Career Corner Blog Posts
Blog posts are a great way for SAP, customers, and partners to share advice, insights into career trends, new opportunities, and personal success stories.
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Heather24
Advisor
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Maria is a Presales Associate (Analytics), originally from Russia and working for SAP Norway. We spoke to her about her SAP journey.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I was always changing my mind, from acting to being a lawyer. But back then I did not know about presales, otherwise this would have been my dream for sure

What did you study at college/university?

I have three degrees; in teaching, finance and accounting and in marketing and communications.

When did you start working at SAP?

I applied for the SAP Presales Academy and did not get accepted the first time. I tried again a year later and was accepted. I started in August 2016 and was part of the presales academy until August 2017.

What do you think the key skills people need to work in Presales?

It all depends at which stage you start and what solution you are specializing in. But I would say, in general, it is ability to understand people, listen to them, understand their intentions and challenges. From the technical perspective, it’s the ability to solve complex infrastructure problems and being able to become a real advisor for the customer.

What does your career at SAP mean to you?

It’s my whole life, life at SAP: with all the brilliant people I meet and all the unlimited opportunities I have.

What does success look like to you?

For me it’s not a goal to reach, but it’s an exciting journey on the way. Perception of success tends to be changing over time. But if you wake up happy every day, knowing that you are not only bringing value but that your input is highly appreciated by the people that surround you; you have endless development opportunities and you have a lifestyle you have dreamed of, that is what I call success.

If you could go back in time and give your 18-year-old-self one piece of career advice what would it be?

There is no time wasted if you gain experience doing what you really love. It will all become a full picture at a certain stage of your life. Stay curious and push yourself to the limits. And definitely find a job you love to enjoy every day at work.

To see where Life at SAP could take you, click here.