How to proceed to develop myself further in SAP

[Former Member]

Hi all,

I would like to receive advice on how to develop myself further in SAP.

I have two years of developing experience of which one is in ABAP (and one Java).

I get little or no yield (anymore) out of:

- looking into other peoples code;

- talking with colleagues about it;

- the work tasks I get.

I do not get the opportunity from work to follow courses.

What would be the way for me to improve myself?

[Former Member]

Hi DS,

Take a look at FAQ: Middle and Late SAP Career Paths and see what you think. Sounds like it might be a good time to switch jobs as well if you're not being challenged where you are. There are many ways to specialize in ABAP and JAVA. If the problem is that you picked the wrong career in general and programming turns out not to be something you think you'll ever enjoy long term, then you have a more serious course correction to take. As discussed in the FAQ, that could mean trying to shift into management or project management or something a little more drastic like learning to configure and become a functional consultant. Whatever you decide, make sure it's something in which you are passionate as it is the passion for the subject matter that will carry you through dry spells in your career.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,

  --Tom

[Former Member]

Hi Thomas,

Thanks for your answer.

The issue for me is I do not have a relevant school background and so only a limited amount of jobs are suited for me at all; therefore another job with the starting insecurity is a risky option, so would prefer to try it in a different way.

I don't necessary believe I can not do this my whole life but in my country specialists are not valuated high so I have to take that into account as well. What I would like most is some sort of education (because I tried and working experience alone does NOT learn you everything right) I can do besides work, either broad or deep or managing as you suggest or maybe even consulting. The problem with that is all courses from SAP are either too basic or on one subject which both will not give me solid basis.

Is there a course for me, is there another way to improve myself or is another job/function normally the only way to go?

[Former Member]

Do you have a Bacheller's Degree or a Master's Degree? It sounds to me like you want to fill some gaps in your education and build a broad foundation which could help you adapt to whatever happens in the market. I think that is a good plan. SAP education is, by design, very specialized. SAP classes don't teach the theory of business, but rather how to translate a business decisions into specific configuration or code. There is a basic assumption that most folks who work with SAP already have a strong foundation in business from an academic perspective.

There are several MBA programs with strong SAP integration in the SAP University Alliance. Whether you are interested in undergraduate or graduate, I strongly recommend giving programs on the list strong consideration. You can also read the Advice to students blog which can be found here

to learn about the opportunities that this will open up for you.

Once complete, an academic degree is only the foundation. Businesses expect you to apply your academic training and learn from hands on, real world experience. As you progress in your career, the hands-on experience becomes more important than the foundation. It's up to you to request projects that will further your career, to go the extra mile to add value for your employer and your career. You might want to check out the following two threads for stories of other folks journeys to and through an SAP career. (How did you get your start in SAP? and Storytime! How did you get your start in SAP?)

Hope this helps!

Best regards,

  --Tom