Celebrating 2 Years of the Digital Skills Initiative

[David_Chaviano]

Celebrating 2 Years of the Digital Skills Initiative

In less than two years, the Digital Skills Initiative has made a real impact on people’s lives, helping them gain certification and secure employment within the SAP ecosystem.

November 2024 marks 23 months since the Digital Skills Initiative first launched. Our mission from the outset has been simple: employ new people from underrepresented groups in the SAP ecosystem. Today, we’re proud to celebrate the success and hard work of all participants and partners involved.

The initiative has provided two main avenues for success: a self-study track and instructor-led boot camps. We’ve seen people from all walks of life, including those who may not have had the opportunity otherwise, excel in these programs and go on to achieve certification. Hundreds of participants have not only earned their certifications, but many have also secured jobs (or promotions) with SAP partners or SAP itself, launching promising careers.

Self-Study Success

One of the cornerstones of the initiative has been the self-study track. This flexible option has allowed participants to learn at their own pace, fitting their studies around existing commitments. Many applied and a determined and disciplined few achieved certification and career advancement as a result.

One shining example of a self-study success story is Lin Fan in Germany:

Breaking Barriers and Fighting Sexism: Lin’s Journey from a Salesgirl to an SAP Consultant

Lin has been incredibly supportive of the program following her success and has since started working at SAP. Her decision to start networking and self-studying toward her first certification served as a clear display of motivation for hiring managers.

Boot Camp Triumphs

Our instructor-led boot camps have been intensive, hands-on experiences designed to fast-track participants towards certification. These events provided not only technical training but also mentoring and networking opportunities, bridging the gap between education and employment.

Of course one of our shining bootcamp stars is Chelcie Scott, whose tenacity and persistence were unmatched – leading her to achieve SAP Certification and a start her career in the SAP Ecosystem with one of our partners:

Breaking Down Barriers: Hear from Chelcie Scott How She Broke into Tech with the Help of SAP

Changing Lives, One Certification at a Time

For some, earning an SAP certification has been a life-changing milestone, opening doors to new career opportunities, promotions and stable employment. The feedback from our participants has been overwhelmingly positive and while most of our success stories shall remain anonymous, I’d like to share a few more to drive the point home:

 Learning Her Way Up: The Inspiring Growth Story of Anu in Norway

Beating the Odds: How SAP Skills Shaped Luca’s Career Despite a Struggling Economy

Empowering Dreams Through Digital Skills: A Glimpse Into Karla's Tech Journey with SAP

Areeba's Journey to Learn SAP Skills: Shattering Glass Ceilings in Pakistan

Ashvini's Journey: Reimagining Success through SAP in a New Country

Shoutout to @Anne_Lenhardt  for communicating these stories for us!                                                                                                                                                                                          

The Digital Skills Initiative would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated instructors, SAP Partners, and most importantly, the determination of our participants. Together, we've created a community that supports learning and growth, fostering a more inclusive future within the SAP ecosystem.

As we approach our two-year anniversary, we eagerly look forward to seeing more individuals succeed and transform their lives through this initiative.

What newcomers to the SAP Ecosystem should do

For anyone interested in the self-study route of this initiative, please write to us here. Time is of the essence as we will be closing out the self-study program is now closed as of 4 November 2024. (Once you get your free certification exam attempt you will have 12 months to study for and take the exam.)

After November 4th:

If you are reading this after our self-study program has ended and you are still interested in getting started in the SAP ecosystem, here is what you can do:

1. Get curious - start looking into what SAP is all about and choose a topic to start with. Check your local job market to see what skills are being sought too. Here are some aides for this process:
   • How and where do you start a consulting career in SAP?
   • Starting out developing skills in analytics? Not sure where to start?
   • SAP Finance enablement available on learning.sap.com
   • How to figure out if your certification / learning content is free of charge
   • How to use an AI Assistant or Large Language Model to help you learn SAP
     
     
2. If you are not sure where to start studying, start here: Discovering End-to-End Business Processes for the Intelligent Enterprise
   • This course is perfect for beginners and generalists getting an overview on what SAP is all about
   • YOU CAN CERTIFY for this course. Take advantage of that.
     
     
3. Purchase an SAP certification attempt:
   • Single Attempt
   • Student discounted attempt
   • How to schedule your exam
     
     
4. Start networking. It is an absolute requirement for newcomers to put themselves out there and talk to people:
   •  A suggestion on how to approach networking and a career search in the SAP ecosystem.
   • Join the career corner

What partners and customers looking to hire talent should do

Send me a private message - we have some ideation to do and need your input!

Stay tuned for what’s next!

-David

[Parul6]

David_Chaviano

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the SAP Digital Skills Initiative. As a single mother, I am facing challenging circumstances and am in urgent need of employment to support my family. I believe this program could offer me the opportunity to develop essential skills and certification within the SAP ecosystem, which would be invaluable in helping me secure stable employment in the technology industry.

I would be grateful to participate in this initiative, as it is specifically designed to support individuals from underrepresented groups like mine. My background includes 8 years of working in the QA industry  However, I lack the resources and network typically needed to pursue professional certification independently. This program’s structure and focus on SAP would provide me with both a roadmap to gain specialized skills and the support to navigate this journey.

Steps I’ve Taken in Line with the Application Requirements:

1. Created an SAP Account: I have set up an SAP account 
2. Learning Path and Certification Goals: I am ready to choose a learning journey that aligns with my goals of achieving certification in SAP. I am prepared to begin this program and will ensure I meet all deadlines, including completing the learning path by December 1, 2024.

I appreciate the support SAP offers to individuals in challenging situations, and I look forward to the possibility of growing within the SAP Community and ultimately building a stable career.

Thank you for considering my application.

Warm regards,
Parul Srivastava

parul06.unicorn@gmail.com

[84mqdoan1]

Hi David,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the SAP Digital Skills Initiative. I look forward to the possibility of growing within the SAP Community and ultimately building a stable career.

THanks

Minh Quoc

[Muhammad_Qasim]

https://community.sap.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/113

Due to a technical issue with the website, I was unable to comment on the initiative blog within the designated timeframe i.e. 4th November. A password reset (owing to VPN which is necessary to login SAP in Pakistan) resulted in the commenting option being removed from my account, preventing me from showing my interest as requested. However, I am highly motivated to pursue this SAP certification and respectfully request consideration for a redemption code. 

I am serving as a trainee audit associate in Grant Thornton Pakistan and am very keen to complete this certification. Completion of learning Journeys under the SAP Digital Skills Initiative (screenshots attached) serves as evidence of my commitment to pursue this certification which would not be possible without your assistance.

My SAP Community username is Muhammad_Qasim, and I have also formally applied to the SAP Digital Skills Initiative. I am enthusiastic about taking the next steps toward certification and look forward to any further guidance.

Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide. Thank you for this opportunity and for your support.

Warm regards,  
Muhammad Qasim

SAP Community Name:
Muhammad_Qasim

[Irtazazaidi]

@David_Chaviano 

My name is Irtaza Zaidi, and I recently graduated with a BS in Operations and Supply Chain Management from UMT in 2024. As I embark on my professional journey, I'm excited to explore the world of SAP, particularly the Production Planning (PP) module. I believe SAP's capabilities in improving processes and enhancing decision-making align perfectly with my interests and my educational background.

I'm eager to learn from the community and share my experiences as I deepen my understanding of SAP and its applications in the operations and supply chain management fields. Looking forward to engaging with fellow professionals and SAP enthusiasts!

Best regards,
Irtaza Zaidi

[TimothyAjayi]

Hi there,
I am Timothy a graduate of chemistry who find interest in tech.
My interest in tech and digital skill made me have interest in learning SAP.

I am eager to learn about SAP from scratch to professional from the community.

Thanks

[ahmedamin]

 

Dear David, I hope you are well. My name ahmed amin and 

 

This is a screenshot attached from my learning path. I sent it before November 4th, but something went wrong. I hope to get the free exam as I am changing my career path and I am going through difficult economic circumstances. Thank you very much.

[Hassanmurad0]

I am Hassan and very much interested in SAP career and feel getting a certification will help me with that. @David_Chaviano  please guide me to get coupon

[LJS]

Dear David,

I have been trying to contact digitalskills@sap.com without success.

Is this still the correct channel to send proof of our learning journey completion? 

Regards

[abdulmananmalik]

Hello Digital Skills Initiative Team,

My name is Abdul Manan, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the SAP team for their incredible efforts in launching the Digital Skills Initiative. This initiative has been immensely beneficial, providing access to high-quality resources and empowering learners like me to upskill effectively.

I am thrilled to have completed the "SAP Learning Journey Developing with SAP Integration Suite" program under the Digital Skills Initiative, and I am eager to leverage the opportunity to take a free certification attempt. This program is a shining testament to SAP's unwavering commitment to nurturing learning, growth, and innovation within the tech community.

My SAP Credentials are:

User ID: S0025794818

Email: abdul.manan@tmcltd.com

Course Completed: SAP Learning Journey Developing with SAP Integration Suite
Registration Date: 21 October, 2024

Please accept my warmest kudos to the entire SAP team for driving such impactful initiatives and making a lasting difference in the lives of learners worldwide. Your dedication, expertise, and passion for education are truly inspiring, and I feel grateful to be a part of this journey.

Best Regards,
Abdul Manan.

[Syed_Umair]

Hi @David_Chaviano My name is Syed Umair, and I am an IT professional from Pakistan. Growing up in a remote area with limited access to resources, I have always strived to overcome challenges and bridge the gap between myself and global opportunities. Despite these obstacles, I am passionate about technology and continuous learning.

[Hafiz_Adnan]

Hi @David_Chaviano

My Name is Hafiz Adnan Ahmed, and I bring significant experience in the supply chain sector, particularly within the textile industry. After years of working in this domain, I have developed a deep understanding of the processes and challenges associated with supply chain management. However, I am now eager to transition my career towards SAP, as I believe it aligns well with my skills and interests. I am passionate about leveraging technology to optimize business processes, and SAP offers the perfect platform to achieve this. I would like to share that I fall under the following category

. People looking to switch their careers mid-life, and I am excited to embark on this new journey.

[Hammad_alii]

Hello @David_Chaviano and Digital Skills Initiative Team,

My name is Hammad Ali, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the SAP team for their incredible efforts in launching the Digital Skills Initiative. This initiative has been immensely beneficial, providing access to high-quality resources and empowering learners like me to upskill effectively.

I am thrilled to have completed the "SAP Learning Journey Developing with SAP Integration Suite" program under the Digital Skills Initiative, and I am eager to leverage the opportunity to take a free certification attempt. This program is a shining testament to SAP's unwavering commitment to nurturing learning, growth, and innovation within the tech community.

Best Regards,
Hammad Ali.

[syed_hassaan_ali]

Hi, @David_Chaviano

I am Syed Hassaan Ali Zafar, and I would like to express my gratitude for the Digital Skills Initiative, which has provided valuable opportunities to upskill with top-tier resources.

I am delighted to share that I’ve completed the "SAP Learning Journey: Developing with SAP Integration Suite" program and look forward to utilizing the free certification attempt. This initiative reflects SAP's dedication to fostering innovation, learning, and professional growth worldwide.

A big thank you to @David_Chaviano and the @SAP Team for your impactful efforts in empowering learners like me.

SAP Credentials:
User ID: P2005873591
Email: syed.hassaan83@gmail.com
Course Completed: Developing with SAP Integration Suite
Date of Completion: 26/11/2024

Looking forward to your guidance.

Best regards,
Syed Hassaan Ali Zafar
#SAP #DigitalSkillsInitiative

[Sherif92]

Hi David,

My name is sherif Mohamed from Egypt ,i have experience in SAP ECC and S4/hana HCM for more than 8 years and i am looking forward to upgrade my experience with Success Factors Employee Central

I would like to express my gratitude and to thank Digital Skills Initiative Team.

I am writing to inform you that I have successfully completed SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Core Journey. I am excited about the opportunity to take my free attempt to obtain the certificate, as it would greatly enhance my experience and skills.

SAP Credentials:
User ID: P2007506548
Email: sherief_92@yahoo.com
Course Completed: Configuring SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Core

Best Regards,

Sherif Mohammed

[R266]

Hi @David_Chaviano 
I had emailed my SAP Universal ID along with the course completion snapshot digitalskills@sap.com during November mid but I haven't yet received my certification redemption code. I have been following up on the same without getting any response. Lately, someone suggested to also include our email id as reference, I did that as well, but unfortunately, there has been no response.
My details are as follows:
SAP Universal ID: R266
Email: rjwilson266@gmail.com
Course Completed:  Implementing S/4 HANA Cloud Private Edition

Could you please look into this issue as I see several other posts of fellow applicants facing the same problem.

Regards
Robin

[FarahSami]

Dear David,

I have been trying to contact digitalskills@sap.com without success. I finished all the steps needed for the initiative and I've sent reminders as well.

Please let me know if there's anything I can do to push the process forward, I really want to certify.

Thanks in advance,

Farah

[Fakhir_Anwar]

Hi @David_Chaviano 

I have been working in software industry for approx 22 years and got opportunity to handle 5million transactions per day. So, many things I had been doing by intuition, like data anomaly, trends, descriptive analysis. 

But " Getting Started with Data Science" has given a very interesting and formal handling of data mining and predictions models. I am interested in exploring more in this area and would like to contribute in this area. Kindly consider to give certification voucher and allow me to do more in this area.

Regards,

Fakhir Anwar.

[HabibUrRehman]

Thank you for providing such a valuable opportunity for learners to grow and develop their skills. I truly appreciate the efforts behind this initiative. Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware of the introductory post requirement earlier and only realized it after completing my learning journey through the program. I’ve been deeply engaged in developing my skills and am eager to contribute to this community. I would be grateful if you could kindly consider my participation or guide me on alternative ways to be part of this initiative. Thank you!

[Shriya_C]

Hi @David_Chaviano 
I had emailed my SAP Universal ID along with the course completion snapshots to digitalskills@sap.com during November but I haven't yet received my certification redemption code. I have been following up on the same without getting any response. 

My details are as follows:
SAP Universal ID: Shriya_C
Email: shriya.harikrupa21@outlook.com
Courses Completed:  
Implementing S/4 HANA Cloud Public Edition
Implementing S/4 HANA Cloud Public Edition, Sourcing and Procurement

Could you please look into this issue as I see several other posts of fellow applicants facing the same problem.

Regards,
Shriya_C

[sail]

Hi, I am women, looking to upgrade my skills and shift my job in this competitive market Please considered my application for free certification..I have completed my Learning journey through my S-user id -S0026270647 please find below details of course for sap analytical cloud -data analyst

[Faizan365]

I completed all the requirements   as mentioned in the email send screenshots to the digitalskills@sap.com before 1 DEC but didn't receive any coupon code as mentioned that I will receive it on 20 DEC from sap I had been preparing it from 3 months to appear in certification even on 20 DEC but its very awful when I think that I just wasted my 3 months and all my preparations are wasted  😓😓😓

very bad experience please don't waste your time on it

[Veerababu_Danduprolu]

Hi @David_Chaviano

My name is Veerababu Danduprolu from India. i have experience in SAP ECC and i am looking forward to upgrading my experience in IT industry.

I would like to express my gratitude and to thank Digital Skills Initiative Team.

I am writing to inform you that I have successfully completed SAP Developing Data Models with SAP HANA Cloud Journey, I have attached screenshot of course completion #digitalskills@sap.com

I am excited about the opportunity to take my free attempt to obtain the certificate, as it would greatly enhance my experience and skills.

SAP Credentials:
User ID: P2008739884
Email: DVEERABABU12@GMAIL.COM
Course Completed: Developing Data Models with SAP HANA Cloud

[Natalia_Christina]

Hello @David_Chaviano ,

Please find attached (screenshot) my email sent to digitalskills@sap.com on November 27th along with the screenshots verifying my completion. I have followed all the steps and have not yet received the free certification attempt (redemption code) for "SAP Certified Associate - Business Process Integration with SAP S/4HANA", by December 20th as outlined in the Digital Skills Applicant Guide (for self-study candidates).

Could you please update?

Thank you in advance.

Happy holidays !

Regards,

Natalia Christina Lalioti

[harinidt]

Hi @David_Chaviano ,

I had completed the mandatory steps (course:Developing with Integration suite Journey and SAP Community User Name: harinidt )and mailed to digitalskills@sap.com before December 1st with the screenshots multiple times and didn't receive any response from them.Kindly look into this and do the needful.

 Thanks & Regards,

Harini.

[Majlo]

Dear @David_Chaviano,

I've completed my learning journey on 26th November:

Right after that, I sent screenshot to: digitalskills@sap.com. Unfortunately, until today I still didn't receive redemption code. Please be so kind to check that. Many thanks in advance.

Regards,

Milosz Majnicz

[Alla]

 Dear @David_Chaviano,

 I've received a Redemption Code on November 29th, have done steps according to your video instructions "How to redeem a SAP Training campaign code and schedule a SAP Certification Exam" till the step, where i supposed to be received an email from SAP ID Service "SAP Learning: Access to your license." But I haven't received it yet. 

 Could you please advice me what to do next. Do I need to wait or maybe, there is something that I've missed.

Thank you and best regards,

Alla.

[Enceha]

Dear @David_Chaviano ,

I have completed my learning journey and sent the confirmation via e-mail on Dec 1st. Since then, I haven't received any communication from SAP, including the redemption code. Is there anything I missed, are you still processing submissions?

Best regards,

Natalia

[SalmaEmadLP]

Hi David,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the SAP Digital Skills Initiative. I look forward to the possibility of growing within the SAP Community and ultimately building a stable career.

Thanks

Alaa

[john_kovanis]

Hello again, unfortunately although I sent an email to digitalskills@sap.com with my completed course, I didn't receive any free voucher or code.

[Nutshell]

Hi @David_Chaviano 

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request assistance regarding an email I am expecting from SAP with the subject "Access to Your License." I have successfully applied the campaign codes as outlined in the video linked here: https://sapvideo.cfapps.eu10-004.hana.ondemand.com/?entry_id=1_bi5g18o3.

Program Name: Digital Skills Initiative

Unfortunately, I have not yet received this email. I reached out to local support, but they were unable to resolve the issue and advised me to contact the Digital Skills team. However, I have not received any response from digitalskills@sap.com.

Could you please assist me in this matter? I would greatly appreciate your help.

Thank you so much for your attention to this issue.

Best Regards