Database Reference
In-Depth Information
APPENDIX SAP Basis Career Trends and NetWeaver
Certification
I am writing this chapter from the vantage point of someone who has been working with SAP
Basis/NetWeaver, technical architecture, and technology management for the last 12 years.
Over the years I have been studying Basis/NetWeaver career trends and certification options
closely so that I can reshape and adjust my own skill sets based on the evolving needs of the
industry. One of the main goals of this appendix is to provide SAP Basis/NetWeaver career
options for young professionals graduating from colleges and universities and also for experi-
enced professionals who want to advance their careers. This chapter will cover a broad spec-
trum of issues faced by a prospective SAP Basis/NetWeaver professional as well as experien-
ced professionals, such as what does a SAP Basis/NetWeaver and technical architecture ca-
reer offer, why is it a valuable skill for the individual and for the organizations that hire them,
how does one break into different career options, how does one get certified, what are the ap-
proaches for learning and developing the skill in depth, what career paths are available for
Basis/NetWeaver professionals and how does one keep a balance between work and life.
Hopefully, after reading this chapter, you will be better able to decide if SAP Basis/
NetWeaver is a career choice for you or, if you are an experienced Basis/NetWeaver special-
ist, how to advance your career.
SAP Basis/NetWeaver Career
Over the years SAP Basis/NetWeaver administration and technical architecture have evolved
into a highly specialized skill. It is no exaggeration to say that the skill has become so broad
and deep that it is comparable to getting a specialized advanced degree in terms of getting the
professional training and practical experience needed to excel in the job. Because of this spe-
cialization, professional training, and development it can be compared to other professional
jobs, such as lawyers, doctors, and accountants. If you have to invest your time and energy
into something that requires such a commitment, it only makes sense to understand what the
job has to offer in return. The following sections will discuss the benefits available if you de-
cide to pursue this as a career option. It will also cover what contribution a Basis role will de-
liver in an organization and discuss a typical day and week on the job.
Financial Stability
One of the reasons to pursue a professional career in SAP Basis/NetWeaver administration
and architecture is that the job offers competitive salaries and a lot of financial stability com-
pared to other IT jobs in the industry. Over the last 30 to 40 years SAP has established itself
as one of the ERP standards for global organizations across the world. Most of the Fortune
500 companies, several small and medium-size businesses, federal and state government
