Once you've finished your studies and completed your basic training, you're ready to have an IT job. You can even become an expert in specialised software. But with so many to pick from, which one do you choose?
If it helps make the decision, SAP is one of the biggest and best paid areas you can specialise in. Want to know more? Thought you might…
So, what will I actually be doing?
SAP is an IT company, like Microsoft is, but it specialises in developing business software. If you find a job as a SAP expert you could work in a number of roles where you advise on and install only SAP software.
You could become an SAP consultant, project manager, analyst, technician or trainer - basically most of the same roles as in the wider IT environment but only focusing on this one technology.
To work as an SAP specialist you'll need to know all of the SAP products and solutions inside out so you can recommend the best ones for your client's needs.
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The nitty gritty
You'll often find work as a contractor, working on a project basis. You could also work for a consultancy that installs SAP software for a range of clients. Or you could even work directly for SAP, which is a huge multi-national company with offices in 50 countries and employing more than 51,000 people.
As with most IT jobs you'll be scheduled to work a 37-40 hour week, but at certain critical stages of a project you might find you have to work longer hours to make sure you hit deadlines.
Many of the jobs on offer will be client-facing so you'll need to dress smartly to create a good impression.
Money, money, money
Qualified SAP engineers, project managers and technicians earn in the region of £52,000 to £58,000, and often much more.
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The good points...
Specialise in SAP and you can expect a great salary to land in your bank account. Cha-ching!
...and the bad
The good salary can have its downsides though, because this area is well-paid, there's a lot of competition for job vacancies, so get your CV up to scratch.
Is there study involved?
Whatever level you go in at you will be expected to have some hands on IT experience and qualifications.
You will of course be expected to be qualified in SAP technologies. SAP runs a huge range of training courses covering SAP introductions to technical business configuration.
You can choose the courses that suit your area of expertise and career ambitions - for example financial software installations, customer management solutions or general business applications. Ongoing training is really important in the IT industry and SAP is no exception.
You should make sure that you regularly update your skills by attending courses on new technologies, or teaching yourself where possible by reading all the technology literature and the manuals. Your employer will usually arrange your training and pay for it.
OK, I'm interested... But is it really the job for me?
Your skills will be different depending on your role and level of experience but as a general rule you should play up these kinds of skills and experience:
- Extensive technical knowledge
- An ability to explain technical information to non-technical people
- Excellent communications skills
- Good negotiating skills
- A good business understanding
- Team-working and team management experience
- Good project management skills
- Good organisation and problem-solving skills
- A methodical and analytical approach
