Future Ahoy: Life as an Early Talent @ Cloud ERP

Every world-class scientist or inspiring leader had to start somewhere. Gone are the days when companies could just post ads and expect to be flooded with qualified applicants. Today, labor shortages put talent in the driver’s seat. And the companies that don’t position themselves in front of said talent early and often will find that talent gravitating to the companies that do. The talent shortage continues to place a heavier and heavier burden on the economy and as companies struggle to find the talent they need, they must to invest in new and more strategic approaches to developing an early talent pipeline. 70% of people in the early talent category have already decided who they want to work for (46% in high school and 24% by second year of college). To recruit the talent you need tomorrow, you need to start building relationships today.

Early Talent programmes help you hit the ground running as you enter the world of work. At SAP, because we know that you want to help the world run better and improve people's lives, we?provide you with?targeted networking opportunities, development resources and tips, specifically curated to support the success of?all?Early Talents at SAP.

Take a look at this blog post to hear the voices of four early talents from across the world who work in various roles in and with our organisation and read about the challenges they have faced in their careers and what hopes they have for the future. Thank you so much for giving us for volunteering to share your stories and giving us a glimpse into your career journeys!

https://jobs.sap.com/content/graduates/

Sophia Sommerrock, Walldorf

How do you feel you have benefitted from being part of the Early Talent Program at SAP??

It’s been a great experience for me so far! I could expand my network through organized events and I could also get in touch with SAP leaders. I particularly enjoy the "Read to Lead" sessions where you can connect with senior executives on their leadership values. This program has made my workplace more enjoyable and has allowed me to develop a sense of community here at SAP.

Why should organizations and businesses engage with people at the start of their career??

I used to play professional sports for a long time. With this background, starting a professional career felt like joining a new sports team. I am convinced that athletes can only develop their full potential if they feel comfortable in their team. That’s why I feel I benefited not only from the Early Talent Program at SAP, but also from the Buddy Program, and from having an onboarding plan from my manager. Generally, I think engaging with career starters benefits organizations by tapping into our high motivation, fresh perspectives, and enthusiasm. Just as in sport, a team performs at its best when everyone finds their place and synergies merge across different disciplines and level of experiences.

What motivated you to take a job at SAP/in the IT industry??

I've always been fascinated by IT because of its potential to automate and simplify people's daily lives, and I enjoy tackling complex challenges in this field. In the case of SAP, my connection runs deeper as I come from the Kraichgau region. I've been aware of SAP for a long time, even participating in a Girls Day event as a young girl. The positive impact of the company in the regional community encouraged me to become part of such a renowned company. That's why I joined SAP as a student at the earliest opportunity back in 2017 and have been with our company ever since.

Do you see a generational difference between you and your colleagues and what do you believe you bring to the table?

There is a noticeable generational difference between me and many of my colleagues who belong to a more experienced generation. I find this age diversity enriching, as it provides me with the opportunity to learn from their extensive experience, which is a valuable aspect of my professional development.

In terms of what I bring to the table, I think that I provide a new perspective, which can point out new perceptions due to changing customer needs in the future. Young, inexperienced users expect intuitive smartphone-like apps and processes. At SAP, I hope to help understand these future needs and provide a voice representing those end-users. I also hope that my motivation to drive projects forward while integrating my colleagues' experience serves to revitalize and energize the team.

Christine McCarthy, Dublin

Why should organizations and businesses engage with people at the start of their career??

I started at SAP by doing an internship on the Design team here in Dublin. This internship gave me a glimpse into what life in the corporate/tech world is like, and really opened my mind to all the possibilities this company offers. Throughout the eight-month internship, I had the privilege to explore diverse roles and career paths, all while receiving invaluable guidance and support from my mentors and colleagues.

The support, encouragement and motivation surrounding me in my team is unbeatable. I brought this motivation and knowledge back to university where I then applied what I had learned, whilst working for SAP, and graduated top of my class. This would not have been possible without first taking a look into what the world of UX design really is, and how you can apply these skills to not only your studies but your career going forward. I have since returned as a full-time employee and continue to learn and grow within the company.?

What motivated you to take a job at SAP/in the IT industry??

My love for art and design really motivated me to pursue a career in UX design, and the industry's reputation for innovation and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies brought me towards the tech industry. I have been lucky enough to find a career that lets me channel my creativity whilst also giving me the chance to work in a challenging yet rewarding industry.?

How’s it going so far?

Great! I have recently completed my first full year here at SAP as an Associate UX Designer in Dublin. I can see my steady progression throughout the past year of working full time at SAP, and the progress I have made here is unmatched. Collaborating with a diverse team of designers, developers, and others helped me to improve my communication and teamwork abilities and better grasp my role within the team. Overall, my first year as a UX designer in SAP has provided me with a solid foundation, both in terms of skills and industry knowledge, to continue succeeding in this exciting industry.?

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a job at SAP?

Embrace the opportunity! SAP is a great company for your first job, as you will be equipped with the knowledge and experience that will shape your future in the industry. Entering SAP is a great step to take in the beginning of your career as it isn’t just a company, but also a community where you can meet like-minded people, expand your interests, try new things, and have fun, all whilst gaining valuable experience for your career.

If you are nervous or unsure about what role you would like to pursue, you are open to do a number of different internships within SAP where you can explore and try different paths before settling on a singular career direction. I began in a UX Design internship, which led me to discover my passion for design and innovation, which guided me into a career in this field.

Grace Chen, Shanghai

How do you feel you have benefitted from being part of the Early Talent Program at SAP??

The Early Talent Program gave me the opportunity to build connections with Early Talents and professionals within SAP and in this way I gained a deeper understanding of the culture and strategy of SAP.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a job at SAP??

The advice I would like to give is to figure out your career goals, skills, and interests. Consider how the role aligns with your long-term career plans and whether SAP can provide opportunities for professional growth and development.

Why should organizations and businesses engage with people at the start of their career??

Young professionals often bring fresh and innovative ideas. They tend to be more open to new technologies and trends, which can help organizations stay current and competitive.?

Do you see a generational difference between you and your colleagues and what do you believe you bring to the table?

Certainly, there are generational differences among different generations, as is common in many workplaces. I think it's also a chance to learn from each other's experiences during collaboration. What I can do is offer my fresh perspective and combine our experiences to achieve our common goal.

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Amaliya Gorelik, Brno

What?motivated you to take a job at SAP/in the IT industry??

I was attracted by the position of a UX designer and how varied the tasks are. It’s not just about visual design but also understanding complex business processes, addressing user needs, and innovating new concepts.

How’s it going so far?

I like it very much! I get to work on projects from different business areas and meet people from all around the world. Additionally, what I truly appreciate is learning from the experiences of others and getting insights from different perspectives.

?Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

I can see myself as a senior UX Designer with a lot of experience, handling significant projects and mentoring new team members, just as I’ve been guided by my colleagues.?I’m still in a learning phase right now, and SAP is providing many opportunities for me to grow in this direction.

?Do you see a generational difference between you and your colleagues and what do you believe you bring to the table?

I believe I can offer a fresh approach to the team. Sometimes your eyes get blurry after working on something for a long time, but with my unbiased viewpoint, I can encourage the team to consider new and innovative ideas.

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