Tech with Simran

Author: Simran

  • Getting started as a MS Dynamics 365/Power Platform Functional consultant

    In my previous blog, we discussed why a career as a functional consultant might be the perfect fit for you.Now, while you can take on the functional career path with many platforms such as Microsoft, Salesforce, SAP etc. Today I’ll share my insights and lessons on starting a career as a Microsoft Power Platform/Dynamics 365 CRM Functional Consultant.

    Firstly, What do you do as a Microsoft Functional Consultant?

    As a Functional Consultant, your main responsibility is to understand business processes and translate them into practical solutions using Microsoft’s ecosystem. In this role, you’ll configure solutions within the MS Power Platform/Dynamics 365 environment, applying your technical knowledge during workshops to design effective solutions.

    A typical day might involve meeting with stakeholders to refine requirements, configuring and designing modules, collaborating with developers for customizations, and working with your project team to meet deadlines.

    The best part about pursuing a career in MS D365 CRM/Power Platform is that you don’t necessarily need a technical background. Microsoft actively encourages individuals to explore careers in the Power Platform, and you can find more information on the Microsoft Power Up website.

    3 Key Pillars for Building Your Knowledge and Skills to Kickstart Your Career:

    Pillar 1: Develop Domain Knowledge in Microsoft Power Platform/Dynamics 365

    In the role of a Functional Consultant, you need a solid understanding of how business processes work and how Microsoft tools can be used to streamline them. Here are some resources to get you started:

    Tip: Tailor your learning to specific areas of interest, such as Power Pages, Customer Service, Sales, or Marketing, depending on the niche you want to specialize in. This will allow you to develop a deeper expertise in that area.

    Pillar 2: Develop Soft Skills

    While technical skills are critical, soft skills are just as essential. As a Functional Consultant, your role is to translate business needs into technical solutions. This requires strong communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities.

    1. Communication
    Clearly articulating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders is crucial. Improve this skill by joining speaking groups like Toastmasters, practicing in front of a mirror, recording and analyzing your presentations, and engaging in conversations with diverse audiences.

    2. Problem-Solving
    Functional Consultants must break down complex business problems and find clear solutions. Strengthen this skill by working on case studies, solving brain teasers, and collaborating in problem-solving activities like hackathons and workshops.

    3. Stakeholder Engagement
    Building strong relationships with stakeholders ensures project success. Develop this skill by practicing active listening, cultivating empathy through open-ended questions, and setting clear expectations while keeping stakeholders informed.

    4. Project Management
    Understanding project management principles ensures efficiency. Learn frameworks like Agile and Waterfall, pursue certifications (PMP, Scrum Master), use tools like Trello, Asana, Azure DevOps and Jira, and gain hands-on experience by managing small projects or participating in simulations.

    Pillar 3: Practice, Practice, Practice

    Hands-on experience is the most effective way to build confidence and competence. The more you practice, the more you’ll improve.

    Ways to Get Practical Experience:

    • Create Solutions: Start small by building workflows, automating processes in your day to day, or designing reports to view how you’re favorite team is performing.
    • Volunteer: If you don’t have direct work experience yet, consider volunteering for a nonprofit or a small business that needs help with their CRM or automation. It’s a great way to gain hands-on experience. Leverage your connections to find these opportunities.
    • Simulate Real-Life Scenarios: Design case studies or use cases to practice developing solutions. These simulated experiences will better prepare you for real-world projects. You’ll find plenty of examples for this on Udemy and Youtube.
    • Leverage Trial Environments: Microsoft offers 30-day trial environments for both Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. Use these to explore and configure solutions without any risk.
    • Participate in Hackathons & Challenges: Microsoft hosts various challenges and hackathons. These events provide opportunities to work with peers, test your skills, and learn from others.

    Tip: Build a portfolio of your practice projects. Documenting your work will help track your progress and make it easier to demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

    By focusing on these three pillars—domain knowledge, soft skills, and hands-on practice—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and successful Microsoft Power Platform/Dynamics 365 CRM Functional Consultant. It’s a career that blends problem-solving, technology, and communication, making it both dynamic and rewarding.

    Remember, persistence and continuous learning are key to success in this field. Embrace the journey, and best of luck on your path!

  • Why a Career as a Functional Consultant Could Be Your Perfect Fit?

    A few years ago, I entered the tech industry with a deep passion for technology. I was fascinated by how technology was shaping the world and how it had the potential to solve complex problems. But there was one thing I quickly realized – I didn’t just care about the tech for the sake of it. I wanted to know how technology could make a difference for businesses, help them grow, and improve their processes.

    At that time, I wasn’t sure what role would allow me to blend my passion for technology with my desire to understand and improve business operations. I tried different things ,from Development, QA to BA work and I still had that nagging feeling that I hadn’t quite found my fit. But looking back now, it seems so clear—it should have been the giveaway! I was searching for a career that would allow me to merge my two passions: technology and business.

    Luckily, I had many mentors and opportunities which have led me to finding out a role that blends my two passions. Forgetting if you’ve got a technical or non technical background, here are 5 questions that will help you decide if being a functional consultant is your perfect role –

    Does the big picture excite you?

    When a problem presents itself, do you immediately start dreaming of all the possibilities, imagining how a solution could evolve in the future? Do you look at a small feature and picture it growing, expanding, and transforming over time? Most importantly, do you live for that “aha!” moment when everything clicks together? If so, this visionary thinking will drive you to innovate, crafting solutions that not only solve today’s problems but are also future-proof for your clients.

    Do you enjoy digging into the nitty gritty?

    While it’s great to dream big, it’s just as important to dive deep into the details. As a functional consultant, you’ll be working hand-in-hand with clients understanding their business needs down to the smallest detail. Through this detailed analysis you’ll uncover hidden business processes that often go unnoticed—because they’re second nature to the client. Those insights are the keys to designing robust, impactful solutions. If you find satisfaction in the deep dive you’re in the right mindset for the job.

    Do you seek to understand before you take action?

    How do you approach complex challenges—whether it’s a tricky university assignment, solving a client’s issue, or figuring out why your Wi-Fi isn’t working? If your instinct is to step back, take in the bigger picture, and fully understand the core of the issue before jumping to solutions you’re already ahead of the game. Detailed analysis is step one, but building the perfect solution requires thoughtful research, careful design, and considering all present and future use cases. However with experience you’ll start noticing patterns and the process of designing good solutions will become easy.

    Do you get energized by building relationships and collaboration?

    Tech isn’t just about coding and configurations—it’s about people. A big part of being a functional consultant is collaborating with clients, stakeholders, and teams to craft solutions together. If you get energized by the idea of forming relationships, engaging in meaningful discussions, and finding common ground, you’ll love this aspect of the role. Connection, support and care from my peers and client thus far has not only helped me become a better functional consultant but a well rounded human.

    Do you enjoy detangling problems?

    Unpacking complex issues and turning chaos into clarity is a part of every day as a functional consultant. If you’re someone who loves breaking down complicated problems and finding elegant solutions, this role might just be your calling. There’s an immense sense of satisfaction that comes with untangling and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how your solutions directly impact your clients.

    If you’re catching onto the key traits above (or you’re ready to start developing them), you’re already on the right track. These are the building blocks of a successful functional consultant, and the best part? They’re completely learnable! It’s all about building skills over time, and with the right mindset, you can absolutely thrive. A passion for tech is a must, of course, but with the huge variety of technologies out there, this skill set can take you places in any industry. For me though, I’ve chosen to focus on Microsoft Power Platform and D365. The thought of helping citizen developers use tech to optimize business processes is just too exciting and full of potential to ignore.

    And here’s the cool part—I’m all about helping you grow those skills too. Stay tuned for my next blog, where I’ll dive into how you can kickstart your career as a Microsoft Functional Consultant. If there’s enough interest, I’d be more than happy to write another article on how you can build these skills step by step! Let’s get this journey started!