Have you ever heard a child say: ‘I want to become an SAP Consultant?’

[sarah_niesel]

Let’s be honest: No one dreams of becoming an SAP Consultant when they’re a child.
There’s no LEGO set for it. No cartoon character. No poster on the classroom wall - no movie.

Five years ago, SAP was a complete mystery to me – or rather, a book with cryptic chapters: S/4HANA, ABAP, PP-DS, APO, IBP or BTP.

Back then, as a humanities graduate with art background, I would’ve loved to hear someone say:
“Go for it – your perspective belongs here, too.”

Today, I know: SAP is the perfect playground for those who want to shape, not just execute.
It’s full of complex systems – but also full of potential for human-centric change.
For people who don’t just think in transactions, but in transformation.

Working primarily in the German-speaking SAP ecosystem, I’ve seen both the opportunities and the blind spots. The strong structures – and the missing stories.

I’m currently writing my first book for SAP Press, planning a doctoral research project, and hosting two podcasts for the SAP community:
🎙 SAP Sommeliers – for everyone who enjoys SAP with depth and delight, and
🍵 Alice in Serverland – my teaparty for strong women in SAP.

Myself now in my office and when I was a child.

But most importantly: I’m here to help others not just get started – but to find and live their role in the SAP ecosystem in a self-determined and strength-oriented way.
Especially those who still think: “SAP? That’s not for me.”

Because here’s the truth:
In Germany, most young people – and especially women – don’t actively aim for a career in SAP. They stumble into it.
It’s rarely a conscious choice, even though the opportunities are enormous.

With a growing skills shortage and serious talent gaps, we can’t rely on coincidence anymore.
We need to turn accidental careers into intentional ones.
And that means: Every SAP consultant should speak about what they do – outside the SAP bubble.
To make this profession more tangible, more human, more alive.

Because maybe, just maybe, the next generation will say:
“I want to become an SAP Consultant – because I’ve seen what’s possible.”

💡 Let’s make SAP more approachable for young minds and career changers – and build the kind of ecosystem where dreams don’t have to start in tech to end in impact.

👉 What opened the door for you?
👉 Who helped you see your place in this ecosystem?
👉 Who should we make more visible in the SAP Community?

Let’s connect and co-create.

Warmly,
Sarah

P.S.: This was my Hello-World-Post for the SAP Community Blog - I hope you enjoyed it 🙂