Please guide me through this?

Former Member · ‎2012 Jul 19

Hi,

I am writing this to clear my confusion from which i am suffering these days. The situation is that i have graduate degree in computer science and working into web apps development from more than 6 years.

When I was at the start or entry level of my development career I have planned to take SAP Technical Track and started ABAP but stopped for some unavoidable reasons.

Now i am more serious to switch my career to SAP Technical Track specially into ABAP Development Certifications.

I will really appreciate if You guide me through this and tell me which Career Path will be more suitable for me according to my situation.

Regards,

Raza

Former Member · ‎2012 Jul 19

Hi Raza,

With several year of application development, ABAP and/or Java Development would be the obvious choice for you. Have a look at FAQ: Java vs. ABAP Programming Careers for more information on ABAP vs. JAVA in the SAP world. In terms of starting a career in SAP, programming is probably the easiest route from non-SAP to SAP. Hiring managers generally recognize that programming skills gathered in one language are transferable after a brief learning period. Having said that, the best way to sell yourself is to find an SAP customer who is working a project that is similar to one you have completed in the past. You can then talk about everything you learned in your first go-round with the topic and make it clear that you have a great deal of experience to bring to the table as long as they're willing to help you transition into ABAP or SAP's version of JAVA.

I do not recommend quitting whatever job you have now to get SAP certified. Get the job first, then get the SAP training. With your skills and background, this should be possible. This is even more important if you plan to work on mobile apps development in the SAP space since the tools SAP acquired with the purchase of Sybase are not ABAP or SAP Java based. It would definitely be a waste to go through ABAP training only to find out that no one is looking for those skills in the SAP Mobile space.

You may also find some information useful to you at SAP Career Blog Links. There are a few blogs there about career paths in SAP that you might find interesting.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,

--Tom

Former Member · ‎2012 Jul 19

Hi Tom,

Thank's for prompt & detailed reply & it will be really helping me in near future.

Regards,

~Raza

Former Member · ‎2012 Jul 19

Hi Raza,

If you are planning to start SAP career as an SAP Developer I recommend chosing ABAP, WHY? because it is the main language, as stated in a document published by SAP earlier( I think it was in Best Built Apps that integrate with Business Suite) the ABAP is the language for development and WebDynpro ABAP is the standard UI for new apps, as for JAVA it is mainly percieved as language when you need to create composite applications.

I would recommend first to gain experience with an ABAP about 1-2 years, depending on the extensivness of your projects in ABAP you will gain required experience and knowledge, then go after Certified Associate certification, in order to achieve a professional level you would require to gain experience a bit longer about 5-7 years.

BR,

Kairat

Former Member · ‎2012 Jul 19

Hi Kairat,

It is really nice to get such detailed & constructive reply.

I will be considering this to my final decision making.

Thank's

Regards,

~Raza

former_member184701 · ‎2012 Jul 20

dear,

it sounds a bit strange when someone is looking for advice how to make career...

why don't you become a doctor or sportsman?

or simply a plumber or electrician who earns more than average sap functional guy (like in Australia)?

it depends on!

-where are you (country/city)

-who are you (what can you do the best - what are your best skills)

-your family situation (you have wife, kids or you're alone and able to travel/work 24hours a day)

-your finance situation (you are looking for job and haven't money or you need to invest some money in your skils)

-your current job if you have one - are you going to keep your position or need to change/extend it or simply to change the job!

,...

many factors, right?

to me it always look misunderstanding to see the question like "...hi guys, if i take abap position is that good..?" have you seen the demand (i am talking about your area) ? there may be other 5000 abapers around you and dreaming to become a web designers...

i wish you good luck and be able to make the decision yourself

regards,

amol_samte · ‎2012 Sep 13

Mr. PPIO,

Very nice post...... first gather knowledge what we have to do...then find intrest then choose ur self...very good post..

Thanks,

Amol

former_member182098 · ‎2012 Jul 20

Hi Raza,

Everybody above has given more or less the right direction to think. My thoughts are echo with them. If you see the reply from mr.PPIO, they looks more realistic.

To summarize further,

1. Please do not take risk of leaving your current job, as the experienced SAP consultants finding difficult to fetch a job, therefore, it is not sure whether your training can really fetch you any job.

2. ABAP could be a good starting point, but if you see it is the most competitive one, as you will find number of consultants looking for ABAP positions.

3. Gain 1 - 2 years experience, then based on your interest, then develop your skills in hot areas like HANA / BOBJ / SAP mobile etc.

4. May be Certification can help you to some extent to marketable your CV, as you are in initial years of your career.

5. Please check the area you are living in. If you are living in outsourcing areas, a fresher will have realistically good chance to get a job. If you are living in a matured SAP market, then it is very difficult to get a job unless you have niche skills.

Please let me know if you have any further specific questions.

Best Regards,

Ravi

former_member1318835 · ‎2012 Aug 04

Hi Ravi

I read all of your blogs are those are really very useful. I need one information from you regarding to certification in HR

I have 5 years of exp in SAP wherein I have involved all tyeps of project (Implementation, Support, Enhancement, and Upgradation & Rollout). I have worked so far in PA, OM, TM & PY.

Can you please let me know in India there is provision to write directly certification exams or do I need to connect to SAP partner for Class room training.

In case SAP let me to write certification exam without class room training then examination fee will be sponsored by my company.

Could you please provide me information like whom I need to connect to direct the exam directly and what are dates for the exams.

I appreciate your valuable input.

regds

former_member182098 · ‎2012 Aug 04

Hi Subrat,

The following thread should be useful to you.

http://scn.sap.com/thread/3216552

The above link contains information on the prerequisites for SAP Certification in India.

Not only five years of experience, but there is also a provision, your employer is a customer or partner with SAP in India. Furthermore, you should be working with employer for certain period of time.

You can please contact SAP Education at the following link

http://www.sap.com/india/services/education/index.epx

All the best.

Best Regards,

Ravi