Category: Growing your career: permanent & freelance

IT Consultants subcategory

Categories
Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants

Everything You Need to Know About Freelancing in Finance

Freelancing in Finance

Everything You Need to Know About Freelancing in Finance

Freelancing in finance… yes, even the finance sector is embracing freelancing!

Freelancing, also known as independent work, has become an increasingly popular choice for many professionals. Attracting more people because it offers flexibility and autonomy across many fields, such as IT, tech, digital, marketing, and design.

Therefore, finance, a sector one might not typically associate with freelancing, is also opening up to this mode of work. Then, financial freelancers are on the rise, and more companies are seeking independent financial experts. So today, finance too is going the freelance route!

Read our article to learn everything you need to know about freelancing in finance.

Find finance assignments on our freelance and permanent recruitment platform, or join Mindquest to stay updated on finance opportunities that match your skills!

1. The Evolution of the Financial Sector for Freelancers

In recent years, the financial sector has seen significant changes, helping to democratize freelancing in finance.

The evolution of the financial sector for freelancers

1.1. Growing Interest in Freelance Finance Careers

Given the broad range of services in finance, professionals with specific expertise in financial services have found freelancing an attractive way to showcase their skills. More experts in areas such as accounting, financial planning, cash management, and financial analysis are turning to freelancing.

1.2. Increased Demand for Financial Freelancers

At the same time, companies have an increasing need for financial experts. Businesses value the unique insights and specialized skills that freelance finance professionals bring, often hiring them for specific projects or to provide strategic expertise and specialized technical skills. This trend offers flexibility and agility to companies, helping them manage fluctuations in demand, especially for those with limited resources.

Several factors have contributed to the growing demand for independent financial consultants.

1.2.1. Digital Transformation in Finance

With the increasing digitization of the financial sector, technical skills are more critical than ever. So, financial institutions are looking for professionals with programming, data analysis, cybersecurity, AI, and blockchain expertise to tackle digital challenges and leverage opportunities.

1.2.2. The Rise of FinTech

The rise of FinTech has also increased demand for finance professionals. Therefore, FinTech companies need technical and financial profiles to innovate and reshape traditional business models, enhancing customer experiences in finance.

1.2.3. Financial Regulations

Also, stricter financial regulations have driven demand for compliance and risk management experts. Thus, financial companies seek professionals who can ensure operations comply with current regulations and establish solid internal controls.

1.2.4. Sustainability and ESG Criteria

Moreover, a focus on sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has influenced the demand for freelancers who understand these priorities and can incorporate them into investment and risk management decisions.

2. Sectors Hiring the Most Financial Freelancers

Several sectors actively recruit financial freelancers. Here are some areas offering numerous freelance opportunities in finance.

Sectors that recruit the most financial freelancers

2.1. Freelance Financial and Accounting Consulting

Freelancers in financial and accounting consulting are in high demand. They provide services like preparing financial statements, tax planning, cash management, and financial modeling, particularly for SMEs and individual entrepreneurs.

2.2. Financial Project Management

In addition, financial project management freelancers are sought for temporary assignments across various industries, including financial system implementation and financial restructuring.

2.3. Financial Technology (FinTech)

The FinTech sector also offers extensive freelance opportunities, regularly seeking experts in product development, data analysis, cybersecurity, regulatory consulting, risk management, and more.

2.4. Business Valuation

Moreover, freelance business valuation experts are often hired for financial assessments, profitability analysis, and valuation for mergers, acquisitions, fundraising, or strategic partnerships.

2.5. Investment Advisory

Freelance investment advisors, offering services like portfolio management, asset allocation, market analysis, and investment research, are also highly sought after by individual investors, family offices, and small investment firms.

It’s important to note that freelance finance opportunities can vary based on the economic climate, regulations, and market trends. Staying informed about emerging opportunities and adapting skills accordingly can help maximize prospects in finance freelancing.

3. Types of Companies Hiring Financial Freelancers

Several types of companies actively hire financial freelancers. Here are some of the main examples.

Companies recruiting the most finance freelancers

3.1. Startups and FinTech Companies

Firstly, FinTech startups often need financial expertise to develop and implement products, services, regulatory compliance, and risk management projects.

3.2. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Also, SMEs without internal finance departments or with occasional needs often turn to financial freelancers for accounting, cash management, financial forecasting, and profitability analysis.

3.3. Consulting Firms

Moreover, strategy and management consulting firms may hire financial freelancers for specific assignments related to market studies, financial evaluations, profitability analysis, and investment recommendations.

3.4. Specialized Recruitment Agencies

Some recruitment agencies specialize in providing finance and accounting services, acting as intermediaries for companies looking to hire finance freelancers.

3.5. Financial Institutions

Although financial institutions like banks and insurance companies typically employ full-time finance staff, they may hire freelancers for specific projects or peak periods for tasks such as financial analysis, portfolio management, and regulatory compliance.

3.6. Financial Media

Media specializing in finance, such as magazines, newspapers, websites, or television channels, may engage finance freelancers for articles, analyses, and financial market commentary.

Many other businesses may hire finance freelancers based on their specific needs. Opportunities also vary by region and the unique characteristics of the local job market.

To find freelance finance assignments, consider working with specialized recruitment firms like Mindquest. Our human-focused expertise will help you find the best finance assignments for your skillset.

4. Key Freelance Careers in Finance

There are several prominent freelance careers in finance. Here are some of the main roles.

The main freelance jobs in finance

4.1. Financial Consultant

Independent financial consultants advise businesses and individuals on strategy, profitability analysis, investment recommendations, and financial management systems.

4.2. Independent Accountant

Also, freelance accountants offer bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, tax management, and accounting advisory services, often working with small businesses and entrepreneurs.

4.3. Independent Financial Analyst

Moreover, financial analysts provide in-depth financial data analysis, forecasting, financial modeling, and investment recommendations, often working with individual investors or asset management companies.

4.4. Independent Treasury Manager

Freelance treasury managers help companies manage cash flows, optimize liquidity, assess financing needs, and negotiate banking terms, as well as provide guidance on risk management and treasury policies.

4.5. Independent Financial Planner

Also, freelance financial planners help individuals create personal financial plans, set savings and retirement goals, assess insurance needs, and manage investments to reach financial objectives.

4.6. Independent Tax Specialist

In addition, freelance tax specialists assist businesses and individuals with navigating complex tax laws, preparing tax returns, finding tax-saving opportunities, resolving tax issues, and offering compliance advice.

These roles may overlap, and many finance freelancers offer multiple services. But it’s worth noting that these professions can overlap, and many finance freelancers can offer a combination of services depending on their skills and specialties. Thus, freelance opportunities in finance are varied and can be tailored to suit each individual’s specific interests and skills.

Looking to recruit IT experts for freelance or permanent roles? Our recruitment specialists are here to help you find the perfect match for your IT needs.

Categories
ERP & SAP Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants Job Descriptions

The Best SAP FICO Training for SAP Consultants

SAP FICO training

SAP FICO (Finance and Controlling) is a critical module within the SAP ecosystem, as it helps businesses efficiently manage their financial processes while ensuring compliance. So, to gain the necessary skills for managing financial transactions, analyzing business performance, and adhering to regulations, SAP FICO training is essential. Whether you aim to advance your career or enter the SAP consulting world, mastering SAP FICO is crucial. Consequently, in this article, we will explore some of the top SAP FICO courses and certifications that can help you succeed in this ever-evolving field.

Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.

What is SAP FICO?

SAP FICO (Finance and Controlling) is one of the most widely used modules within SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing). Thus, it enables businesses to manage and monitor their financial transactions effectively. Moreover, it integrates both financial accounting and controlling functionalities, thereby allowing organizations to track and analyze financial data efficiently. This integration facilitates informed decision-making.

SAP FICO plays a crucial role in several areas, including:

  • Managing financial data
  • Analyzing performance
  • Supporting strategic decision-making
  • Ensuring regulatory compliance

1. Financial Accounting (FI)

Firstly, the SAP Financial Accounting (FI) module deals with general accounting and financial operations within an organization. This module is also indispensable for monitoring and controlling financial transactions and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, it assists in managing key functions such as:

  • Accounts receivable and payable
  • Asset accounting
  • Cash and liquidity management
  • Debt and credit management
  • Preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements

2. Controlling (CO)

In contrast, the SAP Controlling (CO) module focuses on managerial accounting and performance management. Thus, it provides detailed insights into cost management, product profitability, and performance, thereby enabling organizations to control operations more effectively. The CO module is essential for tracking:

  • Production costs
  • Profitability of products and projects
  • Service and support cost controls
  • Planning and budgeting future activities

3. Integration and Analysis

Then, one of SAP FICO’s standout features is its seamless integration with other SAP modules such as procurement, inventory management, production, and sales. This integration, therefore, allows for a comprehensive view of business operations, making it easier to analyze financial performance and make data-driven decisions.

Best SAP FICO Training Options for Consultants

Also, there are several SAP FICO training programs available for professionals who want to gain expertise in this module. Below are some of the top training options.

But first, let’s answer some of the most common questions about SAP FICO training.

Faqs
  • How much does SAP FICO training cost?

Firstly, the SAP certification cost can vary based on the location, duration of the program, and the level of SAP certification you are aiming to achieve. 

  • Is SAP Fico easy to learn?

The question of whether it is hard or easy relies completely on the person’s commitment and interest in learning. Hard work is key to successfully learning any new skill or acquiring knowledge.

  • Is Sap Fico a good career?

A career in SAP FICO is very good and demanding, and it continues to grow. The popularity and demand for SAP are increasing day-by-day throughout the world. Moreover, SAP FICO offers you a great number of career options within its domain.

  • What is the SAP FICO Course Duration?

The SAP FICO online course duration is about 3 months.

  • Why should I go for SAP FICO Training?

Enrolling in SAP FICO training can offer you numerous high-paying job opportunities.

  • Who will teach the SAP FICO Course? 

You will be providing SAP FICO working professionals with more than 10 years of experience in this domain.

  • Does SAP FICO require coding?

Contrary to certain other SAP modules, SAP FICO Course normally doesn’t require advanced coding abilities.

Now that you solved all your doubts about SAP FICO trainings, you can delve into the top SAP training options:

SAP FICO Trainings

1. Official SAP FICO Training by SAP

SAP offers official training courses, both online and in-person, for professionals at various levels. These courses, delivered by certified SAP instructors, cover everything from foundational concepts to advanced functionalities. Consequently, to explore the available training programs, visit SAP’s official training website.

2. Online SAP FICO Training Platforms

In addition to official SAP courses, many online learning platforms provide SAP FICO courses. Some of the most popular platforms include Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight. When selecting an online course, it is important to choose one led by experienced instructors and to review student feedback to ensure quality.

3. SAP FICO Training at Specialized Training Centers

Alternatively, many organizations specialize in SAP training and offer intensive classroom-based courses. These programs offer hands-on experience and provide an opportunity to interact with instructors and peers. Therefore, for in-person learning, consider finding reputable training centers in your region.

4. University Courses

Also, some universities offer SAP FICO training as part of broader management or information systems degrees. These courses can provide a more academic and thorough approach to SAP FICO. For instance, Poitiers University and Tours University in France offer SAP-related courses that are highly regarded.

5. In-house Training

If your organization already uses SAP, it is worth checking whether they offer internal training programs for SAP FICO. This option can be especially beneficial as in-house training is often tailored to meet your company’s specific needs and processes. Consequently, reach out to your HR or IT department to explore potential opportunities.

Top 3 SAP FICO Certifications for SAP FI CO Consultants

SAP FICO Certifications

If you’re looking to advance your career or gain new qualifications as an SAP FI CO consultant, several well-recognized and highly valued certifications are available. Below are five of the top certifications you should consider:

1. SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA Cloud – Finance Implementation

This certification focuses on SAP S/4HANA Cloud Finance, covering the essential skills needed to implement and manage financial processes within the cloud environment.

2. SAP Certified Application Professional – SAP S/4HANA for Financial Accounting Associates

This certification is designed for experienced finance professionals and emphasizes advanced features of SAP S/4HANA Financial Accounting, including complex configurations and operations.

3. SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA for Management Accounting Associates

This certification is ideal for professionals specializing in SAP Management Accounting (CO) within the S/4HANA environment, focusing on cost management and performance analysis.

Final Tips for Success

Before attempting any certification, it’s essential to gain practical experience and complete the relevant training courses. Additionally, engaging in real-life projects and exercises will help reinforce your understanding and improve your chances of passing certification exams.

For more information on available certifications and training programs, be sure to explore the Mindquest SAP Community. Here, you’ll find the latest insights, job opportunities, and resources tailored for SAP professionals.

In conclusion, SAP FICO training and certifications offer excellent career growth opportunities. By carefully planning your learning path and gaining practical experience, you can position yourself as a sought-after consultant in the SAP ecosystem.

Find your next assignment on our freelance and permanent IT recruitment platform, or join Mindquest so you don’t miss out on any job opportunity!

Categories
ERP & SAP Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants Job Descriptions

Why Pursue SAP and SAP S/4HANA Certifications in 2024?

Why Pursue SAP and SAP S/4HANA Certifications

Wandering why Pursue SAP and SAP S/4HANA Certifications? As SAP continues to lead in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and cloud solutions, certifications in SAP and SAP S/4HANA remain highly valuable for IT professionals. Then, the shift towards cloud-first strategies and the integration of AI and machine learning within SAP solutions have created new opportunities for certified professionals. Moreover, recent updates to the SAP S/4HANA suite and the growing adoption of SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) highlight the need for up-to-date skills and knowledge.

SAP S/4HANA certifications not only validate your expertise but also ensure you stay current with the latest technological advancements and industry best practices. Given the ongoing digital transformation across industries, having a certification in SAP cloud solutions can significantly enhance your career prospects.

Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.

Trends in SAP Certification:

As the technology landscape evolves, so does the need for SAP professionals to stay updated with the latest trends and developments. Therefore, here’s a deeper dive into the most significant trends in SAP S/4HANA certifications for 2024:

1. Cloud and Hybrid Solutions

pursue SAP S/4HANA Certifications - Cloud and Hybrid Solutions

Firstly, with SAP’s strategic shift towards cloud-first solutions, the demand for expertise in cloud and hybrid environments has surged. Then, SAP Cloud Platform and SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) are at the forefront of this transition, providing a comprehensive suite of services for building, integrating, and extending SAP applications in the cloud.

  • SAP Cloud Platform (SCP): SCP offers a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) environment designed to support the rapid development and deployment of applications. Certifications in SCP validate skills in deploying and managing applications on the cloud, emphasizing security, scalability, and integration with existing SAP systems.
  • SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP): SAP BTP combines database and data management, analytics, application development, and intelligent technologies. Certifications in BTP focus on understanding the platform’s capabilities, enabling professionals to develop and manage intelligent enterprise applications effectively.
  • Hybrid Solutions: Many organizations operate in a hybrid environment, where on-premise SAP systems are integrated with cloud solutions. Certifications that cover hybrid landscapes are critical for professionals tasked with ensuring seamless integration, data consistency, and operational efficiency across different environments.

Learn more about SAP careers from this SAP project management expert.

2. AI and Machine Learning

pursue SAP S/4HANA Certifications - AI and Machine Learning

In addition, the integration of AI and machine learning into SAP systems is transforming how businesses operate. Making these skills highly sought after. SAP has introduced certifications that cater to these advanced technologies, focusing on their application within the SAP ecosystem.

  • SAP Leonardo: As a digital innovation system, SAP Leonardo integrates AI, machine learning, IoT, and advanced analytics into SAP environments. Certifications in SAP Leonardo equip professionals with the skills to implement and manage AI-driven solutions. Also enhancing decision-making processes and operational efficiency.
  • SAP AI Core and AI Foundation: These are dedicated AI and machine learning platforms within SAP BTP. Certifications here validate the ability to develop, train, and deploy machine learning models within SAP systems. Thus driving innovation and gaining a competitive edge.

3. Remote Work Adaptation

pursue SAP S/4HANA Certifications - Remote Work Adaptation

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote and hybrid work models. As a result, SAP professionals need to adapt to managing and supporting SAP systems in these new working environments.

  • Remote Administration and Support: Certifications now include training on how to effectively manage SAP systems remotely. This includes understanding remote access protocols, maintaining security, and ensuring system performance without on-site presence.
  • Collaboration Tools: SAP professionals must be adept at using collaboration and communication tools that facilitate remote work. Certifications cover the use of SAP’s own tools as well as integrating with other popular platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
  • Security and Compliance: With remote work, the focus on cybersecurity and compliance has intensified. Certifications emphasize the importance of maintaining robust security practices and ensuring compliance with various regulations, even when accessing systems remotely.

By pursuing these updated certifications and staying informed about the latest trends, you can ensure that your skills remain relevant and valuable in the evolving IT landscape.

Conclusion

Why pursue SAP S/4HANA Certifications in 2024? Because staying current with these trends through SAP S/4HANA Certifications not only enhances your professional credibility but also ensures you possess the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern SAP environments. As SAP continues to innovate and expand its cloud and AI offerings, professionals who invest in these certifications will be well-positioned to lead in the digital transformation of their organizations.

Want to make the most of S/4HANA’s career potential? Check out our comprehensive S/4HANA Careers Guide.

SAP’s Learning Hub, for which you can request a free trial, should be your go-to place for official learning resources and documentation.

Also, you can complement these with SAP PRESS Certification Success Guides, one of which Denys has authored. If it’s motivation you are looking for, he also has a lot to say.

You can follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Find your next assignment on our freelance and permanent IT recruitment platform, or join Mindquest so you don’t miss out on any job opportunity!

Categories
Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants

Top DevSecOps Certifications to Elevate Your Career

DevSecOps Certifications

One must often showcase a specialized skill set through certifications to stay ahead of the curve in the dynamic realm of DevSecOps. Here is a guide to the most in-demand certifications that can not only strengthen your skills, but also open doors to exciting career opportunities.

Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.

Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP)

Firstly, the CDP certification is a comprehensive program covering key DevSecOps principles, automation, and security practices. It also validates your ability to integrate security into the entire software development lifecycle.

Benefits: Enhances your credibility as a well-rounded DevSecOps professional, showcasing your proficiency in securing applications from inception to deployment.

Also read our DevSecOps Engineer Job Description

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer

Then, offered by Amazon Web Services, this certification focuses on the integration of security practices into DevOps workflows within the AWS environment.

Benefits: Demonstrates your expertise in managing and implementing secure DevOps practices on the AWS platform, making you a valuable asset for organizations utilizing cloud services.

Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)

Moreover, as Kubernetes becomes a staple in container orchestration, the CKS certification validates your knowledge of securing containerized applications in a Kubernetes environment.

Benefits: Positions you as a specialist in Kubernetes security, a critical skill as more organizations adopt containerization for their applications.

(ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

While not DevSecOps-specific, the CCSP certification is highly relevant. This is because it focuses on cloud security, an essential aspect of securing modern DevOps pipelines.

Benefits: Establishes your expertise in cloud security, showcasing your ability to secure cloud environments integral to contemporary DevSecOps practices.

Docker Certified Security Associate (DCSA)

Last but not least, Docker is widely used in DevOps for containerization. Moreover, the DCSA certification focuses on securing Docker containers and the Docker Enterprise platform.

Benefits: Validates your proficiency in securing containerized applications using Docker, making you a sought-after candidate for organizations leveraging container technology.

Also read What is DevSecOps? Software Development Security

How These Certifications Boost Your Career

Certainly, DevSecOps certifications have emerged as powerful catalysts, propelling individuals into the forefront of the evolving tech landscape. Beyond serving as mere credentials, these certifications act as gateways to enhanced skill sets, elevated credibility, and a world of opportunities.

In this exploration, we unravel the transformative impact of these certifications.

Enhanced Skill Set

Acquiring DevSecOps certifications is not just about adding acronyms to your resume; it’s a testament to your dedication to continuous learning and the mastery of cutting-edge practices. Also, these certifications equip you with in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience, and a skill set that evolves with the dynamic landscape of DevSecOps.

Credibility and Recognition

Certifications from reputable organizations serve as a badge of honor, elevating your professional credibility in the eyes of employers. Then, they provide tangible evidence of your proficiency in DevSecOps. This reassuring hiring managers that you possess a standardized level of expertise. Also, in a crowded job market, these certifications act as a recognized stamp of approval, instilling confidence in potential employers and reinforcing your position as a top-tier candidate.

Access to Opportunities

In addition, the demand for DevSecOps professionals is on the rise, and certified individuals are often at the top of recruiters’ lists. Many organizations actively seek candidates with recognized certifications, viewing them as ready-made contributors to their DevSecOps initiatives. By holding these credentials, you increase your visibility and desirability to employers.

Global Recognition

Also, DevSecOps certifications have global recognition, transcending geographical boundaries. This opens up opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams, contribute to international projects, and engage with a broad spectrum of professionals. Whether you aspire to work with Silicon Valley startups, European enterprises, or Asian tech giants, these certifications provide a universally understood language of expertise, facilitating your integration into global tech ecosystems.

Career Advancement

In an era where security is paramount in the development process, certified DevSecOps professionals stand out as leaders. These certifications serve as a springboard for career advancement. Propelling you into positions where you can influence and shape the security practices of entire DevSecOps teams. This contributing to the success and resilience of the organizations you serve.

Also read The rise in demand for DevSecOps skills: How to navigate the changing IT recruiting landscape

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in these certifications is not just about earning a credential; it’s about positioning yourself as a security-conscious, forward-thinking IT professional ready to meet the challenges of the evolving tech landscape. As you embark on this certification journey, remember that continuous learning is key to staying relevant and thriving in the exciting field of DevSecOps.

Dive into our latest infographic for an illuminating visual journey through the key statistics and benefits of adopting DevSecOps practices.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Carrousel-for-Meme-6-1024x1024.png
Categories
Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants Job search advice

Future-Proof Your Career: Mastering the Top 10 In-Demand Tech Skills

in-demand tech skills
in-demand tech skills

The tech industry is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the game requires having the right in-demand tech skills in your arsenal.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 in-demand tech skills that will set you up for success.

Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.

Top 10 In-Demand Tech Skills

From cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing to essential skills in data privacy. Let’s dive into the in-demand tech skills you need to thrive in the tech industry.

1 Mastering Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is revolutionizing the tech industry, and having expertise in this field it is highly valuable. Skills in quantum algorithms, programming languages, and circuit design are crucial. This because they help solving complex problems in areas like cryptography, drug discovery, and optimization.

Quantum algorithms are different from classical algorithms. Understanding their principles and applications is essential for leveraging the power of quantum computing. Additionally, proficiency in programming languages specific to quantum computing, such as Qiskit and Cirq, is in high demand. These languages allow developers to create and optimize quantum circuits, and they are critical for programming quantum computers.

Another in-demand skill in quantum computing is circuit design. Quantum circuits are the building blocks of quantum algorithms. Mastering circuit design techniques and tools are high demand. This is because businesses and governments seek to harness the full potential of quantum computing.

2 Immersive Experiences with AR/VR

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are transforming industries like gaming, healthcare, and education. Having skills in AR/VR development, 3D modeling, and user experience (UX) design are in high demand. This because businesses seek to create immersive and interactive experiences for their customers.

AR and VR offer unique opportunities in industries like healthcare. There they are useful for training, simulations, and patient care. For example, AR can overlay virtual information onto real-world environments. Thus allowing surgeons to visualize complex procedures or medical professionals to provide remote assistance. VR can create realistic simulations for medical training, providing a safe and controlled environment for learning.

Then, in the education sector, AR and VR can revolutionize the way students learn by providing immersive and interactive experiences. Imagine exploring ancient civilizations through virtual field trips, or conducting virtual science experiments in a safe and controlled environment. The potential of AR and VR in enhancing learning experiences increases the demand for skilled professionals in AR/VR development, 3D modeling, and UX design.

The entertainment industry has also seen a significant impact from AR and VR technologies. VR gaming has gained traction, providing gamers with truly immersive and interactive experiences. Gaming for mobile apps use AI to allow players to interact with virtual objects in the real world.

You may also be interested in Strategic Intelligence Immersive Experiences

3 Blockchain for Secure Transactions

Blockchain technology is gaining traction across industries. Professionals with skills in blockchain development, smart contracts, and cryptography are a very profitable profile. As businesses explore the potential of blockchain for secure transactions, supply chain management, and digital identity verification, expertise in this field are invaluable.

In addition to the opportunities in blockchain development, there are also emerging roles in blockchain consulting, project management, and regulation. As governments and organizations grapple with the regulatory and legal implications of blockchain technology, professionals with an understanding of the technology and its potential impact can provide valuable guidance. Furthermore, blockchain is still a relatively new field. Ongoing research and development in areas such as scalability and interoperability will continue to create demand. As the use cases for blockchain technology continue to expand, blockchain professionals is among the growing in-demand tech skills.

Also read our Step-by-Step IT Job Hunting Guide

4 Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Conversational AI

NLP and conversational AI technologies are driving advancements in chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice recognition systems. Skills in NLP, machine learning, and conversational AI development are in high demand as businesses look to create intelligent and interactive customer experiences.

The use of NLP and conversational AI technologies goes beyond customer service applications. There are many other use cases for these technologies, such as in healthcare, education, and finance. In healthcare, for example, conversational AI can collect patient data, provide medical advice, and even assist in surgical procedures. In education, NLP it can create personalized learning experiences for students. Then, in finance, conversational AI can provide investment advice or assist in fraud detection. As these technologies continue to evolve and improve, the potential applications are limitless. Creating new and exciting career opportunities for those with the necessary skills.

5 Essential Cybersecurity Skills

With the increasing number of cyber threats, cybersecurity skills will continue to be in high demand. Expertise in threat detection, incident response, risk management, and securing cloud and IoT environments are crucial. This is because businesses prioritize safeguarding their digital assets and data.

As the digital landscape continues to expand, cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated and complex. In response, businesses are increasingly investing in cybersecurity measures to protect themselves from cyber attacks, data breaches, and other threats. This has created a need for cybersecurity professionals who can develop and implement effective security strategies, conduct thorough risk assessments, and respond quickly and efficiently to incidents. In addition, as more organizations move their operations to cloud and IoT environments, there is a growing demand for professionals who can secure these environments and protect against cyber threats. With the continued growth of the digital economy, cybersecurity skills will remain in high demand tech skills for the foreseeable future.

Also read 10 Essential Steps to Ensure Cybersecurity

6 Securing Communication with Quantum Cryptography

The increasing development of quantum computing technology is leading to the emergence of quantum cryptography as a potential solution for secure communication. Skills in quantum cryptography algorithms, protocols, and key distribution are in high demand, as businesses and governments seek to safeguard their sensitive information from quantum-based attacks.

Moreover, the potential for quantum computing to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds is making it an area of growing interest and investment. This has resulted in a growing demand for professionals with expertise in various aspects of quantum computing, including software development, algorithm design, and hardware engineering. To stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field, professionals must develop new and innovative applications for quantum computing. Therefore, the demand for quantum computing and cryptography experts will continue to grow in the years to come.

7 Embracing Cloud-Native Development

Cloud-native development offers several advantages, including faster deployment times, improved scalability, and increased reliability. By leveraging containerization and microservices, cloud-native applications can be broken down into smaller, more manageable components that can be updated and deployed independently. This approach enables businesses to be more agile and responsive to changing market conditions, while also reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

As more businesses adopt cloud-native strategies, the demand for professionals with skills in cloud-native architecture, containerization, and microservices will increase. In addition, expertise in cloud-native technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker, and serverless computing are highly valued as these tools become essential components of the cloud-native stack. The market for cloud-native development skills is expected to remain strong.

Also read Building the dream team for multi-cloud success

8 Ensuring Data Privacy and Compliance

With the increasing focus on data privacy regulations, professionals with skills in data privacy and compliance are in high demand. Expertise in data protection, privacy laws, and compliance frameworks is critical. As businesses strive to maintain compliance and protect sensitive information.

Data privacy and compliance professionals play a critical role in helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of data protection laws. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), are examples of it. These professionals are responsible for developing and implementing data privacy policies, procedures, and best practices. This to ensure that data is collected, processed, and stored in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

In addition, professionals in this field need to possess expertise in data protection techniques. Encryption, tokenization, and data masking are examples to ensure that sensitive information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and breaches.

Businesses are under pressure to comply with data privacy regulations to protect their customers’ privacy and maintain their trust. Non-compliance can result in significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. Therefore, the demand for professionals with skills in data privacy and compliance will continue to rise in the future.

You may also be interested in 5 Simple Steps to Improve Data Security Compliance

9 Edge Computing for Faster Processing

Edge computing is revolutionizing the way data is processed and analyzed in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT). Thus, businesses strive to capitalize on the benefits of processing data closer to the source for faster and more efficient operations.

Edge computing involves moving data processing and analytics closer to the devices or sensors that generate the data, instead of relying on centralized cloud servers. This approach reduces the latency or delay in processing data. Thus enabling real-time decision-making and faster response times. This is critical for applications that require quick and efficient data processing, such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial automation.

Professionals with expertise in edge computing architecture have a high value. They are responsible for designing and implementing edge computing solutions that are scalable, secure, and efficient. This involves developing edge computing architectures that optimize data processing, storage, and networking capabilities at the edge. Moreover, integrating edge computing with cloud computing to create hybrid edge-cloud solutions.Professionals with expertise in edge computing architecture have a high value.Professionals with skills in edge computing architecture are highly sought after. They are responsible for designing and implementing edge computing solutions that are scalable, secure, and efficient. This involves developing edge computing architectures that optimize data processing, storage, and networking capabilities at the edge. Moreover, integrating edge computing with cloud computing to create hybrid edge-cloud solutions.

10 Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Conversational AI

Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Conversational AI are rapidly transforming the way businesses interact with their customers. Skills in NLP and conversational AI development are in high demand as businesses seek to create intelligent and interactive customer experiences. This through natural language interfaces, personalized recommendations, and sentiment analysis for improved customer engagement.

NLP is a field of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on enabling machines to understand, interpret, and respond to human language. Skills in NLP involve techniques such as text analysis, sentiment analysis, entity recognition, and language generation. These skills are essential to develop chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice recognition systems to provide personalized and intuitive interactions with customers.

Conversational AI, on the other hand, involves the development of AI-powered systems that can carry out conversations with users in a manner that mimics human-like conversations. This includes techniques such as natural language understanding (NLU), dialogue management, and natural language generation (NLG). Skills in conversational AI development are crucial for businesses looking to create sophisticated chatbots. Also, virtual assistants, and voice-based customer service systems that can understand and respond to user queries. They can also provide recommendations, and engage in interactive conversations.

Machine learning also plays a significant role in NLP and conversational AI. Skills in machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning, are vital for building effective NLP and conversational AI models. Machine learning algorithms can be used to train NLP models for tasks such as sentiment analysis, entity recognition, and language generation, and to train conversational AI models to learn from user interactions and improve their responses over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the technology sector is evolving at an incredible pace, and staying abreast of the latest technology skills required is essential for professionals who want to stand out.

Mastering Quantum Computing is critical for professionals looking to leverage the power of quantum mechanics for solving complex problems in various domains. AR/VR Development skills are in high demand as businesses seek to create immersive and interactive experiences in gaming, healthcare, and education. Data Privacy and Compliance expertise is crucial to navigate the increasing focus on data privacy regulations and protect sensitive information. Edge Computing skills is in high demand as businesses adopt strategies to process data in real-time, making it ideal for IoT applications. Lastly, NLP and Conversational AI skills is pivotal in creating intelligent and interactive customer experiences through natural language interfaces, personalized recommendations, and sentiment analysis.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, professionals with these in-demand tech skills are and are highly sought after. Embracing these in-demand tech skills will open up new opportunities, enhance career prospects, and contribute to the exciting advancements in the tech industry.

Would you like to find out more about our recruitment service for IT consultants? Post your requirements now, or find out more about our job offers directly on our  Mindquest platform.

Categories
About us Featured Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants Podcast Interviews

A Career in Data Science: Unlocking The Power of Data with AI

A Career in Data Science: Unlocking The Power of Data with AI
A Career in Data Science: Unlocking The Power of Data with AI

We chat with Ton Badal, machine learning engineer at London-based DataOps start-up Synthesized; about pursuing a career in data science and the challenges of working with data.

🔊 Subscribe to the podcast

Check out more of our interviews from our podcast episodes.

How did you get started in tech, what made you go for data science career and machine learning in particular?

Since school, I have had an engineering mentality, I’ve always had this problem-solving way of thinking. I’ve always enjoyed math and solving problems. In university, I studied telecommunications engineering and specialised in audiovisual systems, so the processing of audio, images, video and other audiovisual systems from a technical perspective.

There I started doing research in machine learning, AI and data science. I started discovering this super interesting world. After that, I was sure that I wanted to do a data science career. So I went for a master’s in AI. And that’s how I discovered this very, very interesting and challenging world.

What did you find to be the most challenging part of this process of learning data science as career and becoming a machine learning engineer?

When I started university, it was not a clear path yet. Eighteen or fifteen years ago, you couldn’t see the path of a data scientist from start to end. Data science sits between computer science and math. And, throughout my career, I’ve been closer to computer science than to math. But the challenge is that you have to know as much as possible from both worlds. But at the same time combine them as well as possible. So I think it’s been quite challenging to be able to unify both worlds.

What’s the best career advice you have ever been given?

This is not really a piece of advice that someone has given me, but rather something that I’ve seen people do. I’ve realised that, when I was starting to look for jobs and was looking for a career, I was kind of looking for anything. I felt like I was the only one selling myself. But at some point, you realise that it’s important that the company also sells itself to you. The company also has to be interested in the person who’s applying. It’s not just top-down, but also bottom-up. There has to be this mutual understanding. When I started looking for jobs, I didn’t care that much about that. But after a while, I realised that it’s really important to feel confident and be in a good environment. It’s crucial for your career development and for example a data science career.

So, I would recommend to everyone to not just get the first job and be very selective about what they want and what they seek to accomplish. Also, the people who interview you: you have to look at them and ask as many questions as you can about the company. It’s not only about selling yourself, but also about understanding the company and making sure that the step you’re going to take is the best one for you because that’s going to influence the rest of your career.

CV Writing Tips for IT Professionals

What’s your advice for those who want to learn data science?

If you want to learn something, the best way to learn it is to get hands-on, to find a project that you’re interested in. There are a lot of open source projects that require some help. For example, at Synthesized, we’re now going to open source a fairness package. If you’re interested in this field, you can collaborate on many, many different projects. The best way to learn computer science and data science is to get a project, get a data set. Sign up for a Kaggle Competition, for example, and try to solve it and get as close as you can to the top of the ranking.

Need tips on how to find a job in IT? Check out our IT job hunting guide.

What are the biggest issues with working with data these days?

First of all, there is the problem of ending up with a poor signal-to-noise ratio. The amount of data that you can find nowadays is huge. But, many times, this data contains a lot of noise. And, if you are not careful, you are just going to end up with just a lot of noise that renders it useless. 

The second big issue is compliance, so GDPR, HIPAA, etc. If you have data that is not privacy-compliant or that is discriminating against some groups, that’s going to be not only useless, but it’s also going to be illegal to use. So you need to work closely with compliance teams. You need to spend time with the legal team to make sure that you make proper use of your data. 

Finally, there’s the problem of data sets becoming data silos. More and more, to access data, you need a data engineer, a data scientist or a machine learning engineer — someone who can do the magic with the data. It’s getting more and more complex to access the data because doing so requires the knowledge of a data engineer or a test engineer. 

How is Synthesized helping to solve these problems?

Synthesized has a core engine that is able to solve these problems by enabling users to easily access their data products in many different ways. So, for example, let’s take one of the problems that I was mentioning before: working with compliance and privacy. Our engine is able to generate data that is representative of the original data but is free from privacy issues and from even biases. 

Connect by Mindquest Newsletter

Another of the problems is related to infrastructure, to data silos. Current approaches are data warehouses and data lakes. There are some problems with these approaches, for example, the signal-to-noise ratio in the case of data lakes. There’s a lot of data in there, but it’s very difficult to use. But, the infrastructure problem is also there because the data is very centralised and you need a data engineering team to get to it. So what we’re working on is a new infrastructure called data mesh that aims to decentralise data access. It tries to decentralise all these data products so that each team can access the data independently. Both for internal and for external collaboration.

Can you tell us a bit more about your role at the company?

I’m very lucky to have been a very early employee of the company. I joined at a very early stage, and this meant that, although my official title is machine learning engineer, I’ve been able to touch a bit of everything. 

However, my main role as a machine learning engineer is making sure that the core technology is as good as possible. But that also involves a lot of what a pre-sales person would do. So, going to the clients, asking them for requirements, and making sure that the product works well for them and is as tailored as possible to their requirements. But about also improving the product. 

And there is also some marketing work involved, like developer relationships. We need to push into that direction because we’re a small company with very new technology and we need to make sure that we sell bottom-up, not top-to-bottom. We approach customers as machine learning engineers, as the nerds who sell to other developers, not as the marketing guys who are trying to sell something to them. Otherwise,+j the message doesn’t get through that well.

What’s next for data? Where do you see data science in, let’s say, five years from now?

I think that, right now, we’re in a very crucial moment for data. We are having all these privacy issues, fairness problems, and the users are more and more aware of this. So, we have to make sure that we have the best practices in place, that we make the best that we can with our data but still respect users. It’s going to be a very challenging time. 

At Synthesize, we mainly work with structured data, but I think it’s worth mentioning unstructured data. What’s happening with OpenAI, GPT-3 or other generative models — what’s being done is amazing. It’s a very exciting time. I’m very, very excited to see what the next new thing is going to be.

You’ve been based in London for a while. What do you like the most about the London tech scene?

What I like the most about it is that there are a lot of people working on the same topic, and you can very easily meet people doing really interesting things. And that’s one of the most powerful things when you are doing research or trying to improve your product. Just talking to people, understanding their problems and just having a conversation about something that probably you don’t understand and you don’t even know about. 

Discussing new tech trends with people at other companies, that can really help. You discover new things and go out of your usual boundaries. London is great for that because there are a lot of meetups. Well, there were before corona. But yeah, you can talk to and meet a lot of people. There’s this big ecosystem where a lot of things are happening and there’s so much to learn. I’m really happy to be living here.

Join our community and find your next job or expert in IT

You can follow Ton on LinkedIn and on Twitter.

Looking for a job in IT? Check out our IT job hunting guide.

Categories
About us Captains’s Log Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants

How the Covid-19 Pandemic is Accelerating the hybridisation of Careers in Tech & IT

Freelancers in tech: did you say precariousness?
How the Covid-19 Pandemic is Accelerating the hybridisation of Careers in Tech & IT

The current health and economic crisis is generating profound changes in careers and recruitment within companies. And especially within tech & IT departments. Manuela Delfort-Garampon, co-founder of Mindquest and Club Freelance, sees both a rise in freelancing and a comeback of permanent contracts. Two trends which may seem contradictory but which in reality testify to a convergence of the two forms of employment. The pandemic is causing a hybridisation of tech.

Originally published on Alliancy.

Pandemic hybridisation tech – Crisis-proof agility: the confirmation of the freelancing model

The common denominator in all crises is urgency. With the Covid-19 pandemic, companies have had to reorganise under unprecedented pressure. In this context, many organisations called on freelancers and external experts; a phenomenon far from being new in the IT field. But which has intensified in certain industries essential to business continuity.

Specifically: the urgent deployment of tools that are essential to the implementation of teleworking has generated a wave of requests for network and support consultants, cloud, VPN, and cybersecurity experts of all kinds. Some IT departments have also resorted to freelancing to compensate for the recruitments that were already planned.

At the same time, some candidates and IT professionals have made a choice in this period of crisis to turn to freelancing opportunistically. Both to stay active and to position themselves on high added value missions that help companies quickly deploy critical solutions.

While the flexibility of the freelancing model has long appealed to companies and applicants alike. The agility it provides has made it an obvious solution to the current situation. But that’s not the only trend regarding careers transformation in the tech world.

Consolidation for tomorrow: the return of the permanent contract

Beyond the emergency, many companies see the current crisis as an opportunity to get ahead and differentiate themselves. Many paused their recruitment efforts during the first lockdown, but most have resumed – or even accelerated – their search since September.

Why? Quite simply because in times of crisis, the best talent is more essential than ever in an IT team. Hence the need to attract and retain top performers that sustain strong teams. The war for talent has intensified around these key profiles. Which companies are tearing off and now want to “secure” under permanent contracts.

At the same time, the permanent contract has made a comeback in the hearts of many candidates and tech & IT professionals; even among some who previously swore only by freelancing. A certain number of freelancers have chosen to go (or go back) to salaried employment, in order to (re) find greater stability in these times of crisis.

Resorting to the freelance model, although it has grown in importance with the crisis, does not however supplant the permanent contract model. In fact, the two statuses coexist now more than ever.

IT Job Hunting Done Well: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pandemic hybridisation tech, towards the end of the silos between statuses?

In terms of professional careers, the last few decades have seen many silos gradually fall. For a long time, the norm was to do the same job in the same company throughout one’s life. Then careers began to be built across several companies. For the past twenty years or so, it has been common practice to have several different jobs during a professional career, and sometimes to retrain or reskill completely. Today, there is also the alternation and combination of statuses, with an increasingly porous border between permanent contracts and the self-employed status.

In fact, this trend of hybridising careers in the world of technology and IT did not originate from the pandemic. The motivations for moving from one status to another can be multiple and independent of the current crisis. Example: many freelancers decide to (re) switch to permanent contracts to access management positions. But the current pandemic is greatly accelerating the phenomenon.

Status doesn’t matter as much as it used to. For companies, the challenge now is to attract the best talent, whether they are on permanent or freelance contracts, to accelerate their IT projects. For professionals open to new opportunities, what matters is more the interest in the project and the technical stack, as well as the dynamics of the team. Status is no longer an end in itself.

sign up to mission control center

🔊 Subscribe to the podcast

Join our community and find your next job or expert in IT

Categories
Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants

The Most Popular IT Certifications

The Most Popular IT Certifications
Continuing education is key to your professional development as a technology expert. But what are the most popular IT certifications amongst employers?

Embracing continuing education is key to your professional development as a technology expert. And beyond what you can learn on your own or through experience, official certifications are a great way to validate your newly gained expertise in front of the industry. But what are the most popular IT certifications amongst employers? 

Given how fast new technical roles are being created and traditional ones are branching out. This can be a quite daunting question to answer. In fact, as any seasoned IT specialist will tell you, there is no simple, straight answer to this problem. It all depends on what you need the certification for.  

Here are some pointers to help you navigate the increasingly complex certifications ecosystem.  

Find your next assignment on our freelance and permanent IT recruitment platform, or join Mindquest so you don’t miss out on any job opportunity!

General-purpose certifications 

Often regarded as the first step towards pursuing a career in technology, general-purpose certifications are amongst the most popular IT certifications. From networking to repairs or system configuration; they touch on a broad variety of topics without getting into much depth in any of them. Not surprisingly they are frequently compared to a driving license. These certifications, such as CompTIA’s A+, are an effective way to learn the fundamentals of computing and establish a solid foundation for your career.  

But they can also be helpful for more seasoned professionals who want to transition from a functional role to a more technical one. The growing need for Agile and Scrum methodologies, which tend to encompass a more generalist set of skills. Is another example of how general-purpose diplomas can help advance your career.  

Role-specific certifications 

However, as it happens with most things in our society; the most popular IT certificates tend to favour specialisation rather than a holistic approach. Role-based educational programs have gained so much popularity in recent years. That industry giants like Microsoft have rebuilt their entire training catalogues to accommodate the various career paths within their ecosystem.  

Specialised certifications are most often divided by level of experience. That makes them a great resource for specialists seeking to advance their career from the associate-level to other; more senior positions within their speciality. 

The most in-demand specialist certifications 

☁️Cloud and security badges

Some of the fastest-growing role-based certifications are those that have to do with the cloud. Digital transformation is accentuating the talent gap for cloud skills, and official certifications can help bridge it. The most popular certifications within this ecosystem include the AWS Certified Solutions Architect diploma and the Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect badge. 

Virtually the same thing is happening with security certifications. The sweet spot lies where the two fields meet. Getting certified in cloud security is certainly a winning proposition when it comes to employability and salary expectations.  

🛠️ERP and CRM training

Another area in which role-centric certifications tend to deliver a solid return on investment is that of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software. With even more adoption than cloud, most medium-to-large-sized businesses today employ these systems to coordinate operations across departments and keep track of clients and sales.  

Whether it is in finance or supply chain management, companies need experts who can set up the environment and maintain it. Getting SAP certified, for example, will open the doors for you to thousands of lucrative and exciting career opportunities.  

Need advice on how to start or develop your freelance consulting business in tech or IT? Need to start a new permanent or freelance assignment? Join Mindquest and get support from our team of experts.

Categories
Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants

IT Careers: The Importance of Continuing IT Education

IT Careers: The Importance of Continuing IT Education
Continuing IT education is everything, and you should keep that in mind throughout your entire professional career to make the most of it

IT experts know this well; no matter how unattainable a technology or problem can seem at first glance; things look much prettier once you are out of the woods and the project is over. And that is because one thing has changed: you. Now you have the experience, the knowledge. You have learnt something. Continuing IT education is everything, and it should keep on being exactly that for your entire life. 

Especially in the world of technology, where the difference between the good and the great often comes down to the ability to adapt to the ever-changing nature of information systems. But do not forget you can learn many other non-IT-related topics that will also help you a great deal throughout your career.   

Continuing IT education: Skills obsolescence 

Renew or die is a motto that can be applied to many things in this world. IT careers are no exception. One unfortunate side effect of digital transformation is the rapid rate at which the value of one’s current skills declines.  

One day, your resume has everything top employers seem to be looking for on it, the next, you are scrolling through Internet forums trying to figure out what language or framework you should master to get that promotion you feel you deserve. Whether it is Python, Docker or cloud security skills, keeping an eye on the top tech skills of the moment is a bullet-proof plan against skills obsolescence.    

>> The Top IT Skills to Master

Motivation 

But an on-going approach to education has other benefits too. Countering the tedious effects of devoting too much of one’s time to a single activity or line of focus is one of them. We have all experienced that imaginary brick wall that rises in between us and our goals when we have been doing the same thing for too long.  

Forcing yourself to step out of your comfort zone and learn something new will solve that problem. It will give you an energy boost and a renewed sense of purpose. Do not ever underestimate what a properly motivated mind can achieve.   

Becoming a better professional  

Thirdly, educating yourself can have a very positive effect on your current performance and capabilities. Whether it is something directly related to your line of work or something as detached as Middle Eastern history, there is always room to connect what you learn to your present endeavours.  

Serendipity, or finding value in things you were not originally looking for, is a marvellous phenomenon. Capitalise on it to connect the dots and bring new perspectives into your everyday activity. Become a better professional by becoming a more knowledgeable person. 

Continuing IT education: Mentoring 

Finally, a life-long educational spirit will also make you, incidentally, a better teacher. The more you understand what someone learning something new needs of in terms of direction and resources, the better mentor and manager you will become. The best teachers tend to be great students.  

That’s not to say you will naturally develop excellent teaching abilities without no effort on your part. Mastery requires experience. But you will, however, develop a certain sensibility and empathy that will make you a much more effective communicator and educator. 

Sign up to mission control center newsletter

Need more tips on how to find a job in IT? Check out our IT job hunting guide.

🔊 Subscribe to our podcast

Join our community and find your next job or expert in IT

Categories
Growing your career: permanent & freelance IT Consultants

The Value of SAP and SAP S/4HANA Certifications

Why Pursue SAP and SAP S/4HANA Certifications
Why Pursue SAP and SAP S/4HANA Certifications

Why and how should you pursue SAP and SAP S/4HANA certifications?

Denys van Kempen is Technology Expert at SAP focusing on SAP HANA and Analytics. He has been at SAP for more than 10 years, where he helps SAP’s Global Partner Organisation support and educate partners about the company’s technology. Denys is a true SAP advocate, blogging extensively and managing content for the SAP HANA Academy.

Learn more about SAP careers from this SAP project management expert.

How did you get started in your career, what do you do at SAP?

It’s funny that you ask, because, out of curiosity, I recently picked up a starter certification for Azure fundamentals. I just did the exam and was happy to pass. And it was curious, because, when I looked at the transcript where it lists all the certifications that you’ve done in the past, I saw how I had started out in IT almost 25 years, and my first certificate was in Windows 95, doing the networking.

One of the most fun parts of the whole software industry and the whole community around it, is that it is constantly changing, and the only thing required is a willingness to learn. If you are interested in studying, you can work in IT. That’s the main qualification you need, as far as I am concerned.

I am now in my early 50s, I speak to a lot of people, and people have very, very different backgrounds. But I would say that is the most essential qualification. Today we are looking at the cloud platforms, yesterday it was blockchain and then it was big data. The only thing you know is next year it’s going to be something different, and we have to take out our books and study the topic.

Why should SAP experts pursue certifications?

I think there are basically two camps. There are people who enjoy learning new things, who maybe even enjoy the challenge of sitting an exam and hopefully pass. And then there is the group who thinks they have a lot of experience already and don’t really need to answer silly questions. I think there’s value in both arguments.

I’ve seen very good exams. But there are also examples of exams where you have to provide answers to questions nobody would know by heart. The certifications that aim for experience and how you solve things are better examples than just those who ask you to memorise things. And I think most vendors try to get that.

Getting a certification is a great way to make sure you study all the aspects of a certain technology, because typically you work with the most common things, but, if you study the topic, you have an opportunity to learn things that are more obscure, less well-known. For your own benefit, getting certified gives you the confidence that you know the product inside out. It’s a great way to solidify your knowledge.

Are you seeing a particular branch of SAP and SAP S/4HANA certifications that is on the rise these days?

Two years ago, SAP made the strategic decision to go cloud-first in all the development. More recently, that decision was accelerated. Everything is going cloud these days.

I think you have that same effect on certifications. There are not really that many people today who pursue a certification for only on-premise software. It doesn’t matter which vendor, everything is going cloud. That would be my advice: if you learn something new, make sure it runs on the cloud. That’s where the future is.

When it comes to cloud, you can work on software that runs on the cloud, or you can help set up and maintain the infrastructure, the internal plumbing. Would that be a good career move for someone that’s just starting within the cloud ecosystem?  

That’s a good question. SAP systems can be very complex, and you have these very large companies, like big food manufacturers or big banks, whose SAP landscapes are huge. There are a lot of functional people, of course, involved in making sure everything works, but also technical people, doing the networking, the backups, etc. And moving all those landscapes onto the cloud is a major shift of focus.

A question I get from time to time is one from people who have been working as Basis Administrators. They wonder what their role will become with everything going to the cloud. If you’ve been working with backups and things like that, that’s no longer a concern for the customer, because it’s being taken care of by the cloud provider. So, you see that shift.

A lot of the technology is now on the cloud, and no longer on the side of the software vendor. So that would definitely be something to look at. If you have a strong technical interest, you’ll have to study how to work with those cloud providers. Configuration and security, for example, they remain very important, but it’s a different role from the traditional one.

How people make their certification journey easier for themselves?

I would try to stick as close as possible to the information the vendor provides. Most of it is freely available or at a very low cost. The thing is that there are just so many materials out there that you end up going from one rabbit hole to another and lose focus. If you just stick with the course manual, you’ll be able to have a quick preparation for the exam, but if you get side-tracked, you search for exam dumps and study the wrong answers… well, I would certainly not recommend that.

Also, don’t make it a project that lasts too long. It’s either going to be 6 or 8 weeks, but make it something for which you are going to study frequently, even if it’s half an hour every day. Just come half an hour earlier to work and spend that half-hour when you are still fresh working on that. That’s far more reachable than if it’s going to be a 5-month project and every weekend once in a while you try to cram it all in.

How about the books you publish through the SAP Press?

Well, that’s a bit of a different story. For example, if you look at Azure or Google Cloud, they provide a lot of information for free or at a relatively low cost. It’s up on Coursera or EdX, and for 50 euros you can study for a month and that’s all you need. That’s a very reasonable amount of money to invest in your career.

Unfortunately, for some SAP and SAP S/4HANA certifications, you have to go through training, and that training can be quite pricey. If you’re self-employed, you might not have the budget. In those situations, an exam guide might be of help. In addition, the course manuals are written to support the course, so they are always challenging. We write these books specifically to help you pass the exam.

Want to make the most of S/4HANA’s career potential? Check out our comprehensive S/4HANA Careers Guide.

SAP’s Learning Hub, for which you can request a free trial, should be your go-to place for official learning resources and documentation.

You can complement these with SAP PRESS Certification Success Guides, one of which Denys has authored. If it’s motivation you are looking for, he also has a lot to say.

You can follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Sign up to mission control center newsletter