Exploring SAP HCM: Is It a Smart Career Move for Non-Tech Professionals Amid Financial Uncertainty?

I am a new entrant here and bombarding herewith one of my questions which baffled me a lot recently. I am currently working as a Team Lead Staffing for the US process and in the past, I was involved in market and business analysis. Currently seeking knowledge and career enhancement in SAP HCM. So, I would like to know a few things:

1. What is the future of SAP HCM in the current market in the wake of the global financial crisis?
2. Where will I land after completing certifications and what impact will it have on job finding?
3. Is it fruitful for a non-technical person to jump into this arena?

I look forward to your inputs and suggestions. Thanks in advance! :)

Dear Saral,

Although you are not a technical person, you have a good understanding of the functionality of the business, which is the primary requirement for a successful career. I assure you that it will lead to a great career path.

Akhilesh Dubey SAP-HR Consultant

Thank you, Akhilesh.

What I am looking for here is a more detailed answer. As we know, it's good for the future. But how can one start on the same journey? The best way to begin is by joining an organization involved in SAP implementations or by obtaining certifications from institutions such as Siemens, and then striving for excellence.

Hi all,

I would also like to know the value addition to one's career for pursuing SAP. I have 2.5 years of HR generalist experience but would like to enhance my skills and value through SAP. However, I am quite concerned about whether it will provide the expected value and returns for the time and money invested in doing this course.

Looking forward to all your valuable suggestions.

Regards,
Gunjan

SAP HCM:
HCM stands for Human Capital Management or simply SAP HR. SAP, which stands for Systems Applications Products in Data Processing, is an ERP software, in fact, the major ERP software. It has a Technical and Functional side. The Technical part contains ABAP and Basis, while the Functional side consists of HR, FI, CO, MM, SD, PP, etc. (depending on your past functional/management exposure).

Now, addressing the questions asked:

1. ERP or SAP, to be precise, is basically required for business optimization and the smooth functioning of an organization, so the demand is not going to subside, even in the wake of the recent crisis. It caters to both SMEs and big corporates.

2. This one is a bit tight: Even if you are certified from Siemens or Genovate, the demand for fresher requirements is currently slow, but it will pick up in a couple of months. This applies to the Implementation part. If someone is already in the HR department of an organization where they use SAP, then they can work as End users, power users, and so on.

3. There is nothing impossible if you are determined. Initially, it may seem tough, but someone with a good HR background can do well. It also requires constant practice and research to hone the skills.

I hope this clears some doubts. If any further clarifications are needed, please reply back.

Thanks,
Prabin

Thank you for the brief explanation. It helped me understand a little more about SAP HR. I have been working in the HR department of a software industry for the past 2.5+ years. We primarily use PeopleSoft HCM extensively for our day-to-day duties.

I am now interested in the functional side of SAP HR implementation. Do you think my PeopleSoft experience can help me, as the features will be more or less similar, or is SAP HR entirely different from PeopleSoft? Do you believe that once I receive training from an institution, I can pursue certification? Or should I wait for a couple of years to gain experience before attempting certification?

Furthermore, could you please provide insight into which module of HR has more demand than the rest? Thank you for your response!

dumbee1018

I suggest you guys go for SAP-HR training with an unauthorized workshop (as authorized will cost you approximately 3.25 lakhs without a job guarantee) to gain conceptual knowledge. Then, get SAP installed on your PC/laptop for practice purposes. Learn as much as you can and try to find a job with a small organization, as big brands usually do not prefer freshers. You can aim for bigger brands once you gain some practical experience. The market is not favorable, especially for freshers. However, if you follow this suggestion, you won't need to invest a lot of money. You can manage it within approximately 10-12k.

Regards,
Ricky

Thank you, Ricky, for the suggestion! However, here in the US, I feel it is harder to find junior or entry-level positions even if you accept low salaries. The training institutions here charge anywhere between $2K - $3K. I am in a dilemma now about investing such a huge amount, especially when the market is so tough. I just want to be assured that these trainings are worth it and will pay back after a couple of years, if not instantly. Then I am ready to go forward!

Hi Prabin, I am a graduate with 2 years of experience in HR Recruitment. I began an MBA in HR but discontinued it, opting to pursue a SAP HCM certification course from SAP INDIA PVT. I have recently enrolled in a distance MBA HR course. I have some queries that I hope you can assist with:

1) Is a Master's degree in HR necessary to secure a job post-SAP certification?
2) Will my experience and certification course be sufficient to obtain a job?
3) Are the prospects of securing a job in SAP HCM more favorable in India or abroad?
4) If abroad, which countries or companies should I focus on?

Awaiting your response,

Hi All,

I'm also planning to learn SAP HCM certification. What is the job scene for SAP HCM functional? Is it necessary to take the certification from a recognized institution?

Regards,
Dixita