Dear CareerBabe...

Dear CareerBabe:

I want to get into the consulting/training side of SAP. I have two years of hands-on experience and have been through three implementations. I have six very strong years of work experience with excellent letters of reference. The drawback is that I have no degree. I have sent out at least 50 resumes on the Internet in every direction I can think of. Is my lack of a degree holding me back? I recently left a job as a financial analyst for a major oilfield service company and was hired immediately by Compaq, (under a 9 month contract) with no problems as a inventory analyst for SAP implementation. Now I want to go full force in the SAP arena, I am not even getting a bite. Any advice?

Signed:
No Bites for Business

Dear Bites:

First check out this article on career opportunities in enterprise software, Enterprising Career Moves - Mastering enterprise software could be your key to boosting your career, then listen to this:

According to recruiter Kaliana Kelleye from Pro-Connect Worldwide, Inc. an SAP staffing firm, here’s one answer: "Bites: while you didn’t describe your specific area of expertise within SAP, the "overview" you describe is considered marketable within the SAP workplace, but your lack of a degree will impact your results since the Big 5 firms, and many end user companies almost always require a degree for hiring. Smaller "body shop" type firms, on the other hand, are less interested in whether a candidate has a degree, than in whether the candidate has real, hands-on SAP skills. Independent contracting offers another viable option for someone without a degree. Again, the proven skillset is the key factor."

In other words, if you have solid, hands-on skills in SAP, just keep pitching. You might also try approaching reputable recruiters who specializes in SAP. They can help you get your next assignment or tell you point blank what you have to do to search for your next career opportunity. Last, try to take all the courses you need to complete your degree and check out colleges and universities that might consider giving you college credits for actual work experience.

Best of Luck!

CareerBabe accepts no responsibility for specific decisions of individuals and advises each individual to seek specific advice on their specific situation from qualified professionals.