Navigating SAP HR Training and Career Opportunities: Expert Insights

Hi,

I have 6 years of experience in IT recruitment, but now I am in the USA on a dependent visa. I am considering studying something to enhance my resume. Would SAP HR be a good option? Please suggest other courses that may be beneficial for me. Additionally, I would like recommendations on reputable institutes that offer online training in SAP HR which I can pursue while in the USA.

Thanks and Regards,
Neha

Neha,

SAP HR is changing, and changing very fast. The number of consulting jobs will shrink very rapidly, and remuneration is already declining. I wouldn't recommend it as part of a short-term career strategy (2-3 years horizon).

I have over 15 years of SAP HR experience in an international environment, plus another 15 years in Functional HR.

Best wishes,
Sunil

Hi Neha,

As far as SAP HCM is concerned, Workday is a major competitor. However, companies implementing HCM with other SAP modules, in my opinion, will always prefer SAP HCM for its integration. With SuccessFactors, SAP has already acquired it. SAP HCM itself has different sub-areas such as Payroll, Time, Benefits, Personnel Management, Learning & Solutions, Performance, ESS/MSS. You can choose the one that interests you. The market is still good, but I would recommend not spending a lot of money on training. I am in the US as well; SAP's Training website lists its offerings with schedules, but for more affordable options, you can always find someone interested in teaching online.

Hope my comment helps!

Hi Neha,

SAP HR/HCM is definitely a great career option, but you have to keep in mind that it is changing very fast.

It also depends on what you are looking to do in the SAP HCM Domain; there are a whole lot of options available. For example, you could be a Functional Consultant, Technical consultant (ABAP), Admin, and others.

You also have to realize that SAP HCM has changed a lot. Now, with SuccessFactors, they are offering cloud solutions for all Talent management processes like Performance management, Goals management, Compensation, Recruiting, Succession management, etc.

Since SAP has already made it very clear that Cloud is the way forward, I believe that focusing on SuccessFactors may be a better deal (here I am not saying SAP on-premise is not moving forward).

Also, many of the SAP HCM Consultants have already jumped on this bandwagon and are working on various SuccessFactors projects.

My advice would be that if you are looking to permanently work on SAP HCM/SuccessFactors only some online training would not help.

Certification will definitely help you in the long run. Also, nowadays, clients are looking for Certified Professionals. You can get a lot of information on the SAP/SuccessFactors sites (Certification details, course materials, costs, etc.).

Also, do remember that the CORE HR Process knowledge is very much essential in the SAP HCM Consulting business as you would not be able to contribute or perform for the client if you are not able to understand the various business processes of the client.

Lastly, getting into the SAP HCM/SuccessFactors field requires a lot of hard work, commitment, ability to learn, and update new technologies. So, once you are into it, then there's no looking back.

Let me know if you have any more questions.