What are the steps to securing your first job in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)?

Understanding the basics of ERP is crucial before entering the job market. Online courses, books, and tutorials on platforms like SAP or Oracle provide valuable insights. This foundation ensures you grasp how ERP functions and its diverse industry applications. Familiarity with major platforms enhances your market value, making you a more competitive candidate. Continuous learning not only builds confidence but also prepares you to contribute effectively to ERP projects, aligning your skills with industry demands.

ERP is now taught in many universities and included in some tertiary programmes as a separate module named Enterprise Resource Planning or Enterprise Systems. In the 1980s, this was not yet the case as ERP was still relatively new and not widely implemented even in developed countries. Major enterprise systems are ERP, Customer Relationship Management and Supply Chain Management. Some comprehensive ERP vendors sell CRM and SCM as modules or components of their ERP software. Learning ERP at the university is a definite advantage to get your first ERP job. I remember my boss telling me that the online information system was not to be developed from scratch. We were among the first companies to implement and operate an ERP system in Mauritius.

Over the past two years we saw unique distinct trends in ERP that shape the ERP market and entry to the market. First is the acquisition of unique platforms and solutions by large players. Oracle bought: PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, Siebel. SAP bought and merged Ariba. The second trend was low cost ERP solutions for smaller industries and markets. Many operate and work in similar ways. Entry job to large ERP players pose a challenge, courses are quite expensive (Oracle offers many courses through vendors) and solutions are very complex. Microsoft offers free basic online courses that can help aspiring employees to learn more about the product. Many of the smaller players may offer free trial version you can download, install and test.

Have a solid understanding of the key processes in the field of manufacturing and distribution. Learning specific capabilities of complex ERP package like SAP Business ByDesign for manufacturing or distribution would be easier for individual with these skill sets. Once learned, this individual distribution and manufacturing knowledge would allow him/her to efficiently map the process requirements of these customers end to end with SAP Business ByDesign capabilites. Furthermore, I believe attention to detail would be important also for a person beginning to implement complex ERP packages like SAP Business ByDesign.

We need having a solid understanding of ERP is a prerequisite for success in the field. By learning the basics and familiarizing yourself with common ERP software platforms through diverse learning channels, you set the stage for a successful career in ERP and increase your attractiveness to potential employers.

Specialization in ERP is a valuable approach for professionals to maximize their impact, satisfaction, and career growth. By carefully choosing an area that resonates with their skills and interests, individuals can position themselves for success in the dynamic and diverse field of ERP.

Your previous experience as a user of an ERP system plus relevant background experience will allow you easier path to transition you into the role or area of expertise you desire. If you learnt DB principles at school and worked as a DBA you may transition to an ERP application DBA. If you were an ERP user you may become an ERP specialist or functional consultant. Changing into an application DBA from a user may turn quite difficult. Take small steps to achieve your goal. Constantly take advantage of your previous knowledge and experience. Examples: change from finance user for Oracle to SAP. Become finance functional consultant from finance user. Change from finance functional consultant to supply chain functional consultant

Depending on your IT background or Business background, you can choose to work as: functional consultant, application developer, application DBA, application architect, support, operations. On the other hand business background in financials, procurement for example can benefit you and your clients when you work as a functional consultant. Also consider your work style and your work preferences. DBA may spend less time chatting with clients and business users while functional consultant must interact frequently with clients. Consulting companies offer unique and challenging projects may be suitable for you if look for active, fast paced environment

Here are a few things to consider 1. Get your learning path along with specialization like finance, supply chain 2. Learn product with hands on knowledge 3. Learn basic business analyst skills 4. Network with ERP professionals

Building a robust profile significantly boosts your chances of landing an ERP job. Craft a portfolio showcasing hands-on experience with ERP platforms. Engage in real-world projects through online communities or volunteer opportunities. Document your contributions with detailed descriptions, screenshots, or videos to illustrate your skills. This tangible proof not only sets you apart but also provides potential employers with concrete evidence of your capabilities, making you a compelling candidate in the competitive ERP job market.

Building an ERP project portfolio is a proactive and effective way to showcase your expertise and capabilities in the field. It serves as a valuable tool for professional branding, collaborative opportunities, and career advancement in the dynamic and competitive realm of ERP.

Build portfolio at work when ever possible. Volunteer to take on significant roles as a tester for an exiting upgrade, migration of on-prem solution to cloud, replacement of legacy systems to new ERP system, major enhancements, new integrations and other projects in your organization. Look for ways to challenge status quo and offer ideas for automation. The organization will look for ways to address the needs through new projects, enhancements or new systems. Ensure that you are part of the projects team. Acquire knowledge about the new systems, get involved in testing, configuration, maintenance. Join a consulting company. You will learn things faster and acquire strong knowledge of tools and practices.

Networking is key in the ERP field, fostering collaborations and opening doors. Personally, joining LinkedIn groups or attending industry conferences builds connections. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights not only broadens your knowledge but also establishes you as an active and valuable member of the ERP community. Networking platforms like LinkedIn and events like ERP-focused conferences provide opportunities to connect with professionals, share experiences, and stay updated on industry trends, enhancing your visibility and career prospects.

Networking is a crucial tool for individuals to discover job opportunities, tech skills, certifications, and recommendations. Attending tech events, joining online communities, and learning from experienced peers can enhance professional competitiveness. Inside referrals from industry professionals also boost selection chances.

Networking is a powerful tool for entering and advancing in the ERP field. By actively engaging with the ERP community, leveraging existing connections, and showcasing your skills, you increase your chances of finding and securing your first job in this dynamic and competitive industry.

Any ERP solutions offer learning tools and plenty networking options. While you can always take an instructor led course on special topics, connecting with colleagues and managers at work may turn to be easier. Check who is the group that supports your current ERP, talk to the support guys, managers, get job shadow opportunities, apply for internal vacancies, expand your knowledge. Join community of practice groups (internal, external). Open an account on the vendor support site. You will get access to multiple sources of information and multiple colleagues. Reach to ERP vendors for online and on-site sessions and open or join blogs

To find jobs, search for various roles in the ERP field, using different websites. Review your interests, qualifications, and expectations when searching, and create a list of open roles that match your preferences. To prepare a job application resume, update it with your most recent education, skills, ERP certifications, and experience. Customize it based on the job posting, reviewing the job description, and highlighting relevant ERP skills. Research the company through its website, and social media to understand its mission, ERP products, clients, growth prospects, and business plans. To prepare for an interview, create a list of common interview questions and prepare thoughtful answers.

The aspiring ERP professionals can position themselves as strong candidates in the job market. The combination of targeted job searches, a well-crafted portfolio, effective networking, and strategic preparation for interviews enhances the likelihood of securing rewarding ERP opportunities.

Many managers in addition should look for several few things: staff ability to adapt to changes, ability to learn new things, learn from mistakes, apply analytical skills to work challenges. By demonstrating those skills to future managers staff can build trust and confidence that he/she can work with ERP system and/or transition from one ERP system to another, from business operations to a different role.

Creo que enfocarse en entender un ERP específico es una buena idea. Entender el tecnicismo de cada módulo del ERP, conocerlo, manipularlo. Luego pasar a otro. Los ERP son bastante complejos para andar aprendiendo muchos al mismo tiempo. Así hasta conocer al menos los mas importantes del mercado. En cuanto al primer trabajo, haber estudiado e investigado sobre cierti ERP te dará la base técnica para solicitar un trabajo relacionado.