Please help me shape my career path in IT?

Question

I am BTech grad from Mumbai (India). I have had a short stint at a S/W development company where I developed a software using Java. I soon realized that the most important part of it is the System Analysis and Design aspect. I want this to be my career but don't know how to get into it. If I work as programmer I will be stuck mastering J2EE and databses like Oracle for at least 2-3 years. And after all that hard work I wouldn't want to turn my back on it by doing a MBA & try for management positions which could lead to roles similar to what I aim for. I want to know about positions where I can start as close as possible to my dream job of understanding business processes and designing the interfaces or whole software on an enterprise level. If prgraming has to be the way, is SAP a better option for me? Right now I know little abt it and don't know what role do I start with in SAP. Please guide me to shape my career by suggesting roles, qualifications & experience I should look out for.

Respected Mr. Larry,
WOW! You sure have made my day by answering my question in so much detail. However, I don't think the steps you mentioned are practical for me (especially 1 & 2). I have already done graduation in Technology and thus can't afford to spend more time & money, by doing a BBA. I understand becoming a USER of the ERP systems is crucial for my career goal. Right now, I can only try for jobs which allow me to implement them or give support to such systems. I can also try for positions of ABAP programmer. These are the options which I have right now & need to know other more. I am sorry but I can't take a U turn like you have suggested. Is there any way I can find my way into System Analysis & Design, based on my qualification so far. You can point out to specific courses or jobs which I should vouch for to get as close as possible to this dream career. Thanks a lot for taking time out to help me. I will obliged if you can help me out further. Thanking you in anticipation

Answer 1

Programming is NOT the way...Here's my plan. It worked for me, and is the precise reason the Programming profession is dying in the US.

Step One: Get out of IT.

Step Two: Get into the operational business world where you'll USE the ERP systems and become an expert. Bachelors degree in business administration first, of course.

Step Three: Advance your dream career by demonstrating the business improvements you can make by better USE of the software tools. The software itself is a commodity. The skill of USING it brings value


An excellent way to step over the line from IT into the REAL WORLD is to do several ERP implementations. Develop expertise in making the software "sing." Businesses adopting new systems are starving for experiences people to make the best use of these significant investments. Once the consultants go home, who's going to run the business? You!

Also take a very good look at "Business Intelligence." It requires people with LOTS of systems and data knowledge, but also requires people with business knowledge to turn that data into knowledge. Sign on to a firm implementing BI, and you'll find opportunities in both the IT and Business worlds.

Answer 2

You should investigate Business Inteligence like SAP BW. As a SAP BW consultant you need to be and functional and technical. Have fun !

Answer 3

Take a project managment course. Good PMs are hard to find.