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How do I gain experience as a Certified Salesforce Administrator without a bachelors degree?

Veteran

LaDarrell Martin Dubach, LA

I can’t seem to find a company that will give me an opportunity as a SalesForce Administrator even even with my certification

2 December 2020 6 replies Career Advancement

Answers

Advisor

Brian Landsman New York, NY

LaDarrell - are you registered at https://veterans.force.com/s/ ? That's usually the best place to start for us. Additionally, if you email me with your resume I can connect you with someone internally who specializes in placing Salesforce military talent.

2 December 2020 Helpful answer

Advisor

Kathryn O’Brien

Hi LaDarrell, I would recommend Salesforce Military https://veterans.force.com/s/ and the Trailhead Military program which is virtual, self-paced, free. There are job postings within the community as well.
Also Merivis supports veterans preparing for their next mission through training, mentorship and job readiness for Salesforce cloud technology careers.
https://merivis.org/

I came across an excellent list of resources created by a fellow Veteran by the name of Hannah Oh (Ringel) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/military-transition-resources-comprehensive-list-hannah-ringel/

DM if you would like to discuss further.

Advisor

Kathryn O’Brien

Hi LaDarrell, I would highly recommend Salesforce Military https://veterans.force.com/s/ the Trailhead Military program is virtual, self-paced.
Also Merivis supports veterans preparing for their next mission through training, mentorship and job readiness for Salesforce cloud technology careers.
https://merivis.org/

Also came across an excellent resource of companies that provide internship and training, This list was created by a fellow Vet by the name of Hannah Oh (Ringel) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/military-transition-resources-comprehensive-list-hannah-ringel/

Happy to discuss further if you need any assistance

Advisor

Joe Engle Indianapolis, IN

Hello LaDarrell. Not having a degree is not a show stopper. However, you might have to initially accept compromises, like maybe lower pay, or living in a smaller town, or working weekends, etc. until you get the experience.

I just checked www.simplyhired.com for a city (pop. 1million), and saw many jobs for Salesforce Administrator. I see about 90% ASK for degrees, but 10% DO NOT! The salary is a little lower than those requiring degrees, but not a lot. There is a lot of demand for your skills, and remember companies can ask for anything, but they might not get any resumes! So even if you do not meet their 'degree requirement', they might be willing to give you a pass on that, if you meet their other requirements if they did not get many other applicants.

Also, you should look for an entry level position (no degree required), be flexible and gain experience, be willing to move, and accept the initial lower pay.

Usually, the degreed people with the most experience will be in the large cities, with the big companies, with the highest pay. But there will be companies in smaller cities, that cannot attract the degreed people or the company may not have the money to pay high salaries. Those may provide opportunities for you! Look for these.

Once you get a few years experience, you will be more marketable, and you will make contacts that will be valuable in your career. Get your foot in the door.

Good luck!

Advisor

Jeff Martin Ashburn, VA

I’d suggest that you network at the target company or industry. Use LinkedIn to find people already working there and reach out to them. Ask them the process they used to get hired and ask them to help you navigate the hiring process and if they are willing, ask them to submit you as a referral. These activities require much more time on your part but in my opinion would greatly increase your chances for success. Good luck!

Advisor

Drew Schildwächter Wilmington, NC

LaDarrell, I would also check out this program from Hiring Our Heroes: https://www.hiringourheroes.org/fellowships/salesforce-fellowship-program/

I have seen some people find success through that program. It offers paid 12-week fellowships which can turn into employment (but are not guaranteed to do so).

Also, I saw this podcast with advice today: https://admin.salesforce.com/blog/2020/how-to-get-your-first-salesforce-job-with-tiffany-spencer

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