2014 Jun 13 9:18 AM
Hi All,
I have started my SAP career in SAP SD as a trainee. I had always planned to go to USA. But for that u need a job offer in company in USA.
I need to plan everything way before the time comes for me to search a job in USA.
Details about myself first:
Now I have the following questions:
Really appreciate your help here. Thanks a ton in advance!!!
2015 Mar 18 7:07 PM
You won't get far in either SAP world or US without the essential search skills. Google 'job USA site:scn.sap.com' finds over 2000 hits including this post that is quite informative and still valid.
But I feel you got all the goals totally confused. If your end goal is "money and sports bikes" then there are likely different options than the hellish US immigration process.
2014 Jun 13 1:45 PM
Vaibhav initially you should try to gain more exposure and experience as a functional consultant in India.
ERP i s avast thing, as you have done your MBA you should target some consulting firm in India and gain more in depth knowledge of the system.
This will help you.
2014 Jun 13 1:55 PM
Hi Abhishek,
Yes, I believe that I need to learn more of SAP than to worry about getting a job in US... cause designation alone cannot fetch me a job. But I need to plan out a time line for everything... in the sense,, how much RICH experience do I need ... So that I know when to apply abroad... Then I need to plan for which year to apply cause the H1 B visa application filing starts from April 1st.2014 if u want to reach US for the next fiscal year....ie 2015.
There are many constrains to it and time to apply there should be just right that I don't miss the next bus to US...
I need some vague idea, or real life cases for my planning!!!
I have mailed a consultancy as well, and they are visa consultncy having a holistic knowledge about immigration.. So I thought it would be better to put my query on SCN to have SAP gurus guide me ...
You are right... I need to focus on exposure for now!!! Thanks
2014 Jun 15 1:42 PM
Vaibhav,
Planning so far ahead might not be fruitful. Things change!
5 years of SAP SD work experience is needed to build a good understanding of the module. It will also depend upon what type of assignments you work on.
Keep your this target in cold storage for now. And go for SD learning with full passion and take risks - say no to assignments where learning is less or next to nothing etc.
TW
2014 Jun 16 8:28 AM
5 years... But it is worth the wait, I believe!!!
Yes ... I will do that... I will focus on learning as of now!!!
Thanks TW Typewriter!!
PS- Some day I will own a Ducatti !!!
2014 Jun 13 7:20 PM
I can say this, without a doubt, that the job market in SAP in US is pretty pretty tough for your kind of VISA and experience and your chosen SAP module.
The minimum years of SAP experience that employers here look for is 6 years. No compromise on that. And that's the pool that has the toughest competition. Anything in excess of 9 years may help you land a project after maybe 3-4 months of dedication searching. If you have only 6 years or less, the search might take longer than 4 months.
Not trying to put you down, but it's better you weigh your options before you land here and see a totally different picture than what you dreamed. So I suggest you stick around for at least 6 years before making a move.
pk
2014 Jun 16 8:24 AM
Hi Krishan,
I need to know the reality, no matter how harsh it is... Thank a ton for your help here.
If you might be helpful in telling about the scenario in Canada... I would be highly grateful to u...
Vaibhav
2014 Jun 17 4:15 PM
Canada is an even more difficult situation AFAIK.
Firstly, you need to immigrate to that country or at least get a work permit - both of which are Herculean tasks. Secondly, you need to find a job, which can also be a problem because compared to the US, there are fewer SAP-implemented companies in Canada (but this is just my understanding..)
pk
2014 Jun 18 7:04 AM
Thanks a lot for your help here... Now I have more questions... LOL
But I think u have helped me a lot here. I will look for more ways now..
Thanks!!!!
2014 Jun 18 7:47 AM
Vaibhav,
Many of us get into SAP for better money or better returns (in general). It takes more time than we had initially expected, to see these returns.
Now-a-days, the market is tougher and employers are reluctant to pay well (general trend across the globe). Also the number of consultants has grown.
So point is go in to SAP for learning, acquiring the skills and enjoying, one day (after few years) there will be returns. If you focus on returns - rightaway and all the time, then the lack of it will make you frustrated.
This is based on my personal experience (which is still an on-going process)
Typewriter
2014 Jun 18 7:57 AM
Hello TW Typewriter,
Yes... This is what I came in for... 6 months back I decided to become an SAP consultant.. I planned heavily for it and when all the planning was done, I focused on skills and be patient... Listened to motivational speeches and saying it to myself that one day will be my day!!!
I am not looking for money right now.. I want to go to USA... and that will take years... till then I will work on my skills, grab good projects, get certified... Once I get there, money and sports bikes will be the only goal.....
If you are in USA... then we will meet someday!!
Thanks!!!
And wish me Luck!!!
2014 Jun 18 8:20 AM
Vaibhav,
One way to speed up the process is to participate heavily in the SD forum in SCN. This will give you exposure to real time issues/ requirements, even though it would not be part of your day job.
This way you can learn more and about diverse functionalities.
Another way; Processes play a very important role in SD. There are several standard processes given by SAP. Learn those. It will definitely help a lot.
TW
2015 Mar 18 1:10 PM
Hi,
So this is about that great american dream of an Indian..
As already posted by many, if you wanna go to US and live there, then you need, something like 8 yrs + experience, then u can try for job and an H1 visa
Wanna look at easy ways to get in there..? Marry a girl who is an US citizen or working there on a permanent job, like a nurse.. .Dont laugh now..its quite practical ..and for me who is basically from a state called Kerala in India, this is the most happening thing there.
I feel Vaibhav, once you are a good SAP consultant and work for a good company, then you always get chance to travel to client places abroad on projects.. That's what SAP job offers you..travel around the world on projects..So by that time, you wont be interested in going to US and settle there..
Anyway ..all the best
Jobi
2015 Mar 18 3:41 PM
If I was the nurse, it doesn't sound like a great "proposal" to me. Don't worry I didn't laugh.
2015 Mar 19 5:33 AM
Hi Joe,
I understand. I opt not to go via 'Marriage 'route, but really appreciate your suggestions.
Are you there in USA? If yes, can you share your success story please?
Thanks
2015 Mar 19 6:07 AM
I didnt mean to insult the nursing profession or nurses..and hope we dont have nurses in this forum ,
Its a fact that, indians working in the US, a very large percentage of them are nurses (male and female) and if one is a nurse, easily u can migrate to US. So its easy to find a nurse for marriage. (Dont be surprised when I tell that 60% of girls in my state 'Kerala' of India are nurses).
Hope I made it clear enough.
Thanks
2015 Mar 19 6:17 AM
Hi Vaibhav,
Am not in the US..(..coz, I could nt find anyone from the US, to marry ).
And If settling in US is success, then I dont have a story..
For me the success story is hard work and right decision at right time, only
Thank you
Jobi
2015 Mar 19 7:49 AM
Jobi,
Don't beat yourself up...you had given an "easy, back-door, piggybacking, practical" way. Yes, it is not an elegant or inspiring route...but people involve in all sorts of ways, to achieve their goals.
Hope this helps.
Keep posting.
TW
2015 Mar 19 8:45 AM
Thank you TW Typewriter,
I really appreciate your concern for towards the goal. Now this whole conversation is going in the opposite direction (which I was trying to ignore), but since it has, I would like to clear that I believe if I have to make it there I would not like to do anything that I would not want other's to copy. I would never be able to suggest this to anyone (not that it is a bad suggestion.)
Yes it is practical, and yes people do it/will continue it. Nothing wrong with it if all are happy.
Sure it is the easier way out. I agree. I'm not against it either. Just that I'm not in favor of it as well. And for all who are reading this thread, I would request you to please take it as a very practical discussion. No one is against or in favor of nurses. Nurses are great!! They take care of us.. and they also marry..
Since we are on suggestions, here's one from my side:
There is another way out, Education. Take education load and go for a one year program. Return on investment would be fairly good.
I have chosen IT consulting as a way out and specifically SAP in IT consulting. It suites me.
TW Typewriter, I thank you for guiding.
And I would request everyone reading this to share your opinion on this, and/or success stories (if any)!
Cheers to nurses, SAP consultants, marriages and person goals!!
2015 Mar 19 9:02 AM
LOL....
Cheers to nurses, SAP consultants, marriages and person goals!!
Vaibhav,
Look into my post with "newer modules"...personally I am thinking of it.
Good luck!
TW
2015 Mar 18 7:07 PM
You won't get far in either SAP world or US without the essential search skills. Google 'job USA site:scn.sap.com' finds over 2000 hits including this post that is quite informative and still valid.
But I feel you got all the goals totally confused. If your end goal is "money and sports bikes" then there are likely different options than the hellish US immigration process.
2015 Mar 19 7:41 AM
Vaibhav,
With newer modules, you stand a "better" chance of on-site work assignments. (e.g. EWM) Some facts stay the same - rich domain experience, expertise in your module, long work hours, flexibility, good communication - which are part and parcel for a SAP consultant.
TW
2015 Mar 19 10:23 AM
Dear Vaibhav,
Working in USA is not a pinnacle of the life. You should change the perspective of working in USA is ultimate thing in life. If this is only your aim, then you do not really achieve anything. Every professional would look forward to abroad, but, even if you do not work abroad, you not need to pity.
My only suggestions are:
1. Work passionately where you are currently.
2. Learn on a daily basis
3. Try to learn niche skills in your area
4. Help others and try to mentor the juniors
5. Next five years learning is the only way you live
Then if you are still interested after 5 years, then keep try to land in Abroad.
May be your current company may send you to onsite for opportunities in abroad.
Success is measured by Simplicity. Live in today and plan for tomorrow. No hard feelings please.
All the best.
Kind Regards,
Ravi
2015 Mar 19 1:36 PM
Ravi Sankar Venna wrote:
Working in USA is not a pinnacle of the life. You should change the perspective of working in USA is ultimate thing in life. If this is only your aim, then you do not really achieve anything.
Well said, Ravi. Also - wouldn't it be the ultimate irony - leave your home country, jump through all the hoops and wait for years to get residence in the US and then lose your job to a cheaper offshore company? Think about it.
2015 Mar 19 2:01 PM
Thank you Jelena.
My thoughts echo with your words.
Some of my friends went to USA struggled a lot in the initial years and still in a long queue for permanent residence. Living in developed countries without job must be much tougher than living without job in a developing country due to cost of living, high amount of taxes, rents and insurance etc.
Leaving a mother country is always a painful process psychologically, whatever be the monetary benefit we are getting. Most of the people who left their motherland live with their bodies in their foreign land, but their soul, heart and mind will always roam around in the mother country. I am no exception and I always feel I am in the same position. Leaving parents, relatives and friends forever is the toughest decision of life.
Kind Regards,
Ravi
2015 Mar 19 2:44 PM
Hello Ravi sir,
I really admire you and your opinions. They are the foundation of what I am today, (Not kidding, I read so much that you have taught us)
With all due respect, I would like to put forth my opinion on what is being perceived about me or for that matter, anyone desiring a similar goal.
Working in USA is not the Pinnacle of life. Neither are the superbikes and Money. The term what I should have used is Financial Freedom. I have my personal likes and dis likes towards certain 'Material stuff' but that as well in not the pinnacle of life. It is a part of life. As a matter of fact, you cannot put one thing as a pinnacle of life. We should have a balance of all; work, family, friends , personal hobbies and personal development.
If I have to have to work, I would love to be paid my worth, which is not happening in India, due to stiff competition. Earn good enough to pursue my hobbies of riding on a superbike is a way of living which I would like to pursue. This is not a suggestion I am giving to those who are reading.
This being said, it shows that I do not care about SAP as a career, instead I am using it as a tool. So let me clear this out. I had other tempting options as well, which could have led me to a better financial freedom in or out of the country. I had an option to be as a Navision consultant way before I could have gotten a job in SAP. Realizing the fact that I have to work for 8 hours a day for the rest of my life, I would choose to do something that I like. I do like SAP. It's challenging but I like it. I would not strive any career if I don't like it.
And I believe you are living in UK?
I would, with all due respect, ask you to come to India and
1. Work passionately.
2. Learn on a daily basis
3. Try to learn niche skills in your area
4. Help others and try to mentor the juniors
5. Next five years learning is the only way you live
My intentions are not to doubt about your objectives of living there. I really respect the decision you took. I'm sure you would have your reasons which are very specific to your needs.
Simply put:
This goal is pushing me to work harder, staying focused, and achieving new things. If I get this, I will look for a new goal, and push myself even further. This might not make sense to everyone, but honestly I am doing what I believe would make my life better.
I put this question up, just to understand the job market out there and how can I make what I like a reality. I'm sorry if this question sent a different signal out there all together.
Ravi sir, I respect u a lot and will follow your advice. I will work hard for sure.
Thanks for your attention on this thread.
I hope it, any of my opinion did not offend you. If so, I would really like to apologies.
I would really like to know your opinion on my thoughts and guide me, after knowing that I don't keep it as an ultimate goal, as to what would best be of value to my intent to go out.
I would also like to share this beautiful post which talks about what is success in life, and not only SAP. He just might have presented my opinion in a better manner.
PS- I do workouts every morning just so that I stay fit. I really am serious about my fitness, but it doesn't make fitness the pinnacle of life.
2015 Mar 19 3:30 PM
I will put it more bluntly.Most of the IT professionals in India want to work abroad because of the great money and quality of life which you get there.
I'm no exception,even i want to work abroad for few years.Considering the present scenario,the best bet would be to go through some IT company.They usually send consultants onsite for 2-3 years on L1 visa.Later you can ask them to apply for H1B. The process and requirements for the same is well described in the link given by jelena.
More of what i mentioned is well described here Why do Indians prefer going abroad? - Quora
Regards,
AL
2015 Mar 19 3:59 PM
2015 Mar 19 4:23 PM
Ravi Sankar Venna wrote:
Living in developed countries without job must be much tougher than living without job in a developing country due to cost of living, high amount of taxes, rents and insurance etc.
If you're on work visa then actually you can't stay here unless you find a new job (that will agree to visa transfer) very quickly. You also can't get unemployment even though you pay taxes just as any US citizen. Oh and you'll also have to completely restart green card process if you change the employers. It's a glorified indentured servitude.
2015 Mar 19 8:38 PM
Dear Vaibhav,
Most of the young generation people have aspirations to work in the west. I am also no exception to that. Even I did try for H1B, unfortunately, could not select in lottery system. The only reason I was willing to work in other countries is international experience. Financial freedom comes automatically once you work hard. I worked 10 plus years in India in different industries, companies and people. I believe I never compromised in my life on one thing is 'sincerity'. Whether I worked in India or UK or some other country, I only believe in giving the best that I have. Many people say you should learn how to say 'No', probably, that is one of the thing I never learned. In my dictionary, I do not know how to say 'No', it could be my strength or my weakness.
I am not saying to have aspirations to go to developed countries is an offence. You must sincerely try to get international exposure. Even if I did not get an opportunity to work abroad, I would not have felt pity at myself. I was still extremely happy what I was doing in India.
When I am in UK, I got the opportunity to work with different people, international clients and various industries. More than money, meeting different type of people has given a real satisfaction.
Going from India to abroad is a big decision. I had to think for years to decide whether to go abroad or not. Again coming back from Abroad to India, is much more harder decision particularly when you are tied with family and kids who are already studying in a different system of education. Wherever we are, we should never forget the roots of our mother land.
I do sincerely hope and pray at some point of my immediate future, I come back to India and serve my mother land. We never know when a new surprise is awaiting in our fate.
Everybody looks to prove themselves by earning enough money. But, honestly, trust me, at one point of time, money though important, you feel like they are just papers, nothing else. At that point, you go and think beyond money, then, you will be looking forward to serve the people, charities, helping poor and needy. If we reach that level, that is where the real success in life starts. Otherwise, job, money, contract, bench, savings looks a cat rate.
I am also hoping to come to India than anybody else, if at all I come to India, I do not want to work for anybody,but to involve in social serving causes. Hope God gives me enough strength.
These points may look philosophical, but they are true.
All the best to your aspirations.
Best Regards,
Ravi
2015 Mar 20 6:25 AM
2015 Mar 20 6:06 PM
Very positive response and inspired a lot Ravi Sir. Thank you very much sir. I have started my new life in sap and inspired with your thoughts.