Topic Covered -

1. Exploring SAP Carrier Opportunities
2. SAP Modules and Career Advancement
3. Navigating Consulting Roles and SAP
4. Gaining Experience and Building Foundation
5. Selecting SAP Modules and Certifications
6. Career Paths and SAP Training
7. Speaker Program and Internship Opportunities
8. Internship Program and Career Opportunities
9. Internship, Guru Program, and Support

Exploring SAP Carrier Opportunities

Parminder led a session on SAP carrier opportunities and how to seize them. He explained that SAP is a world-leading ERP system, designed for large businesses, and its implementation can take years. He emphasized the importance of SAP in managing complex businesses across multiple countries and regions, and how it helps in controlling, monitoring, and reporting. Parminder also highlighted that SAP implementation is not just for large companies, but also for those looking to grow through acquisitions or mergers. He encouraged participants to understand the SAP system better to identify job opportunities. The session also included a Q&A session and a brief introduction to the SAP community.

SAP Modules and Career Advancement

Parminder discussed the various modules and streams in SAP, emphasizing the functional and technical streams. He explained that functional consultants work closely with business users and are involved in business processes, while technical consultants work on the backend, writing codes and maintaining programs. He also mentioned the roles of end users, business analysts, super users, and key users in business operations. Parminder highlighted that having SAP knowledge can be advantageous for career progression, particularly in roles such as planners, IBP users, and business analysts. He also mentioned that certain modules, like PPDS and APO, can lead to higher pay for end users with specialized knowledge.

Navigating Consulting Roles and SAP

Parminder discussed the importance of having a strong understanding of business processes and SAP modules for a successful career in consulting. He emphasized that experience in business operations is crucial, and suggested that freshers should consider working as end users for two years before transitioning to consulting roles. Parminder also highlighted the various roles a consultant can take on, such as technical consultant, functional consultant, and data consultant. He advised that while having a broad knowledge of SAP modules is beneficial, it's not necessary to be an expert in every aspect. Parminder also addressed questions about the impact of AI on the consulting industry, the importance of business process knowledge, and how to gain experience in the field. He concluded by outlining what companies are looking for in potential consultants, including good communication skills, analytical skills, and adaptability to new modules and technologies.

Gaining Experience and Building Foundation

Parminder discussed the importance of gaining experience and knowledge in the SAP consulting field. He emphasized that salary is not a primary concern in the first years of a career, but rather gaining experience and building a strong foundation. He shared his own experience of starting with a lower salary and rapidly increasing it due to his experience and skills. Parminder also highlighted the importance of having a structured learning approach, a learning community, and a mentor for guidance. He introduced three levels of programs to gain experience: a job and mastery course, an internship program, and a Guru Cool program. He stressed the importance of improving communication skills and being available for job opportunities.

Selecting SAP Modules and Certifications

Parminder discussed the importance of selecting a module based on domain knowledge and interest, rather than job opportunities or salary. He emphasized the need for consistency and continuity in learning, suggesting the use of a learning buddy and mentorship calls. Parminder also advised against leaving a current job to pursue SAP, as it would be challenging to restart. He recommended gaining experience through internships or the Guru Cool program, and not to rely solely on certifications. He also addressed individual queries, including Sudhakar's concerns about confidence in SAP SD and Richard's request for a rescheduled one-on-one session.

Career Paths and SAP Training

Sagar, who has 3 years of experience in a technical support role, is considering a career change to SAP. Parminder advises him that SAP Basis would be a better fit than SAP FICO based on his background. Pavan, a mechanical engineering graduate pursuing an MBA with a focus on finance, is interested in SAP FICO as it aligns with his MBA specialization. Parminder recommends the 6-month SAP FICO training program for him. K, a computer science graduate with 1 year of experience as an SAP SD consultant, wants to join Parminder's internship program to gain implementation project experience. Parminder suggests he enroll in the bundled mastery and excellence courses to get access to the internship program.

Speaker Program and Internship Opportunities

Parminder discussed the possibility of scheduling a call with Kamal to discuss a speaker program. He also addressed Malik's concerns about lacking experience in debugging and domain experience, suggesting that he could join their internship program to gain implementation experience. Parminder also advised Daria to contact the support team for information on the timing of the weekly sessions of the internship program. Abhishek, who is currently working as an SAP retail support analyst, expressed his desire to gain real-time experience and asked for advice on how to manage this in a new organization.

Internship Program and Career Opportunities

Abhishek expressed his interest in enrolling for the internship program, which Parminder confirmed would provide real-time exposure to a project. Abhishek agreed to enroll in the program, despite not having completed the required 70% of the mastery program. Parminder clarified that the internship is a simulated project, not a real one, and that it's not a learning program but rather an opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Satish inquired about the fee structure for the Gurukul program, which Parminder confirmed was included in the diamond membership. Sagar asked about the possibility of pursuing a career in finance, to which Parminder suggested the Fico program, but noted that a strong interest in finance is necessary. Sagar also asked about the possibility of an internship in SAP Basis, to which Parminder responded that they don't offer internships in that area.

Internship, Guru Program, and Support

Daria expressed her interest in gaining hands-on experience and applying for a job, despite facing difficulties in Europe. Parminder clarified the schedule for the internship, which includes a Thursday call at 8 AM and a Saturday call at 5:30 PM, with additional ad hoc meetings. Daria confirmed her participation in the internship, which requires completing two bundles, one mastery and one excellence. Parminder also explained the 40-hour per week commitment for the Guru program, which Daria is considering. Parminder further clarified that the Guru program is for those who can commit 40 hours a week, and for those who want to learn SAP PP, they can find a learning buddy through the Telegram group. Lastly, Parminder introduced the on-job support program for those needing more extensive guidance on projects.