually, some of the best SAP consultants I’ve met come from a business background, as they understand very well the needs of the customers.

If you are a user that already knows SAP because you use it for your day to day operations, you also have an advantage over a “general” IT person, as you will understand the processes (and pains) of your clients.

So, if you would like to get more information what are your options for becoming an SAP consultant, check our next post, coming up next week: Resources to study and become an SAP consultant.

See you!