Which path to take in your Microsoft Dynamics career: End User, Partner or Tier 1 Consultancy?

We frequently get approached about the differences in working for an end user and a consultancy so this piece will share the answers and help you to choose your direction in the Microsoft Dynamics industry. As a Microsoft Dynamics specialist there are various directions you can take – you could work for a Gold Partner, end client, or Tier 1 Consultancy. So how should you choose which route to go down? What are the benefits of working for one type of employer over the other?

Partners

There are various advantages in working for a Microsoft Dynamics partner, the main one being the experience you get by working across several projects. This helps you discover what experience you are missing, and gives you the chance to close any gaps in skills. You will also receive extensive training in methodology & structure, and have exposure to Microsoft Dynamics updates which are gained through the partner’s association with Microsoft. These are an important part of any career in Microsoft Dynamics, which is why it is seen as advantageous to work for a partner in the early phases of your career.

Conversely, working for a partner can bring about various complications, especially when it comes to your personal life. At a partner, a consultant’s life consists of making trips to client sites, and spending a lot of time staying in hotels. While this might be seen as fun for anyone who appreciates the advantages of room service and housekeeping, it can put a stress on anyone who has a family at home.

End Users

One obvious benefit of working for an end user is the stability they offer. You will regularly work in the same location, have a permanent base, and snicker at the consultants staying in the local Holiday Inn. However, do you gain the experience necessary to grow your career? The response to this can be seen 2 ways. It could be suggested that your experience will be restricted to the business sector you work in. But is this such a terrible thing? An ever increasing amount of Microsoft Dynamics is being tailored to particular businesses areas and so that’s a genuine benefit in working at an end user. We’ve seen with the add-ons for retail and manufacturing that industry experience is as important as product knowledge. An end client will give you very specific experience of industry processes which will help you to create implementation methodologies for that sector.

Tier 1

It’s not just Microsoft Partners implementing Dynamics – companies like PWC, IBM, KPMG and Cap Gemini are all a part of Microsoft Dynamics projects nowadays meaning that they also offer career opportunity. The principle upside is brand, status and the network they can provide – the prestige of working for a worldwide consultancy & experience of methodology and documentation in addition to the gentler side of negotiation, questioning and sales techniques. Because of the amount of individuals that have gone before you, you are additionally introduced to a network of contacts and connections that could last forever.

On the other hand, in addition the travel already referred to, you must be ready for a completely different culture to a Microsoft Partner or end user. What makes them so great is conversely what restrains them! Whilst implementation process is high, HR procedure is likewise comprehensive and decision-making requires a lot of time and patience! Working at a Tier 1 consultancy, there is additionally the feeling that you are a small cog in a big machine. For some people, this can give the sense that they don’t have a voice around suggestions and the most successful individuals are those who can play the political corporate game.

Clearly mapping out your career depends where you want to get to, and this will vary for every Microsoft Dynamics consultant. But what do businesses look for when hiring? They rate experience, versatility, and knowledge of the specific industry. There is no set route to a successful career, but the more you plan the more likely you are you reach your end goal. Consider where you’d like to be eventually, the way to build the skills to get there, and ensure your workplace encourages your growth – the rest will look after itself.

Cognitive Group are a Microsoft Dynamics recruitment business specializing in Dynamics AX job, Dynamics CRM jobs and other roles in the Microsoft stack. Get in touch if you’d like help finding your next Microsoft Dynamics job!

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