Digital Skills Initiative Applicant Guide (For self-study candidates)

[David_Chaviano]

Note: The self-study portion of the digital skills initiative is coming to an end.

• Application texts can be submitted here until November 4, 2024.
• Your learning must be completed by December 1, 2024, and a screenshot of completion together with your SAP Community username must be submitted to digitalskills@sap.com by this day at the latest.
• We will process your request and send you your redemption code by December 20, 2024 at the latest.
• You must redeem your code in the training shop by December 31, 2024, but can schedule your exam for any date in the following 12 months  (December 31, 2025 at the latest.)

Hello there and thank you for your interest in the digital skills initiative by SAP Learning!

The digital skills initiative is intended to help those who are generally considered to be underrepresented in the technology industry get a kick start in their careers within the SAP Ecosystem.

The definition of people considered to be underrepresented in the technology industry varies by geographic location. However, we can provide the following guideline to help you understand the sort of people we are looking to support with this initiative:

• Military veterans and their spouses, family and caregivers
• Women
• Single parents
• People who are physically disabled or neurodivergent
• People in remote or underserved locations that may be not have access to the same economic opportunities as their urban or more privileged counterparts 
• Minorities who may not have equal opportunity in their geographic location 
• First generation college students
• People looking to switch their careers mid-life
• People who lack the financial means to afford a certification attempt for themselves

If you identify as a person in one or several of these categories, the digital skills initiative might be for you. The final prerequisite is a willingness to learn more about SAP and to undergo the rigors of studying for SAP Certification.

Here are the next steps on how to proceed:

Step 1 – Create an SAP Account

You will need an SAP account to track your studies and take a certification exam. Watch the demo in this blog for help on how to do that. Please use the same email address that you intend on registering with the digital skills initiative.

Also be sure to join the beginner corner as demonstrated in the demo – this is how you can reach out and ask questions.

Step 2 - Let us know you are interested

Either leave a comment below or start a discussion in the beginner corner stating a clear interest in participating in the digital skills initiative. Feel free to include a bit about yourself like academic / professional background and why you feel you are a good fit to the program. We will send you a registration link to the initiative via direct message. Please ensure private messaging is enabled on your profile.

Another key reason for this step is if you need help with part of a learning journey that you selected (in step 4 below), you can come back here (the beginner corner) to ask for help.

Step 3 – Make sure you have context

We have a long blog available attempting to explain the whole "learning SAP" process from beginning to certification. Take from it what you need to ensure getting certified in SAP is worth the effort to you.

Step 4 - Begin studying

Pick a learning journey that best fits your interests which also leads to a certification. Any learning journey and any exam is covered by this program. Study it to completion, then send a screenshot of the completion & your SAP Community username to digitalskills@sap.com  before 1 December 2024.

Here is a guide on how to determine if your learning journey is free of charge.

Step 5 – Receiving your certification attempt

After your learning journey completion is sent to digitalskills@sap.com, please give us some time to process your request. You will receive a redemption code for your SAP certification attempt as soon as we can get one to you.

• Please log into the SAP Training Shop  with the same email address that you registered with the digital skills initiative and place this product into your shopping basket.
• From there, follow this guide on how to use this campaign code to “pay” for your certification attempt.
• If you run into trouble with your code redemption, follow this guide.

Please redeem the code ASAP when you receive it. You can schedule the actual exam up to six month after redemption.

Step 6 - Schedule your exam

Check out our blog on how to schedule your SAP Certification exam.

Step 7 - Explore Career Options

Check out the career corner

Here is a guide on how to approach networking within the SAP Community & Ecosystem

We wish you the best of luck in your learning journey! Leave a comment below if you have any questions.

Regards,

David

[former_member152187]

Dear David,

My name is Trang and I come from Vietnam. I'm working as SAP Master data Coordinator for one year. All my knowledge about SAP is from the internal training at the company only. In the process of working in this field, I learn that there are many things I have yet to learn about SAP.

I'm eager to take a free certification attempt because I believe it will help me learn more and become better at what I do.

I fall in the category of women.

Thank you for considering my application!

[jimgarcijo]

Hi @David_Chaviano 

I identify as a person in the below categorie:

• People in remote or underserved locations that may be not have access to the same economic opportunities as their urban or more privileged counterparts.
• People looking to switch their careers mid-life

I have started the following learning journe.

• Acquiring Core ABAP Skills
• Getting Started Building an On-Premise Data Warehouse using SAP BW/4HANA

Thanks.

[GraemeAmpeire]

Hello,  @David_Chaviano 

I'm excited about the digital skills initiative. I believe it's an excellent opportunity for people like myself who work remotely or in underprivileged areas to have the same economic opportunities as those in more prosperous locations.

Additionally, I'm looking to switch careers, and this initiative could be a turning point. I'm currently learning about SAP's Cloud ERP and Signavio solutions, which I think will be helpful in my future work.

Overall, I'm eager to continue developing my skills, and I think this initiative is the perfect way to do so.

Best
Graeme

[David_Chaviano]

Thanks once again for the new applicants writing in! An invite should be on the way to you!

[Kamalesh]

My name is Kamalesh and I am from India. At this moment, This course will help me out to enhance my overall knowledge.SAP brings to the table as it's evident that we are highly skillful but because of economic crisis we aren't able to take advantage of many opportunities. I myself cannot afford the certification fee and has been waiting since an year now to have ample amount so as to do the certification in S4 HANA SD. If selected, I will definitely encourage more peoples my peers from India who in my knowledge are willing to work in SAP and need a little push  to go and do their bit to help you people in this kind great initiative of providing free certification

[kwamefavour]

Hello David,

I am Alfred, an SAP SuccessFactors consultant in Ghana. I have been studying different modules in SAP SuccessFactors like Employee Central, Performance and Goal Management and Succession Management. I am looking forward to increasing my knowledge and implementation skills in the other SuccessFactors modules like Recruiting Management and Career Development Planning and Mentoring.

After my first degree, I developed an interest in business solutions and the use of software to help businesses run better and more efficiently. Things were going smoothly in my career until Covid hit Ghana badly and our economy went into a recession. With inflation and debt to GDP hitting record high, it has become very difficult for me to continue pursuing my dream of becoming one of the best SuccessFactors consultants in Africa.

Thus, I am ardent and extremely excited about this digital skills Initiative. Being enrolled will be a dream come true as this will go a long way to help me acquire the requisite skills and certification to get my career back on track.

Thanks a lot for the opportunity.

Warm Regards,

Alfred Darkwah.

[praveenbhise]

SAP Analytics Cloud 

Hello Community members,

I am a newbie and would like to embark my SAP journey by participating in the SAP Digital Initiatives Programme. I beleive this opportunity will provide me the required platform to switch my career.

My interest is towards Cloud Analytics

Thankyou for this opportunity!

@David_Chaviano 

[former_member154152]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I'm enthusiastic about SAP's offering of free certification vouchers for women who want to change industry. Transitioning into the SAP industry excites me, as it aligns with my goal to explore new career opportunities and break barriers. This tailored program will equip me with the necessary skills to thrive in the tech-driven environment and reach new heights in my professional journey. I'm eager to seize this chance and make a successful switch to the SAP world.
I look forward to your positive response.

Regards,

Ritika

[former_member154154]

• Dear David,

I am a woman who is currently in a middle of a mid life career switch.

Currently all my SAP knowledge comes from hands on training and I realize that there are still many things I do not know yet. 

I would like to participate in this digital skills initiative to get an SAP certification as it would help to support my career growth in SAP consultancy. 

Thank you for your consideration! 

[NehaK09]

Hello @David_Chaviano 

I hope this finds you in good spirits. I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for this wonderful initiative from SAP. I am truly thrilled and eager to be a part of this incredible opportunity on my learning journey.

Allow me to share a little about myself. I am the first women and the only engineering graduate in my family, and my path to this point has been filled with challenges and perseverance. Coming from a humble background in India, being presented with this chance to enhance my career means the world to me. I have always aspired to pursue SAP certification, but unfortunately, I did not have the resources to make it happen.

I am genuinely looking forward to being a part of this initiative and making the most of this opportunity.

With warm regards,

Neha

[jorgerendon]

Dear @David_Chaviano 

My name is Jorge, I'm a latino middle to low class from Argentina.

I would fall into the following categories:People in remote or underserved locations that may be not have access to the same economic opportunities as their urban or more privileged counterparts, First-generation college students, People looking to switch their career.

I am writing to express my keen interest in securing an internship opportunity at SAP, focusing on SAP BW/4HANA (the certification that I would love to acquire would be "Reporting, Modelling and Data Acquisition with SAP BW/4HANA C_BW4H_211"). Over the past couple of years, my fascination with SAP has grown, and I have taken the initiative to study this technology independently through various free programs and online resources.

The power of SAP BW/4HANA to integrate and analyze vast amounts of data in real time has captivated me, inspiring me to delve deeper into the world of data analytics and business intelligence. Despite limited financial resources hindering my ability to pursue formal certification, my dedication to mastering SAP BW/4HANA remains unwavering.

As an aspiring SAP professional, my goal is to make a meaningful impact in the field of data analytics and carve a successful career in SAP. Joining the SAP team for an internship would provide me with valuable hands-on experience and allow me to learn from industry experts and contribute my passion and skills to the company's success.

I am genuinely excited about the possibility of contributing to SAP's innovative culture and aligning my values with the company's commitment to excellence and diversity. I firmly believe that my enthusiasm, dedication, and self-driven learning make me a strong candidate for this internship.

Thank you for considering my application. I eagerly await the opportunity to discuss further how my skills and passion align with SAP's vision and how I can positively contribute to the organization.

[chandrima2023]

Hi David,

      Good to e-meet you. Being a woman in HR functions who has been a practitioner (consumer) of SAP systems, I am now considering a career option in IT, and on the solution provider side of SAP, in the HR area. This program seems to be the perfect launchpad for my career goal, and I am looking forward to getting trained and certified on SAP with specialization on HXM. 

Looking forward to your guidance and next steps on this.

regards,

Chandrima

[lucasammartino]

Hello, my name is Luca, im from Argentina, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal. I am currently doing a course on SAP HCM with BUFFA Systems. Id like to get my certifications on HCM and SuccessFactors, and given enough time i will acquire them, however due to astronomical inflation and my current socioeconomic status it would take a long time before i could afford them, so i would appreciate SAP's help. Anyways, thank you for reading this and have a good day.

[ALP0722]

Hi @David_Chaviano 

I'm really excited about this post and anything has to involve SAP. I'm a psychologist 34 y.o. man who wants to switch their career mid-life. Since I got the opportunity to start a job in a company who provides SAP support, I'm trying to find all the available sources to learn as much as I can about ABAP.

Thanks for this amazing initiative!

[shamalpatil9970]

Hi David,

Thanks for this opportunity and really looking forward to learn new things about SAP

I am a women aged 26 who holds a bachelors degree in computer science. I have been working in BPM industry but have interest in SAP.

 I am willing to learn more about SAP, as it will help me get job opportunities and establish a career. 

[Hector_Santos]

Hello @David_Chaviano 

I am Hector Santos from Central America. Thanks for the great initiative. I am interested in taking part in this learning journey with a certification voucher. I have learned a lot and hope to keep learning .

Regards

Hector Santos

[shaunn]

Hi @David_Chaviano,

My name is Shaun and I have always want to work with SAP and have a proper career in IT. I'm in my forties now, but would really want to have the opportunity to participate in the digital skills initiative in order to switch career. 

Thanks and Kind Regards,

Shaun

[former_member154262]

Hello!

I think this is a great opportunity and as a woman, am very interested. 

Thank you!

[alessandraarm]

Hello @David_Chaviano,

My name is Alessandra, I am Brazilian  and I identify as a person in the below categories:

• Women
• Minorities who may not have equal opportunity in their geographic location 
• First generation college students

I've already worked as an ABAP developer and I am trying to learn more about all these changes that are happening in SAP ecosystem, doing the developer challenges and some courses.

I look forward for this initiative and willing to upscale my learning in these new SAP technologies.

Thanks in advance,

Alessandra

[Former Member]

Hello @David_Chaviano, I'd love to be considered for one of these certification exams. Please reach out for my qualifications!

What a fantastic program, thank you for offering this!

[former_member154268]

Hello @David_Chaviano 

I am a first generation immigrant woman who is currently unemployed due to physical disability.

I identify as a person in the following categories –
• Women
• People who are physically disabled or neurodivergent

10 yrs ago, my fledgling career in SAP was cut short 10 years ago as a result of disability and neurological issues (including a neurodivergence diagnosis) caused by Lyme disease that I was exposed to while at a client location. 

Recently it has become increasingly important for me to rejoin the workforce to support myself and our household financially. However re-entering the SAP industry once again has proved extremely challenging due to the gap and lack of current SAP skills.

I am interested in applying for the SAP certification as I believe this would give me a more current skillset required to re-enter the SAP industry with confidence.

Also I want to thank and commend SAP for their remarkable generosity and promoting representation and inclusion in the technology industry. This sets a powerful example for others to follow.

[SunnyHug]

Hi, I have interest in participating in the digital skills initiative. Please send me the link. Thank you.

[s0011104836]

Hi I'm really interested on this program 🙂

Thanks

Sergio

[caue_lira]

Hi  @David_Chaviano 

My name is Cauê, i am from Brazil and i fit in the following categories for the SAP digital skills program:

• People in remote or underserved locations that may be not have access to the same economic opportunities as their urban or more privileged counterparts  (I was born and live in Alagoas, which is the poorest Brazilian state with a per capita GDP of only 187 USD)
• Minorities who may not have equal opportunity in their geographic location (People from Northeast Brazil suffer discrimination in richer areas of Brasil due to our local culture, leaving us with fewer economic opportunities )

Despite the hardships i have always had an interest for technology and coding, but i always felt lost about what tech i should study and if that knowledge could really improve my life. That's why i would be very interested and willing to persue  the Software Development learning journey, more specifically learning about the S4/HANA ecosystem, and  ABAP.

Best regards

SAP S/4HANA 

-Cauê

[former_member154287]

Hi David!

My name is Amarinda, and I would love to learn and grow more with SAP. I am a woman working in the HR field currently, but have worked with companies that uses SAP and it has always interested me. I would love to get involved upskill myself with SAP!

[GauravKalra]

Hello there, i am looking to enroll into sap and start learning more about BPT. This certification attempt will certainly a huge help

[Mayara_Araujo]

Hello @David_Chaviano

I am interested in participating in the digital skills initiative. I've already worked as an ABAP developer and I am seeking to update my skills as an ABAP developer.

Thanks

Mayara

[pcorp01]

Hi @David_Chaviano !

My name is Pia, I'm a first generation immigrant from the Philippines, residing in California. My company use SAP B1 HANA for accounting/finance. I became familiar with queries, dashboards and analytics just by using the platform and reading the SAP forum! We have done several B1 upgrades over the years and I was the point person/PM for the rollouts. I believe with this free certification opportunity I can advance my career as a woman in tech. Thank you!

[former_member154296]

Hi @David_Chaviano ,

I would be very interested in signing up for this. I appreciate SAP providing opportunities to underrepresented groups.

[Dianadelrey]

Hello David,

I am interested in the Digital Skills Initiative.  As a life-long learner, I always take the initiative to teach myself concepts and subjects to expand my skillset.  In the past I've learned to edit films, web development and computer science and now learning to break into the data sector by learning Python and SQL.  By the opportunity offered by SAP, I can become a more well rounded contributor in the tech industry to  help companies make more data-informed decisions.

I fall into the following groups:

• Military veteran
• Women
• People who are neurodivergent
• Minorities who may not have equal opportunity in their geographic location 
• First generation college students
• People looking to switch their careers mid-life

[Tugay]

Hi David,

I identify as a person in the below category:

• People looking to switch their careers mid-life ( ABAP to EWM )

[Sunny_T]

Hi Team,

I'm looking to upskill myself for SAP Successfactors Onboarding 2.0

Please consider my request.

Thanks,

Sunny Thakur

[former_member154347]

Dear @David_Chaviano ,

My name is Diana Neira. I identify as a person in the below categories:

• Women .
• People in remote or underserved locations that may be not have access to the same economic opportunities as their urban or more privileged counterparts.
• Minorities who may not have equal opportunity in their geographic location.

  I want to express my clear interest in participating in the digital skills initiative. I believe that continuous learning and improving digital skills are essential in today's fast-paced and technology-driven world. I am eager to enhance my knowledge and expertise in digital skills to stay competitive in the job market and contribute effectively to the digital age. Additionally, I have successfully completed my Master's in Global Project Management & Business Administration and I want to complement  mu  career with SAP digital skills initiatives.  

  I would be grateful if you could send me the registration link to the initiative via direct message.

  Thank you for providing this valuable opportunity, and I look forward to actively participating in the digital skills initiative.

[decatalyste]

My name is Derrick Quartey from Accra, Ghana writing to express my sincere interest in the SAP Digital Skills Initiative. As a passionate and driven individual, I am eager to embark on a journey that aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and personal goals.

SAP's Digital Skills Initiative was recommended to me by a colleague, and I am truly inspired by the organization's commitment to empowering individuals with the necessary knowledge and expertise to thrive in the digital age.

I fall within the following category of underrepresented people.

• People in remote or underserved locations that may be not have access to the same economic opportunities as their urban or more privileged counterparts.
• People looking to switch their careers mid-life.

With a background in Computer Science and IT Consulting. I am confident that my diverse experiences in this landscape will enable me to appreciate the learnings and achieve the necessary certifications required.

I wholeheartedly believe that SAP, as a global leader in enterprise software, is best positioned to guide me on this transformative journey.

Thank you for considering my interest in the SAP Digital Skills Initiative. I eagerly await the opportunity to be part of this esteemed program and look forward to contributing to its success.

[andra_i]

Hello,

I am a woman, already in tech but very interested to prepare and hold the SAP Certified Technology Associate. 
Always eager to learn & highly motivated to develop my career. 
I would be extremely grateful if you can consider me for this opportunity.

Many thanks !

Andra Iatan

[Alalicelin]

Hello @David_Chaviano ,

My name is Alice and I currently pivoted into a new industry where I need to work with SAP daily. I identify as a person in the below categories:

• Women
• Minorities who may not have equal opportunity in their geographic location 
• First generation college students

Being the first person in my family to go to college along with being a minority women there has been a lot of pressure from my family and society. I appreciate programs like these to help the underserved groups and think that this would really help boost my career. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity, David!

[former_member154402]

Hell David

My name is Eric and I'm originally from Ghana living in the US as a single parent, my current job actually uses sap. but I still need in depth knowledge about sap since I'm trying to learn from on job which is really hard.

Please consider my application

Thanks

[rszpak]

In a quest for excellence, I, the first university graduate in my family, embarked on a journey through SAP GRC, where passion ignited. Delving deeper into SAP security, I now aspire to conquer the SAP Certified Technology Associate - SAP System Security and Authorizations, aiming to grow and make my parents beam with pride. Vouchers for this coveted certification would be the key to my triumphant ascent.

[josiasolivares]

Hello @David_Chaviano 

I think I can fit in these categories:

• People who are physically disabled or neurodivergent
• People in remote or underserved locations that may be not have access to the same economic opportunities as their urban or more privileged counterparts 
• First generation college students
• People looking to switch their careers mid-life

My name is Josias and I am from Chile, I have had internal training in my company, and have lots of hands on experience in SAP ECC EHP8 (MM, SD, WM) and descentralized EWM, but I would like to get a certification in order to advance my career in SAP. 

[David_Chaviano]

Thanks for everyone writing in! Invites sent for 28 July 23.

[former_member69572]

Hello David,

i am looking to enroll into sap and start learning more about BPT. This certification attempt will certainly a huge help

Thanks

Rushd

[dijana]

Hello @David_Chaviano ,

I am interested in participating in Digital Skills Initiative.

Could you please send me more information?

Best regards,

Dijana

[SmritiKalra]

Hello @David_Chaviano 

My name is Smriti Kalra from India I'm an ambitious woman working in IT sector having experience of around 4 years as an ERP consultant (Non-SAP), I am willing to switch to SAP as I wanted to grow my career in this direction, I'm very passionate to become SAP SD Consultant.

I'm following under below categories: 

- Women
- People looking to switch their careers mid-life

At the end I would like to thank SAP team for this great initiative to contribute in the growth of others.

Regards Smriti.

[akshaya_argade]

Hello SAP Community,

Feeling great to connect with this amazing community.

I am looking to Register this unique Digital Skill initiative by SAP.

I want to upskill myself in SAP technology and get a job opportunity soon. I fall in the below category:

• Women

SAP Data Services SAP Datasphere SAP Predictive Analytics 

@David_Chaviano 

[Th3SeS]

Hello @David_Chaviano ,

 This has been a great initiative by SAP and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to SAP for championing such an initiative, which promises to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

I can identify myself in following categories,

• People looking to switch their careers mid-life

I am an IT and Systems management engineer, having more than 2 years of experience in the business services sector.

I have completed the courses : Discover SAP Sales Cloud and Configuring SAP Sales and Service Cloud as an administrator. and I am willing to pass the SAP Sales Cloud certification. And I am willing to pass SAP Sales cloud Certification.

I'm eager to take a free certification attempt because I believe it will help me learn more and become even better at what I do. I know that the world of technology is always changing, and I want to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements.I am grateful for this opportunity and excited about the possibilities ahead. Thank you for considering my application for the free certification attempt.

I'm positively looking forward to hearing back from you.

Kind Regards,

[alejavendan0819]

Hi @David_Chaviano 

I am Alejandra, I am looking forward to boost my professional path with SAP knowledge that support my experience as project manager. In this time, I am highly interested in this initiative to acquired guidelines on the SAP implementations to play the role as Activate project manager. I fit into the category of women.

I already have some core SAP knowledge

Thanks for your consideration.

[former_member154449]

Hello David,

I hope I'm not too late. I qualify for the initiative due to the following reasons:

• Women
• People looking to switch their careers mid-life

A personal event has forced me to switch careers permanently. I've found an entry-level job at a small firm. My area of focus is SAP HCM PY. I lack knowledge. Sadly, I also experienced a difference in training between me and my male coworker. I want to prove my potential and fulfill my dream of becoming a sap hcm consultant/developer. I want to learn about rules and schemes but mostly I'd love to learn ABAP.

[claudiaheindri]

Hello @David_Chaviano,

My name is Claudia, I am Brazilian and I am a woman.

I've already worked as an ABAP developer and I am trying to learn more about all these changes that are happening in SAP ecosystem, especially Fiori and SAP BTP.

Thanks in advance,

Claudia

[LucasPires230]

Hello. My name is Lucas Pires and I'm from Ourinhos-SP in Brazil. 

I identify as a person in the category: "Minorities who may not have equal opportunity in their geographic location"

I am 21 years old and study/work with SAP Technologies since I was 19. I am interested to improve my habilities in the Business Technology Plataform and the cloud world. I only have openSap certifications until now, and I am looking for my first from the SAP Catalog.

[kmteja01]

Hi 

Iam from India working in technology space for more than 15 yrs. Have worked in SAP before pursuing Successfactors journey.

Having completed my recruitment certification and would like to expand myself into the onboarding space.

Encouragement of a free voucher would encourage me to pursue my dream of a complete talent suite consultant.

Thanks

Mitra