Career Path

Status
Not open for further replies.

PricklyPete

Lifer
Sep 17, 2002
14,582
162
106
I currently work as a SAP Consultant for a smaller consulting company. My role has been a functional consultant, but because of my background in programming/system architecture, I have been heavily involved in the technical aspects (technical design docs and programming at our client's implementations). One of the five partners who own our consulting company has taken note of my technical skills and has expressed interest in me joining his team of developers with the intent of me becoming one of the companies system architects.

I started many years ago as a programmer (Java, C, C#) and moved into a System Architect role at my previous company working on a proprietary ERP system. Was given an opportunity to gain experience with SAP by my current company and took them up on it. I have enjoyed my work, but constantly feel the pull of my programming roots. The partner that currently I work under has repeatedly stated that my "soft skills" are too good to waste on the technical aspect of what we do. I'm sure the two partners would support me in either direction I want to take this, so now I really just have to decide what career path is best for me. So laying out the pros and cons:

Functional Consultant

Pros:
- More networking which can lead to future opportunities
- In my experience, this route leads to more management roles
- Less likely to be outsourced

Cons:
- Generally lots of travel…on a slight hiatus for the last year and a half as I'm on a long term project…but will likely start traveling regularly again…which does not make my wife happy
- 50-75% of my job is political at the client…this gets tiring and is very stressful​


Technical Consultant/Developer/System Architect

Pros:
- I really enjoy being involved in the technical aspects of the system
- Less travel - can do a lot of work remotely

Cons:
- Development/Technical work seems to be the most easily outsourced task in SAP implementation and maintenance. Not sure if this is the best career path from an available jobs perspective.
- Seems less likely to provide as many opportunities to network and further my career​

There would be no change in pay either path I take. As long as I stay with my current company, either path should not affect my earning potential. Not as sure about future companies though.

Thoughts?
 

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,081
136
I would go with whatever teaches me new skills.
That helps give you a future, regardless of current salary.
 

PricklyPete

Lifer
Sep 17, 2002
14,582
162
106
I would go with whatever teaches me new skills.
That helps give you a future, regardless of current salary.

I agree with this wholeheartedly...but honestly I have a ton to learn in both roles...so I see both of them keeping me busy and my mind active.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
Got any plans for kids in the future? Travel + family life = no fun.
 

JS80

Lifer
Oct 24, 2005
26,271
7
81
How old are you? What's your current salary?

My buddy at IBM is at $150/hr now. Age 27.
 

PricklyPete

Lifer
Sep 17, 2002
14,582
162
106
Got any plans for kids in the future? Travel + family life = no fun.

Yes. My wife is not really a fan of all the traveling my job usually entails (not traveling as much at the moment...but that will pick up again soon). The more technical gig will still require travel...but should be much more manageable.
 

PricklyPete

Lifer
Sep 17, 2002
14,582
162
106
How old are you? What's your current salary?

My buddy at IBM is at $150/hr now. Age 27.

I'm 31...and I don't like to share my salary information. My company bills anywhere from $200 to $250 an hour for my services...but I am paid a salary that is more than fair and is not directly related to my billing rate.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.