Developing SCM career

[Former Member]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and I would like to get some feedbacks from you, if I'm on the right career track now.

I am a young hungarian guy living now in Denmark. I have a BA degree in economics with a specialization of logistics and supply chain and a 3,5 years experience as a purchaser, working mostly with SAP MM and barely touching the FI/CO module. That's the short summary of my background. I don't work now in the business, I just concentrate on my personal development.

My plan is to dig deeper into the SCM and start my SAP career. I know a lot of fresher's desire is to be a consultant. Mine is also, but on the long term. I've already chosen the SCM (APO) to be my main module, but as I looked around between the different options I realized that BW could be another area, which could be ideal for me. Personally I like to analyze things and numbers and although I don't have an IT education, I really like the tech-side of the systems.

So here is my plan:

- Get SAP certified (SCM APO associate level)

- Get profession certified (APICS CSCP or CPSM)

- Learn some Business Analytics

- Finish my language programs succesfully in german and danish

- At the same time search for a job in the business

And here are my questions for you:

What do you think, what is the most suitable entry level job to get close to the SAP SCM and get some experience? (Supply Chain Analyst?)

Do you need IT background to work with (or get a job in) BW?

Which is better: to take a lower level job just to pick up some experience and learn or get educated in your field (certifications, books, forums, study cases) and challenge for the desired position?

Thank you for your help in advance!

Best regards,

Gábor

[Former Member]

Gabor,

You should absolutely look for a job at a company already running SAP, even if that job does not work with SAP directly. The most important factor in getting (and keeping) an SAP related job is experience. Being so recently graduated, more training/certification in the absence of experience does you no good. The professional certifications will do you more good initially than the SAP certifications. SAP certifications should come only after you've worked with the system for a few years.

Most companies value their business employees with strong technical desires/ability, so once you get a basic job, if you show interest & aptitude, you should be able to migrate into a more SAP-centric/BW role.

Two rules of thumb:

1. Use the skills you have to get the job you want!
2. Don't quit your job!

If you are still working at the company that uses SAP, then you are positioned to get started down your path. Let your boss know that you are interested in getting more involved with the system and taking on more responsibility with respect to SAP related activities.

You can find a collection of blogs which may be of interest to you at SAP Career Blog Links.

I hope this helps!

Best regards,

--Tom

[Former Member]

Thank you for your answer and advice Tom! I take my time to check out your links, thanks for that too!

I totally agree with you! The profession related experience is more than essential.

I only planned to use the certifications as sources of background knowledge, not for landing a job. I know that only certificates doesn't make you a professional or get you the desired job. I think they can help the recruiting HR associates to differentiate you from the crowd and if you have enough experience, then you have a chance to jump into a postion that you like.

So you think an IT background or education is not mandatory on the long run?

Best regards,

Gábor