Guidance on Switching over to a career in SAP

[Former Member]

Hi All

I have an overall experience of about 20+ years in Information Technology. Started as Computer Hardware & Network Engineer and moved on to become a successful Systems Administrator on Windows platform(MS Windows Servers, Active Directory & Exchange Server platform). I also have good experience in supporting Applications Environment Management and know what Software development & delivery is all about. I have good awareness of all stages of SDLC as well, having worked as Systems Admin in quite a few Software Development organizations.

I entered the Corporate IT sector only by 2008. After about 5 years in Corporate IT sector I find that I'm getting pushed towards a managerial career which is not really to my liking. I would like to remain technical and proceed in the direction of becoming a technical consultant in due course of time. Unfortunately there seems to be no dignified way of achieving this in my current platform of work as it has become too common for people to start a technical career in Windows platform. Experienced resources like me are not really required where Indian as well as International MNCs are now trying to fit less expensive & experienced resources in our place, looks like even clients are prepared for lesser quality of service delivery as far as large volumes of work is covered. My current earnings are above 13Lakhs INR today and I do not see a way to enhance my package without moving onto a managerial career as well. Though I want to remain & progress on Technology grounds, I need a good package to take care of my family needs as well.

For sometime I have been thinking of switching over to SAP Netweaver Technical Administration. However, I'm not sure about, firstly which particular training/course I should choose and if I do that will I have the ability to start with a new job in SAP with a package anything nearby to my current Salary package. I would also be happy if I get to know how much it could cost me approximately(Chennai/Bangalore). I certainly have the capability to gain expertise by virtue of my past experiences and knowledge and I'm pretty confident about that. I just need a genuine guidance from someone to let me know, at my age of 42 years, with no mentionable savings in hand, is it really worth to go for an all-out change from Systems Administration in Windows platform to SAP Netweaver Administration. Though I know & understand programming & SQL(the DMLs, DCLs & DDLs), I'm not a professional developer. Someone please help with your valuable guidance. Pl., give me a realistic view that would help me decide on the change I wish to undertake.

BTW I'm not a BE or B.Tech, I did my M.Sc., Information Technology(Distance Education) after completing my B.Sc., in Chemistry(CPM).

Regards

Venkat

[former_member183424]

Hello Sir,

I am very little in front of you.

My suggestion is "Don't change the track, where you have walked last 20 years"

I know SAP is very good scope for any kind of person.

But SAP is totally new for you. You can learn SAP, but similar with your previous job.

As you say "at my age of 42 years, with no mentionable savings in hand,"

This is too touchable for me.

Thanks

DEV

[Former Member]

Hi Dev

I'm happy that the very first response I got itself is so caring.

Yes, I completely agree with you regarding switching career at this age, also considering that my financial background is not sound enough. However, like I said, my platform does not allow me to continue on technical capabilities. Pursuing a managerial path in my current line of job is not possible as I'm not good at it. May be my entry into the Corporate IT level was a tad late.

Now, I'm in a better late than never situation. I do not want to depend on any luck factor(may be because it has never helped me in the past). However new the platform be, I have the capability to pickup & move on earlier than normal. My idea is to find, if I start as a freshly trained professional, will it be possible to garner a package as good as I'm getting now. Even if I get a rough view on that I'll be able to judge myself whether it is worth taking the risk of a change.

Regards

Venkat

[former_member183424]

Hello Sir,

I don't think you can get the package in SAP as you get now.

As you are new in SAP.

But I can sure you one thing, If you learn SAP very very strongly. You can suffer for 2-3 years, but after 3 years, you will get a better place in SAP.

Everything is depend in you.

Thanks

DEV