Why FICO continues to enchant me?

Before I begin to pen down my thoughts today, let me first thank the community for catapulting me to the Topic Leader position yet again for 2014. This time it is bit more special to have been recognized in all the three forums of SAP Financials, something I could never dream of.

My sincere and humble thanks to all of you for the same!!

Through this Blog, I dont intend to project FI/CO as the BEST module for any one to choose. Career path is what one should choose based on their skill set, academic background and interests.

When I date back my memories towards the end of 2005, when I was developing frustration for the stationary office job and at the same time developing interest towards my new learning (SAP) as an end user, the only two thoughts that  used to come to make a career shift into SAP implementations are

1. It would help me into a continuous learning process, as you would always face new clients, new business, new people, new industry and hence new set of challenges. In short, a change happening in your life almost every year

2. For the fun of traveling places

I will be precisely honest in admitting that I had no idea then what SAP career can offer me, what would be my future in this newly chosen area of interest. I never planned my career that ways. But I knew at the core, I would give it my 100% and was sure enough that I would enjoy it to the core.

Today, after trying myself for more than 8 years in this SAP industry, I can say I still love it. Not because it is my bread-and-butter, but because I love loving it.

I love it because I was able to shift my learning left and right – I have been one of those fortunate souls who have seen the business processes of the Supplier as well as the Customer.

I love it because I was precisely able to fulfill the reason no. 1 – I have been part of implementations in a different Industry every time, something that gives you a very good perspective of the things. (Reason no. 2 still remains a dream largely unfulfilled, but no regrets!!)

I love it because being in consulting gives you a rare chance of designing the things (in our case, designing the systems / business processes) rather than adopting / following the things designed by someone else

I love it for the euphoria it gives whenever you discover something new and/or apply the knowledge of few stand alone concepts to arrive at a business solution of some other problem

I wont hesitate in saying that my love for SAP technical side is not going to die down any sooner, something that is often construed against you in today’s world for not getting into managerial roles. But for me, listening to my heart is more important, as that is where the passion comes from.

Now when I hear about the new developments (Simple Finance) that are going to be the future – next, I wish I could go back to my SAP implementation days, once again spending days and nights to learn something new and re-live that thrill once again. The best part of my career was spent learning SAP FI/CO !!

My friends often taunt me for working without tea/coffee and I counter them by saying I recharge myself with Solar Energy. But the truth is learning something new or delivering the tasks without wasting a single possible minute is what gives me the kick from within. And most importantly, in the process of it, share what you have learned and touch lives!

As I said earlier, the intention is not to influence anyone’s career-choices, but to tell what any chosen SAP career path can offer you, if you give it what it takes.

I wish all the readers a Very Happy Diwali. May the festival bring light and happiness to your lives!!

Best Regards,

Ajay Maheshwari