Is practical experience more important than reading?
Recently I got involved in debates with my some of my colleagues.
The question was – What is more important to become a successful SAP consultant;
Is it having practical experience or is it reading SAP books?
Reading books brings in knowledge. The more you read the
greater the dimension you develop to think about possibilities. SAP is like an
ocean. It has tremendous flexibilities. As a consultant one should be aware of
the scope and possibilities in his area. The role of a consultant is just not
to configure a system. He is suppose to understand a clients requirement and
then advice client based on the possibilities, best approaches and industry standards.
One can harness these skills through regular reading. I have come across
consultant in my life who are veterans in their SAP career, but at times fail
to meet client requirements, saying things are “not possible”. This happens
only to people who stop learning. Technology is changing constantly and being
an IT consultant one has to keep pace with the changes happening around. It is
not necessary that, what you learn today will immediately get implemented. But
yes once you are in a particular situation and if you are aware of the
possibilities in your subject, you would definitely re explore and provide a
solution.
Well, just reading books alone will not boost your career.
In SAP, I believe one should try things practically and surf through the system
as to whatever he has learnt. When you actually start working in an area you
might realize that your reading is still incomplete and you still need to
explore further. Even to crack interviews your bookish knowledge alone, will
not help. When you start working on the system you understand other integrated
areas as well. But yes one has to be cautious while configuring the system. I
have seen people who actually configure a system through trial an error method
and when asked about the approach, they look completely blank. So, if you have
worked on a new area or tried a new thing, it is advisable to look back and
rethink as to how did it happen and conclude your thought process with a clarity
about the linkages and results. Being complacent and thinking the job is done can be
dangerous and might bring out some defect in your configuration.
Therefore, I would conclude saying that reading books is
equally important that having hands on experience in SAP. To be successful
consultant in SAP career, you need to continuously sharpen your saw.
Reading book is very important. However, to register in mind strongly, the practical experience will play major role.
Ankit,
You could make things clearer in your blog!
In your blog, does practical experience means working on IDES?
Or are you referring to real-time SAP experience? (configuration experience)?
Nothing is more important than real-time SAP configuration experience!
TW,
You are right. Real time experience does holds an importance. But this is exactly what my point is. Reading and keeping pace with technological changes is equally important.
Ankit,
In order to be a top-rated consultant continuous learning is a must!
What learning depends upon your current role and aspirations.
I can see the difference between the "quality" of consultants - who participate in SCN and who don't.
Members participating in SCN keep involving in different issues, this is also one type of learning. And this has a positive impact on the performance and quality of a consultant.
TW,
Very rightly said. Learning could be through any medium. It could be forums, books, dicsussions, blogs etc. All is required is the eargerness to do so.
Very well said. This helps in knowing different scenarios, their solutions and thus, using different functionality of SAP. Indeed a must !!
ntn
Good to see such a beautiful comment from you.
Hi Ankit,
Your blog motivated who want to learn and get challenge in work area.
Learning continuously is good to improve skill. Technologies is changing continuously as well as client requirement.
Getting knowledge with any medium either books or blogs its good.
Learning from experience is always better than books.
Thanks,
Ranjit K.