Being a valuable SAP professional is essential for success. Retaining and increasing that value is essential for career growth. As an experienced SAP professional, you have already established a solid foundation in this field. However, to stay ahead of the competition and further enhance your value, it’s crucial to continually improve your skills, knowledge, marketability, and therefore employabililty. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to help you increase your value in your SAP career.
Value will mean different things to each person reading this article. For some, it will be connected to monetary goals, for others moving up the career ladder. Value may be related to the level of respect you have in your field, by colleagues or within your external network. For others it could be your sense of belonging to an organization who has similar values and goals to your own. Mostly, it will be a mixture of all the above, plus a few more, skewed depending on your personal situation and goals. To have a healthy and fulfilling career it is important to check in with your meaning of value often. We will focus on how to increase your value in monetary terms and career development.
We speak about this often – because it really is important. Staying updated with the latest trends, advancements, and best practices is vital and we cannot reiterate it enough. The SAP ecosystem is constantly evolving, with new technologies and modules being introduced regularly. The tech world has propelled forwards lately, and you mustn’t get left behind.
You could attend relevant SAP conferences, seminars, and webinars to gain insights into new technologies and solutions. We cover the main conferences at IgniteSAP so if you don’t have time to attend them in person make sure you sign up with us, or another provider, so you at least read the overviews and stay in the loop.
Engage in continuous learning by pursuing SAP certifications and exploring online learning platforms such as the SAP Learning Hub, which provides access to a vast array of training materials and resources. Keeping your skills up to date will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and development – in other words, not only will you be able to constantly update your skills, but it will also position you well on your CV when you are looking for your next role!
To differentiate yourself in the competitive SAP job market, consider developing specialized expertise in a specific SAP module or industry domain. This could include areas such as SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Ariba, or SAP Analytics. By focusing on a niche, you can position yourself as a sought-after expert in your field, attracting more lucrative opportunities and career advancement prospects. Stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices in your chosen area of specialization to stay ahead of the curve and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.
Building a strong professional network is crucial for career growth. Many people are not keen on networking, however, the ones that do make the effort are often the ones who are privy to better opportunities. These days the world is interconnected. Networking doesn’t have to be in person (although of course it can be if that is your preference)! You can connect with other SAP professionals, industry experts, and recruiters through online platforms like LinkedIn or Xing. Join SAP user groups and professional associations related to your field of expertise. Engage in industry-related discussions, participate in forums, and contribute to the SAP community. Although this may seem like a lot of hard work, it is only a few minutes a week and as your network grows after your efforts, it will continue to grow organically. If you chose to attend face-to-face events, pick strategically if time is scarce, you don’t have to attend everything, just enough to get conversations going and connections made.
Actively networking with like-minded professionals can provide you with valuable insights, job opportunities, and industry updates that you may not find elsewhere. If you haven’t already, you can start by joining our SAP community to stay up to date with relevant industry news, trends, and exclusive job opportunities.
With Germany being a hub for SAP professionals, having international experience can significantly enhance your value as an SAP professional. Consider exploring global projects, remote work opportunities, or short-term assignments in different countries. International exposure not only broadens your horizons but also demonstrates adaptability, cross-cultural competency, and a global mindset – qualities highly valued by employers in the SAP industry. Working in diverse environments exposes you to different business practices, cultural nuances, and challenges, thereby expanding your skill set and making you a more well-rounded professional. Many of the larger global organizations are offering roles working on large international projects. If you are looking for this type of exposure, look at our current vacancies.
When seeking new opportunities or advancements, it’s important to highlight your accomplishments and the tangible impact you’ve made in previous roles. Create a strong portfolio of successful SAP projects you have delivered, emphasizing the measurable benefits you brought to the organization. Quantify the cost savings, efficiency improvements, and business outcomes achieved through your contributions. By showcasing your ability to drive positive outcomes and solve complex business challenges, you’ll position yourself as a valuable asset to any SAP team. Consider obtaining endorsements and recommendations from clients, colleagues, or supervisors to further strengthen your credibility. You must put this information into your resume, but also remember to keep your LinkedIn and Xing profiles up to date.
Over the past few years, the rise in the importance in soft skills have been a topic that has been widely circulated. If you haven’t already, you may also want to consider expanding your knowledge beyond technical skills by developing your soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. SAP professionals who can effectively communicate with stakeholders, understand business requirements, and align technology solutions with organizational goals are highly valuable in today’s competitive market, and this is a trend here to stay. With the rise in AI, differentiating ourselves becomes even more important.
Increase your value in your SAP career requires a proactive approach to skill development (technical and soft), networking, and staying up to date with industry trends. By continuously updating your SAP skills, developing specialized expertise, expanding your network, gaining international experience, and showcasing real-world results, you’ll position yourself as a highly sought-after professional in the German SAP market.
If you are considering your next role, speak to one of our SAP career specialists. You can submit an inquiry form here.
