Strengthening the SAP Talent Pipeline: How SAP Partners and Academia Can Connect

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In the rapidly changing world of technology and digital transformation, maintaining a skilled workforce is crucial. SAP partners rely on talented, well-prepared consultants to implement and optimize SAP solutions for their clients. SAP University Alliances (UA), a global academic initiative of SAP, plays a key role in nurturing this talent pipeline within the SAP ecosystem.

To raise awareness among SAP partners about the potential of SAP University Alliances, SAP offers a strategic way to shape their candidate pool. SAP partners can now collaborate with over 2,700 universities worldwide through the UA global network. This opportunity is explicitly listed in on one of the main tools for partners – the SAP Partner Benefits Catalog (link accessible only by authorised SAP partners), which serves as a guide for go-to-market (GTM) strategies and helps partners engage with and grow within the SAP ecosystem.

Benefits of Partnering with SAP University Alliances

By partnering with SAP University Alliances, service partners can tap into a global network of academic institutions, allowing them to recruit interns who are both enthusiastic and well-prepared for SAP consulting roles. This collaboration helps guide students from UA-member schools into SAP consulting careers, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for SAP partners.

The benefits are mutual:

• Interns gain real-world SAP experience, professional training and certifications, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
• SAP Partners onboard interns who are already equipped with foundational SAP skills, enhancing their ability to contribute to current and future projects.

Collaboration Opportunities with SAP University Alliances

The SAP Partner Benefits Catalog (PBC) outlines various ways partners can engage with SAP University Alliances member schools in the section “Connect with young talents through SAP University Alliances”, the listed in PBC options include:

• Networking opportunities: Join designated signature events of SAP University Alliances to matchmake with academic community and relevant institutions in your region
• Guest Lectures: Deliver guest lectures to directly interact with talented students.
• Internships: Offer internships to high-achieving students and gain access to emerging talent.
• Sponsoring Technical Teaching Infrastructure: Increase brand awareness by covering fees for SAP systems used in academic teaching or setting up learning environments for universities leveraging a system infrastructure of your choice.
• Site Visits: Invite students and lecturers to visit your facilities to showcase your work environment and corporate culture.

To learn more about collaborating with academic institutions, please refer to the SAP Partner Benefits Catalog.

Highlighting the Student Internships Sponsor Plan

One standout initiative in the SAP Partner Benefits Catalog is the Student Internships Sponsor Plan (link accessible only by authorised SAP partners) which focuses on nurturing a talent pipeline and supporting students early in their careers. As part of this program, SAP offers reimbursement to partners for SAP Learning Hub, Partner Edition subscriptions, provided their interns complete at least one certification during their internship.

This initiative aligns with SAP’s goal of helping interns launch their careers in SAP consulting, while also positioning SAP partners as attractive employers. By offering comprehensive learning resources and certification opportunities, SAP empowers interns and junior consultants with skills that are directly applicable to SAP projects. At the same time, SAP partners benefit from being seen as forward-thinking companies committed to the development of the next generation of SAP professionals.

For more information on how your organization can participate in this program and apply for reimbursement, please refer to the SAP Partner Benefits Catalog.

Using the SAP Partner Finder for Effective Collaborations

While the SAP Partner Benefits Catalog offers a streamlined way for partners to connect with universities, there is an additional tool available to help faculty members and students find and engage with SAP partners: the SAP Partner Finder . This tool allows those interested to independently identify SAP partners within their region and industry sectors of relevance. By proactively reaching out to these partners, one can strengthen students' career prospects and deepen SAP-related learning at their institutions. Direct partnerships with local SAP partners provide students with valuable real-world insights and hands-on experiences, helping them build the connections and skills needed for future SAP consulting roles.

Building a Future Together

At SAP, we believe that fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and growth within the SAP ecosystem is essential for ensuring a future led by highly trained professionals. By leveraging resources like the SAP Partner Benefits Catalog and the SAP Partner Finder, universities and SAP partners can work together to create meaningful opportunities for students. These partnerships not only prepare students for successful careers in SAP consulting but also provide SAP partners with a skilled, ready-to-work talent pool. Together, universities, students, and SAP partners are building a strong foundation for the future of the industry.

Learn more about SAP University Alliances: SAP University Alliances | SAP Next Gen Community.