Ashvini's Journey: Reimagining Success through SAP in a New Country

[Anne_Lenhardt]

When Ashvini Kulkarni arrived in the US in December 2022, the skies over Boston were mostly grey. They might as well have been telling the story on the ground. The country was facing the widely expected recession following the pandemic. The news tickers on the airport TV were running headlines about tech layoffs, climbing mortgage rates and an uncharacteristically warm winter. “Quite a welcome!”, Ashvini thought.  

Feeling empowered to stand shoulder to shoulder with professionals who have years of industry experience: Ashvini.Hailing from the former princely city-state of Bhopal in India, it was not the first time Ashvini had flown far from her nest. Watching her father work on SAP kindled her interest in the Enterprise Ressource Planning (ERP) software. “My decision to pursue a career in SAP was heavily influenced by my father who happened to be an SAP user at one of the world-renowned multinational companies,” the 38-year-old explains. “His insights were invaluable, and they helped me realize the vast potential of SAP in the business world.” She soon found herself in Pune, working on SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (SAP BPC) for a Europe-based manufacturing client, was invited by her customers to go to Sweden, and later to Australia. Until things took a turn.  

Building a new professional identity from scratch

Ashvini got married and relocated to Boston in the United States, where her husband already lived. “In this new environment, I faced the challenge of building my professional identity from scratch,” she recalls. And despite her open work permit, the hiring freeze many companies put into place didn't help. With 12 years of experience in the field of SAP Business Planning and Consolidation consulting, Ashvini had a lot to show: a track record of various clients from diverse industries across the globe, many successfully completed implementation projects, numerous awards and appreciation from employers and clients, and a cosmopolitan mindset that only frequent travel could get you. But it wasn’t enough for Ashvini.  

To understand why, you need to know how Ashvini ticks. “I am deeply committed to continuous growth and self-improvement,” she says, “education and skill development remain a central focus, as I aspire to acquire advanced knowledge in my field and expand my skill set to excel professionally.” While traveling and exploration hold a special place in her heart, and immersing herself in new cultures, creating lasting memories, is important to her, personal growth and self-improvement are ongoing goals. “I aim to nurture my emotional intelligence, develop a deeper sense of empathy, and cultivate a growth mindset to enhance both my personal and professional life,” Ashvini summarizes.

SAP's digital skills initiative helped her get certified

And this is why she decided to SAP’s digital skills initiative. “Relocating to the U.S. prompted me to invest in continuous learning and skill development. Pursuing SAP software skills aligns with my goal of adapting to a new job market and building a strong professional identity in a new country.” So, she opted for a certification in SAP Analytics Cloud Planning – successfully passing the exam. 

Keen to try her hand at her newly acquired skill, the hunt for SAP Analytics Cloud roles and opportunities began. “A company named Forage was offering a simulation project with compelling exercises and technical challenges,” she says. Sensing an opportunity to keep her skills warm, Ashvini spent the next few weeks working in the simulation environment, exploring and testing SAP Analytics Cloud from every conceivable angle. 

Feeling empowered

Ashvini immediately sensed the extent of her decision to take the exam. “Obtaining the SAP Certification has been a remarkable milestone in my career. It has not only enhanced my technical knowledge but also boosted my self-confidence, particularly as I find myself navigating a new country and job market,” she says. “In a place where I'm starting fresh, this certification serves as a testament to my commitment to excel in the field of SAP.”  

Feeling empowered to stand shoulder to shoulder with professionals who have years of industry experience, she says she now feels confident to take on any challenge. “I am excited to explore new opportunities in the U.S. with this valuable SAP Analytics Cloud Planning certification as a key asset in my arsenal.” Knowing that employers value the verified skills she has, Ashvini is restarting her career. “Having an SAP Certification on my resume has made me a more attractive candidate to employers and increased my employability.” And it all started with her father laying the foundation for her success so many years ago.  

Start your own success story

Did you feel inspired by Ashvini’s story? Then kick-start your own success story with SAP today. Benefit from tailored and self-paced learning opportunities that meet you when and where you learn best on SAP Learning site. Get certified to demonstrate your expertise and boost your career. We are looking forward to many more remarkable success stories! 

Are you looking to hire people like Ashvini? Reach out to the digital skills initiative for information on how to contact her and other people like her who are entering the SAP ecosystem with a fresh cloud-first mindset. We are happy to connect any partner or customer with our candidates to provide a mutual growth opportunity for new talent and the organizations supporting our ecosystem.