Seeking a career in SAP consulting

Looking for IT career advice? Post your question here, and we'll get our experts to answer. We regret, however, that some questions may not be answered due to insufficient information.

Q. I'm an IT specialist and have about 10 years of ERP experience.
I am interested in applying for a position as a SAP consultant, but I do not have any experience on the SAP system. Will consulting firms accept my application?

Career advice from Stephen Chang, managing director of Deloitte Consulting:
Your ERP experience provides you with a strong foundation and understanding of ERP concepts and the integration of the key business processes of an enterprise. While you do not have SAP product knowledge, you should have no problems gaining an overview of the SAP system quickly. You should start by focusing on one of the SAP software modules, for example, materials management or sales and distribution. Consulting firms normally recruit experienced SAP resources who have completed two or three implementation projects. You will need to undergo SAP product training and choose a SAP module as your core competency. I would suggest that you gain your initial grounding in an IT user organization running SAP, before joining a consulting firm.

Career advice from Stella Thevarakam, regional HR director of ISS Consulting, a technology consulting company with operations in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia:
The consulting firm may accept your application but you may have to take a big pay cut. Coming in with ERP experience--but without specific SAP technology experience--would be like starting mid-way and learning from there. It will not be a lateral move.