Getting a job as a SAP FI/CO specialist or consultant
If you're interested in getting a job in business, then for sure this is the best place to start. There are plenty of other articles on this website that explain the requirements and how to work as a SAP FI/CO specialist or consultant, so I will be focusing on what unique skills can make you stand out from the crowd.
With recent advancements in technology and software development, most companies are turning to SAP (Systems Applications and Products) software applications. Companies often use these platforms for their own internal purposes such as managing inventory, tracking inventory orders, production planning, HR management structures and employee benefits management services.
The most common SAP applications include:
Typically, these applications are used by large corporations and multinational companies. There are many other software companies offering similar platforms as SAP, but in my opinion these are the top three.
If you're interested in working in one or more of these fields, but you haven't had any experience with SAP software, then you'll probably be interested to learn how to transition into a position in a field related to this technology. With that said, here are a few tips pertaining to getting started on the right foot.
1) Build a solid foundation of business knowledge – Your primary focus should be on building a solid foundation of knowledge pertaining to business studies. This includes: accounting, finance, management, marketing and other business functions. The reason for this is because you'll be working in the context of a business environment. You'll need to be able to understand how every facet of the business works together and also how each element interacts with other parts.
2) Learn as much as possible related to SAP applications – A few things you can do to learn more about SAP software applications include: read industry publications, attend IT conferences & local meet ups and obtain certifications in these fields. Certification is important because it gives you an edge when applying for positions. Employers often look at the skills of the certified candidates more favorably than those of non-certified candidates, simply because certified individuals have already proved their abilities to them.
3) Build your network – Your network is extremely valuable to your career so you want to build it up as much as possible by joining communities like LinkedIN and participating in job related discussion groups. The reason for this is because people will often hire people they know or are familiar with over strangers. So, take the time to get to know other SAP professionals and have them refer you when they start working at new companies.
4) Network – Network as much as possible and try to learn as much as possible from these experiences. Meetings and conferences are great places to network and get to know top industry professionals. These platforms allow you to gain insights on career advancement and also meet potential employers.
5) Participate in social events – Other good ways of meeting potential employers include participating in social events such as conferences & trade shows. I would highly encourage you not only attend, but also volunteer if possible. Doing this will give you invaluable experience with presenting yourself in a professional environment, an important skill when applying for a position such as SAP FI/CO specialist or consultant.
6) Attend trainings – Another great way of gaining knowledge pertaining to your career field is by attending SAP training seminars. You'll be able to learn from the experts in these classes and also network with your peers. I would highly encourage you to take advantage of these types of opportunities because they provide a valuable learning experience and networking opportunity.
7) Always keep learning РThis could be one of the most important skills you can develop when applying for jobs, even if it seems like a clich̩: Always learn and never stop growing! The reason for this is because companies want to hire people that are always learning and improving their skills, regardless of their current position in the company.
8) Improve your technical skills – Since you'll be applying for jobs in the SAP companies, then you should have a strong understanding of how SAP software works and what makes it tick. You can take online courses or contact local community colleges for an introduction to the platform. You'll need to learn how to configure, maintain and repair these systems.
It is no secret that these types of jobs are hard to get and many businesses are looking for top talent. The good news is that you can get one of these jobs by working hard and always putting yourself out there, whether it is at a networking event, co-op, career fair or job networking site.
You also want to be sure to have a strong portfolio of work related to your industry and career field. Also, you'll be at an advantage if you have certifications in your field. So, one of the best ways to become certified is through online training courses that provide real world experience rather than classroom learning. This can include IT job training, SAP training and other technical certifications.
Do you have any additional tips that I may have missed? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!
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Looking for SAP software jobs? Check out our SAP Software Job Board. Looking for SAP Co-Op jobs? Check out our article on 5 Tips For Getting A SAP Co-op Job. We have a ton of entries already, so be sure to check it out!
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Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to get a job in the SAP industry, no matter what your background is or whether you speak any languages. You might be surprised at how many professionals use a networking approach to getting interviews and landing jobs, rather than having formal SAP training or certifications. So, if you know someone who has recently been hired in this field, then I would highly encourage you to contact them and ask them how they got hired.
Good luck!
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