Getting Started
The journey to being a SAP Consultant is not a one way street. In fact, it usually differs for most of us. In this post, I will be as straightforward and realistic as possible.
I will start off by mentioning some key points you may want to know:
Expect to Send Multiple Job Applications
Like most job seekers, expect to send out multiple job applications. It is highly unlikely that you will get contacted after 1 job application. Either way, it is best to try and have options.
At this point it would be difficult to market yourself (having zero background) but you can try to highlight some business / domain knowledge that fits the position. If applicable, it also helps to do a background research on the SAP modules that fits your profile.
Experience Over Salary
When you finally land that first role as a SAP Consultant (may it be as a fresher/junior consultant or even support), do not expect a glamorous package. Most companies and contracts use experience as the salary basis so being someone who starts off in a junior position may be a rocky start. It should be rewarding in the long run (assuming that you put in the effort and hone your skills). After all, you have to start somewhere.
If you do get offered a glamorous package (who knows?) haha I would advise that you keep grounded and obtain clear information on the job role, potential exposure, especially the training/s. I will explain in detail later on but for now you can think of it as a long term investment for your career.
A lot of people would get blinded by the salary and then come to regret some things that clash with their personal priorities. There is no perfect job. There will always be pros and cons. Yes, money is a big a factor especially if your priorities are aligned with that, but it is always best to keep grounded and make decisions that are well thought of. Basically, do not make half-hearted or impulsive decisions you might regret.
Be Your Own CEO
Some of you may have read my post “10 Things I Have Learned (SAP Functional Consultant)”. I stand by the statement: Be your own CEO. If you are in a rut, make do with what you have but YOU need to take action. Managers and/or immediate superiors do not have mind reading capabilities.
At the end of the day, it is your life and it is up to you to steer it towards your dreams. Sometimes we put our hopes on our managers or even other people for us to succeed. Yes, other people can be a factor but ultimately, it is you who should take the leap. Hopefully, you get the gist.
Have The Right Mindset (Not Too Positive / Not Too Negative)
It is not an easy path. The world can throw misfortunes and failures at you but that does not mean your journey should end. Mindset is a strong word and it can be your best asset. Why? Having the right mindset can move mountains for you. If you remain steadfast with the right amount of positivity, believe me it is the best counter to doubts, fears, and discouragement.
Accept those failures but use it to your advantage. Learn from them and continue moving forward. Keep positive but not too positive. I personally think that being too positive can be a bit careless at times. Don’t get me wrong. My point being is that positivity should remain in a “just right” amount. Just enough to keep yourself open to improvements.
For those of you who are curious on the “dangers of being too positive”, you can read more about it here.
How to Become an SAP Consultant
To become an SAP Consultant, the first thing you want to do is gain relevant experience. This is achieved by joining an established company. There are companies out there who look for fresh graduates or even those with zero SAP work experience to do some SAP related work. You can start by targeting to join a SAP Partner Company or a SAP Consulting Company where you work as a support consultant, junior consultant, or even a trainee.
The key thing here is that you might want to consider companies who will provide proper training (if not SAP professional trainings then at least in-house trainings). I am putting emphasis on trainings for those with zero SAP experience because it is through these trainings that you will be molded. In my opinion, established companies have their processes and methodologies ironed out. Moreover, SAP best practices would most likely be followed.
I understand that there could be limited choices for those with no SAP experience, but I am saying that you could keep “proper training” in high consideration. There is a concept of properly raising children in their early formative years plays a big impact in the long run.
I am associating this concept to those who want to steer their career towards being SAP consultants. You can take advantage of the lack of experience by treating it as a “fresh start”. By exposing yourself to best practices and proper training at an early stage, you could say that you are being molded and groomed early on. Believe me, that is not a bad place to be.
There are choices that provide minimal benefits at first but prove to provide bountiful benefits in the future.
Another option is to get SAP Certification, but I do not recommend this to be the first objective. Why? Getting certified does not guarantee you a job and it is very costly. If you were to pay for your training and certification (as a fresh graduate) out of your own pocket, it would be expensive (unless you can afford it).
At the end of the day, experience still plays a vital role in landing jobs while being SAP certified is an added advantage. There are those who join companies that are able to sponsor the SAP Certification. For this case, be aware on the impacts that might follow through such as changes in job contract, possible agreements on payments, etc.
Some people also prefer to secure a starting certification even with zero experience to provide supporting hiring factor. Usually you undergo training at your own personal cost and hope to land a job thereafter. This also works for some but at the end of the day, it is ultimately your choice.
Additional Information:
Business User
Some people accept jobs as an end user or a business user of SAP Applications. After some year/s being exposed to SAP as an end user, some try to move into a junior consulting role by leveraging their first-hand business role experience.
Domain Knowledge Advantage
For those who are targeting this career path and have little to no experience, (i.e. fresh graduate or career switch) it wouldn’t hurt to try and do advanced studying (learn online, watch free tutorial videos, research on configuration, etc.). Having domain knowledge or being familiar with some high level concepts can give you an advantage.
Summary
Some Key Considerations and Thoughts:
- Expect to Send Multiple Job Applications
- Experience Over Salary
- Be Your Own CEO
- Have The Right Mindset (Not Too Positive / Not Too Negative)
How to become a SAP Consultant?
- Gain relevant experience – Join an established consulting company as a Support Consultant, Junior Consultant, or even a Trainee. There is no one path to become a SAP Consultant so you can try and make do with what you have but remember to be your own CEO.
- Consider companies who will provide proper training – Obtaining a solid skill set is a long term investment.
- Get SAP Certification
I hope this helps. Good luck! 😊
Do you have other thoughts or suggestions on how to become a SAP Consultant? Feel free to comment down below.
Techlorean. 