SharePoint Admin/Salesforce Admin/ServiceNow Admin

8 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 26,2023 at 3:07PM UTC

   I checked SharePoint Admin certs and there are none. With that said, either go for the Salesforce or Service Now certifications.

   I am currently studying for my SF Admin exam. I have heard it’s hard to break into an entry level role, but I think it’s who you know, like any other industry. Be open to starting a paid internship. Once I get my cert, I will do side gigs to get my experience. At least they’re paid. I don’t recommend volunteering because these non-profits need consistency which is harder to do if not getting paid. Plus you don’t want to be taken advantage of which is what a lot of volunteer nonprofits will do.

   I don’t know much about the Service Now, but it is worth checking.

   Hope this helps!

2. AnonymousSeptember 26,2023 at 4:30PM UTC

   Thanks and best of luck on your SF exam!

3. AnonymousSeptember 27,2023 at 10:43AM UTC

   Admins for those? In my very large global company we don't have admins for those but managers, IMO that is definitely different. As we use these experts in the processes and procedures. I don't even think I'm using the correct verbiage on this but we don't have admins for these roles, no supportive roles for these. Why stop at admin become certified, Salesforce is a very hot company right now, go for it.

4. AnonymousSeptember 28,2023 at 3:34AM UTC

   Thanks for your encouraging words! I'll check out their certification program(s).

5. Tracy DyeSeptember 28,2023 at 4:09PM UTC

   Salesforce Admin here. Yes, it's hard to get an entry level role because there is lots of competition. You really have to stand out and network into positions. However, it is not impossible. Get the first certification- Admin, not Associate- but don't expect to get a job with only that cert. It can be very challenging, depending on the role, and there are opportunities for growth though maybe in another company.

   Side note: Salesforce Administrator is NOT a regular administrator working under a manager, but a person doing behind-the-scenes work in the Salesforce platform. So, security- who sees what, page layouts, data import and upkeep, automations like validation rules and flow. Larger companies might have a team with titles like Administrator, Developer, Business analyst, and Architect. Most people do not work for the actual Salesforce company.

   Also, training for the certification is more than just Trailhead, though trailhead helps you know what to do. Other cert programs might not be free but generally not too expensive. ie, Focus on Force has $20 for the study guide and $20 for practice tests.

6. AnonymousSeptember 29,2023 at 4:53AM UTC

   Thanks! I'm learning a lot of companies use Salesforce and it seems like a valuable skill/transferable skill for sure. Thank you for the recommendations on the study/practice test info as well.

7. AnonymousSeptember 30,2023 at 4:06PM UTC

   Salesforce architect here; keep in mind that there are many paths to different roles in Salesforce. From Salesforce admin, you might gain additional skills to become a developer, or technical architect. It's also possible to go from admin to business analyst, then manager, or product owner.

   My route was a bit different, as I came in from another tech stack to become a Salesforce developer, then tech lead, Salesforce architect, and now Systems Architect. Trailhead has been mentioned by others, and it's a great resource; there's even a trailhead to explain various roles in Salesforce, and the path that you can take to get there: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/career-path

   Having worked with Sharepoint in a previous technical role, I can say that the Salesforce ecosystem has been *much* more beneficial to my career and earning power than if I'd stayed in the MS ecosystem. Salesforce does the best job of providing documentation, training materials and hands-on practice environments, to help SF resources continuously upskill.

   If you're doing a complete career pivot, you may want to look for pro bono opportunities to get real-world skills. Salesforce has a specific platform for non-profits, for instance, so it's very likely you'd be able to find a non-profit that could use your time and skill.

   Whichever route you choose, I wish you all the best, and good fortune!

8. AnonymousOctober 2,2023 at 11:07AM UTC

   I appreciate your advice, especially thinking about the long term benefit of learning Salesforce versus the others.