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!
W: http://www.cognitive-group.com
E: info@cognitive-group.com
T: 0203 587 7772
EU Toll-Free: 00800 4433 2929
T: 0203 587 7772
EU Toll-Free: 00800 4433 2929
