Begin a career in SAP

[Former Member]

Hi,

I am working as a service desk analyst in MNC  we have SAP modules used in our project and I was amazed and wowed by the way SAP consultants work on the systems. I also dream to a SAP consultant one day, but I need a guidance on where to start and what to start with. I prefer to go with the technical module of SAP which deals with the sizing and network connectivity as I do not have great experience in development.

Please advise, thanks in advance.

[former_member185326]

Hi Mahesh,

Based on what you have mentioned, you seem to be interested in SAP Basis Administration. You need to have basic system administration / database admin knowledge to start well with SAP Basis.

Your question seems generic, so, if you have anything specific on this, pls do let us know.

Regards,

Shahid

[Former Member]

Thanks for your response Shahid.

I would basically like to learn more about product lifecycle which will enable me to a part of the product management right from the initial stage till it is decommissioned.

[Colleen]

Hi Mahesh

Please share a bit more about your actual skills sets and qualifications so you can be pointed in the right direction. Also, what amazes your about SAP and the consultants?

Regards

Colleen

[Former Member]

Colleen,

I am computer science graduate working as a service desk analyst and I have the authorization to unlock and reset the SAP passwords for few instances,the reason why I want to learn more about SAP is because I have seen the consultants fixing issues based on the reports and error messages in the system which makes me feel to be in their position and resolve issues with our expertise. SAP security is what I wanted to learn as it will give me an administrator access to monitor accounts and its validity, but I am confused as well, because few have said there is lot more to learn in basis than security.

I know that this information is quite complicated but I need assistance in having a clear idea of where to start.

Regards,

Mahesh.

[former_member185326]

Hi Mahesh,

Both SAP Security and Basis are big oceans. Learning never ends in every aspect. However, if SAP Security is what interests you, then you go with it.. There is indeed lot of scope in this area. Basic knowledge of Basis Administration would be an added advantage for Security consultants., and vice-versa..

SAP Basis involves everything from planning to implementation of SAP architecture (both SAP and its infrastructure platform), maintenance of SAP systems with varied SAP components. Whereas Security just handles the security and auditing part of it which involves, security role designing to component based security implementation and further advanced areas. SAP GRC and IDM plays important role too..

Basis guys usually take care of installations, builds, upgrades, maintenance and other admin activities..

Go with where your interest lies.. Demand is everywhere! 🙂

Regards,

Shahid

[Colleen]

Hi Mahesh

Shahid already beat me to a reply

I'm from a Security/GRC background and I think the area has quite a bit of challenge to it. As Shahid mentioned, you do well in security to learn about all areas of the system (sometimes at a high level). I may not be able to do what a Basis person does, but I have to understand the risks of what they can do to the system. Same with Functional people.

As a junior, you will most likely spend 1-3 years on password resets, create users, setup/validate SSO issues. You then progress into investigating authorisations issues and then eventually to role build. You might skip straight to role build.

I recommend you look at the ADM940, ADM950 and ADM960 courses if you want to go down the security path. It will give you a good grounding on the key concepts.

Regards

Colleen

[Former Member]

Thanks Shahid & Colleen for a detailed response.

Could you also recommend a good institute to learn the security courses, because per the search on the internet I found ADM940,950,960 cannot be self learned with materials and has to be learnt from authorised institutes. I am located in Chennai, India.

[former_member185326]

Hi Mahesh,

If you can spend good amount, then would suggest considering Lethan Genovate , which is an authorised SAP Education center. You can also go for course+certification.

Dont have much idea on institutes local to Chennai.

Happy learning !

Regards,

Shahid

[Colleen]

Hi Mahesh

If you are new to SAP I recommend going through authorised training and using SAP's material. You can look at SAP Press Books for the book Authorisations made Easy. It's a good starting

If training cost is an issue, have you looked at SAP Learning Hub subscription? It will give you all material. As you are in India, if you want to go for Certification you would need to contact SAP India as they do appear to have country-specific pre-requisites. This may not be an issue if you are trying to self learn. As you said you have a job already, your foot is already in the door. Self-learning could be an option (if you were beginner/fresher with zero experience a formal training might help your resume better).

Regards

Colleen

[Jelena_Perfiljeva]

I would recommend reading this blog and other blogs by .

Your best bet would be to express this interest to the management and see if there is an opening in the SAP team and/or if you could do some kind of "internal internship" there. It'll be very difficult to get an SAP job without the hands-on experience and changing passwords doesn't count, unfortunately.