Solved: MBA or SAP certification:

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 24

Hi All-

I have done B.E.(I.T.) and currently working in I.T. company where i was selected in campus interview.I have 1 year experience in software development.I am looking forward to foray into CRM module and its my zeal to work as CRM consultant.

Which would be effective plan:

1) To do MBA in marketing

2)SAP certification

Please give your valuable inputs and feel free to provide any comments.

Thank You

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 25

Hi Bhargav,

The best way of taking advantage and making use of your academic qualification and learning a new skill is to have the right combination. You have an Engineering degree and 1 year experience in software development so the experience in software development would not make any major contribution when you approach a recruiter/employer for a job in SAP CRM. But it is never too late to do what you like and what makes you happy. MBA should complement in job search with good knowledge in CRM, Certification will definitely make your profile look nice and it attracts employers and recruiters.

Nagarajan Viswanathan

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 25

Hi Bhargav,

The best way of taking advantage and making use of your academic qualification and learning a new skill is to have the right combination. You have an Engineering degree and 1 year experience in software development so the experience in software development would not make any major contribution when you approach a recruiter/employer for a job in SAP CRM. But it is never too late to do what you like and what makes you happy. MBA should complement in job search with good knowledge in CRM, Certification will definitely make your profile look nice and it attracts employers and recruiters.

Nagarajan Viswanathan

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 26

Thanks for your reply nagarjan, so according to your view what suits to my profile????How should i approach Sap??

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 27

Hi Bhargav,

There are many SAP partners who offer training in different modules of SAP so you can pick the one that suits you and is near to you, though SAP and its partners charge very high but if you can afford then you can join them.

There are other training institutes that offer SAP education and they are cheap but you have to make sure that the trainer is having good knowledge and experience and has a good feedback then join them.

Training from SAP/Partner gives benefits such as you can go for certification after training but if you pick the other (inexpensive training institutes) then you can't take up SAP certification directly after training in India.

Once you finish training and certification in SAP then start looking for a job (don't ever quit your current job without a job offer in SAP from any company as many people make this mistake and suffer greatly). Keep searching for good job via job portals, references, and professional network via (LinkedIn, and SCN). Keep learning and make use of SCN as much as possible.

You can go for MBA after SAP training/certification as it will give you edge and recognition.

Let me know if I answered your question.

Nagarajan Viswanathan

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 25

Hi Bhargav,

Good Day!

SAP Certification always counts. If you work in small or big IT companies. It will be very useful for career growth. I suggest you to choose good institute to complete SAP certification. SAP Labs conducted SAP Teched. If you have experience around 2-3 years minimum in SAP module, then you can easily be selected to appear for SAP certification. If any info require, please feel free to ask me.

Have a nice day!

Regards,

Hari Suseelan

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 25

Hi All,

I am a Chartered Accountant with 2years SAP FI experience (BP config and End User level) (as one our client is operating in SAP FI). I am there and looking job based on SAP in Malaysia. Do I need any SAP certification. How will my career be if I am only choosing SAP career i.e as SAP consultant or trainee consultant.

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 28

Hi Ravi,

Good Day! Its always good to do SAP certification. Whichever module you are working. Please check with SAP Labs they will guide you which one to go. If any other questions, Please let me know.

Regards,

Hari Suseelan

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 28

Hi Bhargav,

First do SAP Certification and then you can do MBA ( no age limt for MBA so you can do at any stage).

So my suggestion is for SAP Certification.

Thanks,

Lakshmikanth.G

former_member182339 · ‎2013 Aug 28

Hello Bhargav,

I am glad that you want to invest in Education which is most important thing and for that congratulation.

let me ask you what is your immediate GOAL for next couple years in terms of professional and personal? As you already mentioned in your question you want to be CRM consultant

From the above question and answer and see which answer comes closure , Is it MBA or SAP certification and which has more relevant for your GOAL.Pursue that.

in case you are sure about CRM then learn and go for certification it will help you in long run.

Best Regards

Hrusikesh

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 28

Hi Bhargav,

I prefer to do SAP certification. Also do part MBA from good university and attend weekend. It will be added advantage. All the best!

Regards,

Hari Suseelan

Former Member · ‎2013 Aug 28

Hello Bhargav,

In my experience, the MBA is getting to be very common place. The best way for the MBA to add value is if you go to a highly reputable university. Typically what I see, is that the MBA degree (if from a strong school) either helps you get an opportunity in a career you were not already in or with a company you did not have access to. For example, if you went from an accounting career and wanted to go into consulting. After the first job or two after receiving your MBA, then the only time the MBA seems to have any impact is if your goal is to get a high-enough position that the company requires all candidates to have an MBA. You should consider the cost to get the degree with the value you expect to get from it.

Regarding the SAP certification, many have provided feedback on this. While I am relatively new to SAP, it seems the technical certifications are usually easier/faster to get than an MBA, so you may see value from that much sooner than the MBA.

I'm not sure what your options are, but will your employer pay for either one of these or both? That would always be a great option, if you can leverage that!

Best of luck to you, and I applaud your efforts to continue in professional development.

Jeff

Former Member · ‎2013 Oct 30

an MBA is usually done on top of several years management experience - I would go for SAP certifications and keep the MBA idea on the back burner for future advancement (if as others have said it suits your desires, as it then leans you from the technical career path to the management/business career path)

Former Member · ‎2014 Feb 01

Hello Bhargav,

You will have to undertake a difficult task: nailing down your goals. If working in a management capacity is important to you, the MBA might be the way to go, especially if you like to work for large corporations. Keep in mind, however, that an MBA doesn't command as much respect as it used to. That is probably because it has become a more widely held and widely available credential, perhaps losing some of its value in the process.

If, on the other hand, you are seeking increased pay and responsibility but aren't necessarily attracted to the management route, an MBA might not do you a whole lot of good, and certification might be just what you are looking for. People with top technical skills can command a premium in the job market because companies desperately need them to keep up with technology.

The bottom line is that the only person who can decide what sort of career move is best for you, is you. Ranking one opportunity above another is meaningless without doing so in the context of your personal goals and aspirations. you will have to figure out just what those are, research your options with an open mind, and decide for yourself.