SAP - How to make a career with business software

Today, companies of all types and sizes work with programs that help with the planning, organization, monitoring and evaluation of data.

Without such programs, running a business would be much more complicated and hardly as efficient as we are used to.

One of the most popular and advantageous programs currently on the market is SAP software. Through a SAP training at a competent institute valuable knowledge can be acquired that opens up worthwhile opportunities both when applying for jobs and within the company.

What is SAP needed for?

In order to manage the various areas of a company, corresponding software applications are required. If the company cannot or does not want to have specially customized software designed due to the high cost factor, the respective data must be entered into the system manually.

This is not only time-consuming, it is also a focal point for errors, which in turn cost the company time and money. What's more, different areas of the company often have to use different systems.

This is where SAP comes into play. SAP is a software that consists of different modules and therefore also works for different systems. It enables a controlled flow of information throughout the company and thus reduces the occurrence of irregularities and errors in the databases. SAP also handles both the recording and evaluation of data.

The basic SAP modules are Sales and Distribution (SD), Finance/Controlling (FI/CO), Materials Management (MM), Production Planning (PP) and Human Resources (HR).

In addition, there are several supplementary modules, such as SAP CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and products specially designed for banks and media companies, for example.

SAP was developed by the company of the same namewhich has been in existence since 1972 and is now one of the largest manufacturers of software products in the world with more than 80,000 employees. The German company has its headquarters in Walldorf in Baden-Württemberg.

Application areas of SAP

Since SAP is such a versatile program and can be used in the majority of companies, the field of application of an SAP expert is also flexible.

You can work directly in production or sales, or in an advisory capacity.

The tasks of an SAP expert can include testing and documenting new system functions, optimizing existing modules, developing and integrating specific SAP solutions or advising customers or employees on the subject of SAP.

Because communication with customers often makes up a very large part of the job, foreign language skills are also welcome.

As an SAP consultant, it is also possible to set up your own business and advise companies and businesses on SAP and perhaps even train them.

Whatever job you are aiming for, it is important to have excellent knowledge of the software. After all, SAP can only function so helpfully thanks to its complex composition.

Become an SAP expert

To understand and use the complex SAP system, it is not enough to simply look at the definition of the software.

If you want to become a recognized and valuable SAP expert, you should attend a corresponding SAP training course at an experienced institute.

Such training is available both in on-site courses and as online courses. In some cases, you can even choose between full-time and part-time modules.

There are two different types of SAP training courses. On the one hand, those that train SAP users, and on the other, those that train SAP consultants.

In both courses, you can choose between the topics of materials management, personnel (management), shipping and warehouse management, sales, controlling and many more.

At some schools, several subjects can even be combined in order to maximize their value on the job market through bundled knowledge.

Case studies, short practicals and group work are also often part of the course.

In addition to the structure of the SAP software, the application of the various processes and the operation of the software, including logging on and off and programming, are also explained. Tips and tricks to make your work easier, are also provided.

In some cases, the employment agency can even provide financial support for SAP training. With an education voucher or similar, it is even possible to have the costs covered in full.

Why SAP training makes sense

Precisely because SAP is such a helpful program for many companies and saves both money and time, it is often a requirement that employers demand from their applicants.

Although the term "SAP consultant, user, developer or similar" is not yet legally protected, it is not enough to simply pretend to be one in your application - even if you think you know a little about it.

During the job interview or at the very latest on the first day in the company, it will quickly become apparent that experience with SAP is not enough for successful work.

A reputable SAP training course not only gives you the knowledge you need and require, but can also provide you with a meaningful certificate that confirms to employers that the applicant is an honest SAP expert.

If you can produce such a certificate, your chances of finding a good job also increase, as SAP experts are highly valued on the job market and are needed in almost every company, regardless of size. Accordingly, the pay of such employees also increases enormously.

An SAP consultant, for example, can in some cases receive a starting salary of up to €50,000 a year, even without years of experience. This can double after just a few years!

Among other things, this depends on the project experience gained over the years. Special further training and the expansion of certain knowledge and skills also support the salary increase.

If, in addition to SAP knowledge, you also have management and leadership skills as well as foreign languages or even experience abroad, you can Nothing stands in the way of your career.

The best jobs for SAP consultants and developers are in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and sometimes also in banking companies.

Conclusion

SAP training can be the perfect way to make a big leap up the career ladder after completing your business studies or an apprenticeship in the IT sector.

But even after several years of professional experience, learning SAP software can help you to diversify your job, change company or sector and, above all, get that long-awaited pay rise.

In addition, SAP is a program that is likely to be popular for many years to come and, like the SAP experts who work with it, will still be in great demand.