As Selection Lead at ALX, what does your role entail, and what do you like most about it?

To put it simply, my role involves overlooking the day-to-day operations of the Admissions team. I develop the admissions strategy and guide the team to implement it. The thing I like the most about my work is being able to come up with a memorable experience for applicants and designing an application process that identifies the best learners for our community. Hearing success stories from individuals who found the application process worthwhile truly warms my heart.

Tell us about the ideal ALX candidate. What qualities, experiences, mindsets, and skills do you look out for?

We are looking for a learner who aligns with our CHAIR values, which are Courage, Humility, Adventure, Initiative, and Resilience. All these are values we uphold throughout the different phases a learner will go through, from application to graduation. You can showcase that you possess these values in your responses when filling out the different sections of the application and how you carry yourself.

A good example of embodying a value like resilience is persisting through the different sections of your application until you submit it. ALX is all about equipping learners with 21st century skills. The best mindset you could have is an open mindset which will help you maximise your experience. 

How can someone know which ALX programme they’d be best suited for?

You can determine if an ALX programme is the best fit for you based on your time commitment, career goals and interests. Some of our programmes require learners to commit at least 20 hrs per week and others require 70 hrs per week. Based on your other commitments, you could choose a programme that fits into your schedule. 

You could also choose a programme that aligns with your passion and career goals. If your end goal is to, say, go into the research industry, the Data Analytics course could be ideal for you. If you want to develop different technology solutions, you could explore Software Engineering.

Finally, you could choose a programme that aligns with your passions and interests. All our different programmes could lead you to different paths. It’s up to you to carefully read what each programme offers and determine how it aligns with your passion.

We’ve recently developed a Programme Finder tool to help learners think through these considerations and find the best programme for them. 

Can you take us through a step-by-step description of the ALX admissions process?

To complete an application, an applicant selects the programme they are interested in on our website. They then proceed to set up an account on our application portal where they will complete their application. Here, an applicant will complete six sections: personal information, vulnerability and inclusion, assessments, essay questions, ALX challenge, and the financial aid section. Based on the programme a learner is interested in, it could take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete. When a learner submits all the sections, they get their decision 24 hrs after, with details on the next steps to secure their participation.

Throughout the application, we always offer support to learners to empower them to complete their application, through weekly office hours and our support centre. If an applicant does not complete their application, we store their data on our admissions portal, and they do not have to fill out their details entirely should they wish to apply again in the future.  

Have you found that people’s perceptions of ALX change once they’ve enrolled in one of our programmes? If so, how?

Absolutely! Many learners apply to ALX with the preconceived notion that we’re solely focused on teaching them technical skills to secure jobs. Upon joining, they realise that their technical course is just one of the benefits they gain. Learners gain access to an invaluable community, mentorship, and soft skills training, among other advantages. This comprehensive support system helps them not only in their professional development but also in their personal growth.

ALX has a partnership with the MasterCard Foundation. How does this partnership benefit ALX learners?

Our partnership with Mastercard Foundation allows us to offer eligible candidates tuition sponsorship to pursue our highly-valued programmes at no cost. To be eligible, a learner has to meet our minimum eligibility requirements which are to be between 18-34 years and of African origin. For our paid programmes, if a learner is admitted on full tuition sponsorship, they will be required to pay the one-time, non-refundable administration fee to secure their enrollment. The administration fee helps ALX as we continue to grow our robust online and in-person infrastructure for learners.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances, what is the process for applicants who are unable to enrol in an ALX program after being accepted?

The admission team sends an email to learners to confirm their enrollment in the cohort they have been accepted into. If a learner is not able to join the programme at that time, they will have an option to defer their enrolment to the next cohort.

What are your top tips for succeeding in the ALX application? Are there any hacks?

My top three tips for submitting a successful application are:

1. Be authentic and put your best foot forward. The application is the entry point into our ALX programmes and is a reflection of how you will experience the programme. Showing off effort in this initial step is paramount in setting you up for success in the programme. 
2. Seek help. There are a number of ways you can get help when completing your application. You can connect with other applicants who are completing the application simultaneously, join our weekly office hours, explore the resources on our application page, or  reach out to our support team. All these channels have been set up to help you submit your application successfully. Please utilise them for a smoother application experience.
3. Follow instructions. Before every section, we have highlighted instructions that are meant to help you complete the sections successfully. Please read these carefully and make sure you keep them in mind while completing your application. For example, if the essay section requires you to share your response in a minimum of 50 words, please do so.

Finally, why do you think anyone should apply to an ALX programme?

ALX programmes are not your conventional certifications that you complete online and forget about after a few months. Once you get accepted, you will get a multitude of invaluable benefits such as access to a community and continuous career support. Submitting your application is the first step in getting access to these perks.

Applications are open for our 2024 programmes. Apply to ALX now and unlock a world of possibilities!

The post How to Ace Your ALX Application first appeared on ALX Africa.

The Top 9 Questions & Answers About Salesforce

1. What is Salesforce?

Salesforce is a cloud-based software company that is used by businesses all over the world for its customer relationship management (CRM) product. Apart from its CRM software, it also offers a suite of enterprise applications that are focused on customer service, marketing automation, analytics, and application development.

We’ve written a longer article that further details what Salesforce is and how you can learn to use it.

2. What is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software?

CRM software is widely used across various industries to help businesses build strong customer relationships and drive growth. The software itself is a technology tool that helps businesses manage, analyse, and improve interactions and relationships with current and potential customers. The main purpose of CRM technology is to enhance customer satisfaction and retention in order to boost sales and revenue.

3. What job opportunities are available for me with a Salesforce certificate?

The Salesforce certificate is proof of your proficiency in using Salesforce, increasing your employability in CRM and other related fields. This includes roles like: Salesforce Administrator, Salesforce Developer, CRM Analyst, Sales Operations Manager, and Business Analyst.

4. How do I know that the Salesforce programme is right for me?

The Salesforce programme is for people interested in CRM systems, sales and marketing operations, or business analytics. If you like working with technology to solve business problems or improve customer relationships, it would be a good fit for you.

5. What level of NQF is the Salesforce certification?

The Salesforce certification doesn’t directly correlate to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels. This certificate is a professional certification tailored to a specific technology and set of skills, rather than an academic qualification.

6. How much time do I have to put in? Can I combine the Salesforce Administrator programme with school or work?

The ALX Salesforce Administrator programme is a part time commitment that will require anywhere between 20-30 hours of your time per week. It is a milestone-led programme, which means it is essential to keep up with the weekly coursework in order to finish on time. Even so, it is not too heavy of a commitment and is designed to work with your school or work schedule.

7. Is the Salesforce programme suitable for complete beginners?

Our programme is perfect for absolute beginners who are completely unfamiliar with Salesforce, but also could benefit learners who have had some experience with Salesforce before.

8. What industries can I work in with a Salesforce certificate?

Salesforce is used in a variety of industries for many different purposes. These industries include: technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and government. Any sector that manages customer relationships and collects data to optimise business decisions uses Salesforce.

9. Is the certificate equal to a diploma? Can I use it to proceed to university?

The Salesforce certificate that you receive after successfully completing your programme is not equivalent to a diploma. It is a professional certification that demonstrates your expertise in Salesforce software, which is useful to boost your CV and help you land a job. It cannot be used for academic credit or admission to university programs.

If you’re interested in working as a Salesforce professional, you can apply for the ALX Salesforce Administrator programme today. Our next cohort starts soon. Register your interest today!

The post Top 9 Questions & Answers About the ALX Salesforce Administrator Programme first appeared on ALX Africa.

Salesforce is a cloud-based software company that provides businesses with a range of tools to help them manage their customer relationships and sales processes. The company’s flagship product, Salesforce CRM, helps businesses track customer interactions, manage sales leads, and automate key processes like marketing campaigns and customer service.

Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) technology is pervasive across industries in today’s digital age. In conjunction with its CRM technology, Salesforce also has tools that many companies use for marketing automation, e-commerce and analysis. All of these tools together are designed to help businesses streamline their sales and marketing processes, improve customer engagement, and drive growth.

As Salesforce becomes more pervasive throughout industries, there is a growing need for skilled Salesforce professionals. A career in Salesforce can be highly rewarding and lucrative, with many opportunities for growth and advancement, too.

The first step in becoming a Salesforce professional lies in gaining a certificate through an accredited training programme. Our ALX Salesforce Administrator programme can provide you with comprehensive training and certification in Salesforce administration. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced customization and automation techniques.

Research has shown that the Salesforce ecosystem is expected to create 9.3 million new jobs and generate about $1.6 trillion in new business revenues worldwide by 2026. This article will explore the prospects of Salesforce as a career – there’s never been a better time to learn Salesforce.

Different Salesforce Career Paths

The daily tasks of a Salesforce pro typically revolve around technology, customer service, and sales. It is an excellent choice if you are interested in innovation and have a knack for using data to solve business problems.

Here are a few career paths you can take with a Salesforce Administrator certification:

Salesforce end user

An end user is typically responsible for using Salesforce to manage customer interactions and track sales leads alongside any other tasks having to do with marketing and sales for your company. Companies like Coca-Cola, Aston Martin, Adidas, and F1 all employ Salesforce end-users for this purpose.

As a Salesforce end user, you will be responsible for entering and managing data in the platform, running reports, and analysing data to help inform crucial business decisions. You will usually work closely with sales representatives, the marketing department, and customer service representatives in your company to ensure that Salesforce is being used effectively across all departments.

There are many different roles Salesforce end users might find themselves in:

• Sales representatives use Salesforce to manage leads and opportunities, track sales activities, and collaborate with team members to help close deals. Their expertise lies in using Salesforce to identify key prospects, track their engagement, and prioritise their sales activities.

• Marketing executives use Salesforce to create targeted campaigns and track the performance of marketing efforts. They work together with the sales team to ensure that leads are being converted into customers. Salesforce helps them manage their marketing database, track campaign performance, and generate reports to inform marketing strategies.

• Customer service representatives use Salesforce to manage customer interactions and track cases. Their priority is to ensure that customers are receiving timely and effective support from the people they need it from. They also use Salesforce to track customer issues, assign tasks to other team members, and generate reports to identify areas where customer service can be improved.

• Operations managers use Salesforce to track key metrics and KPIs, manage workflows and approvals, and make sure processes are running smoothly. Salesforce helps them automate routine tasks, manage data quality, and generate reports.

Salesforce consultant

A career in Salesforce consultancy is ideal for people who are passionate about the intersection of tech, business strategy, and customer service. Salesforce consultancies are companies that specialise in helping other companies implement and optimise the Salesforce platform. Their services typically include strategy consulting, implementation, customisation, and support. Companies like Accenture, Deloitte, and IBM all offer Salesforce consultancy services.

Salesforce consultants work closely with clients to develop customised Salesforce solutions for their specific needs. You would usually be using your Salesforce expertise to help clients optimise their processes and workflows, improve their data management practices, and increase their overall efficiency.

Other tasks Salesforce consultants are typically in charge of include managing projects, developing project plans and timelines, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget. 

Here are some entry-level roles that you could pursue in Salesforce consultancy after receiving a Salesforce certification:

• Salesforce administrators manage and configure Salesforce systems for clients. They might help users set up their accounts, manage their security and access controls, create workflows and automation, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

• Salesforce consultants develop solutions that meet the specific business needs of their clients. This involves analysing business processes, designing solutions, and configuring Salesforce systems according to the company’s needs.

• Business analysts take a close look at their clients’ business processes in order to identify areas for improvement. They typically analyse data and develop strategies to improve the efficiency and productivity of the business.

• Salesforce developers build customised Salesforce applications using programming languages such as Apex and Visualforce. They design and build custom applications, integrate Salesforce with other systems, and maintain existing applications.

Salesforce ISVs (AppExchange)

Salesforce Independent Service Vendors (ISVs) are companies that create and distribute software products that are built on Salesforce. These apps provide additional features and capabilities that are otherwise not available in the core Salesforce platform. Companies like Conga and OwnBackup are great examples of these.

ISVs might be created to do things like help sales teams manage their leads and opportunities more effectively, or to help marketing teams automate their email campaigns and social media outreach. They are usually built based on the needs of a specific industry or business function.

After receiving a Salesforce certification, you might find yourself interested in building software with ISVs. Joining an ISV might interest you because they are often smaller and more nimble than other larger organisations. This gives you more freedom to take on a variety of roles and remain at the cutting-edge of technology in Salesforce. They also provide great opportunities for career growth and advancement, too.

Below is a list of some of the entry-level jobs you might be interested in at a Salesforce ISV:

• Technical support specialists provide customers who are using your company’s Salesforce product with technical support. This might involve troubleshooting various issues, answering technical questions, and providing guidance on how to use the product effectively.

• Quality assurance analysts test your company’s Salesforce ISV to make sure it meets industry standards of quality and performance. They create and execute test plans, identify and document defects, and work with developers to resolve issues.

• Junior Salesforce developers write custom code and develop integrations that extend the functionality of your company’s Salesforce product. In this role, you will write code in Apex or Visualforce, work with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and integrate Salesforce with other related systems.

• Sales development representatives spend their time generating leads and setting up meetings with potential customers who might be interested in your company’s Salesforce product. This often involves cold-calling, emailing, and using social media to reach out to prospects.

Salesforce

As one of the fastest-growing and most innovative tech companies in the industry, Salesforce offers a wide range of products and services that are used by companies of all sizes across all industries.

As a Salesforce certified professional, then, you will have a skill set that is in high demand across industries. Whether you are a developer, consultant, or administrator, there is a wide variety of job opportunities available to you in the Salesforce ecosystem. Some of these are even available at Salesforce itself.

Working at Salesforce offers an excellent opportunity for career growth and development. They are equipped with the support and resources necessary to grow careers and remain at the cutting-edge of technology.

As someone with a Salesforce certification, here are are some career paths you could purse within Salesforce itself:

• Sales involves selling Salesforce products and services to various clients. This involves identifying sales opportunities, cultivating relationships with clients, and working closely with the pre-sales team to develop solutions that meet the clients’ needs.

• Solution engineers are like consultants, working with clients to identify and develop Salesforce solutions to meet their specific business needs. In this role, solution engineers design and configure solutions, create prototypes, and work closely with the sales department to ensure the solution meets the needs of the client.

• Customer success team members help clients use their Salesforce products in ways that are most effective for their business needs. This role involves working closely with clients to understand their needs, coupled with enough knowledge of Salesforce products to provide clients with adequate guidance and solutions.

• Managers lead teams of professionals by overseeing their work, providing guidance and mentorship, and ensuring value is being delivered across the board.

Average Salary for Salesforce Professionals

In general, choosing Salesforce as a career can yield very competitive salaries. The average salary for a career in Salesforce, however, varies based on your location, experience, and job title.

For entry-level positions, like Salesforce Administrator or Salesforce Developer, you can expect anywhere from $60,000 – $80,000 USD per year. More senior roles, like a Salesforce Consultant or Salesforce Architect, can pay upwards of $120,000 USD per year or more.

At Salesforce itself, the average salary for a Salesforce employee in the United States is around $125,000 per year. This varies based on job role and experience.

Start Your Career with the ALX Salesforce Administrator Certification

Salesforce has helped countless businesses across the global digitise their operations, improve their customer engagement, and increase their efficiency. In Africa specifically, Salesforce has helped many African enterprises overcome the challenges of traditional software systems. Salesforce has partnered with several African organisations to drive social and economic development in the region.

The ALX Salesforce Administrator programme is delivered in partnership with Salesforce, providing learners with a globally-recognised certification in Salesforce administration. Throughout the programme, learners are taught Salesforce platform fundamentals, data modelling and management, security and access management, business process automation, how to build reports and dashboards, and a whole lot more.

In the end, they have the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a Salesforce administrator.

Included in the programme are career services to support individuals in finding employment in the industry after they’ve gotten their certificate. With this certificate, you can demonstrate your proficiency in managing and maintaining Salesforce systems, opening up career opportunities in various industries.

Summary

The Salesforce ecosystem has become nearly universal in tech industries and beyond. This, combined with its increasing number of niche roles, has created the ‘perfect storm’ for career growth. Getting a Salesforce certification is the first step towards a career that offers a variety of options in technology, customer support, and sales.

ALX Africa’s overall mission is to transform Africa by developing and connecting its talent to opportunities in the digital economy. The ALX Salesforce Administrator programme is currently accepting applications – enrol today!

FAQs

1. Is Salesforce a good career option?

Salesforce can be a great career option for individuals who are interested in technology, customer relationship management, and innovation. The high demand for Salesforce professionals, competitive salaries, career growth opportunities, flexibility, and innovative culture make Salesforce a compelling choice for many individuals looking to build a career in technology.

2. Is Salesforce still in demand in 2023?

Based on current trends and market demand, it is likely that Salesforce will continue to be in high demand in 2023 and beyond. This is due to its growing customer base, expanding product portfolio, the overall increased adoption of cloud computing, constant innovation, and industry recognition.

3. What companies use Salesforce?

Salesforce is used by a wide range of companies across various industries including Coca-Cola, Amazon, Adidas, Totoya, Spotify, Marriott International, L’Oreal, and Unilever. Additionally, Salesforce is widely used by small and mid-sized businesses, startups, non-profits, and government organisations. The flexibility and scalability of Salesforce make it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes and industries. 

Salesforce also has a vast network of partners, including consulting firms, system integrators, and independent software vendors, who work with companies to implement and customize Salesforce solutions. These partners help to extend the reach of Salesforce and provide a range of services to customers.

The post What is the Outlook for Salesforce as a Career? first appeared on ALX Africa.

As Salesforce continues to revolutionise the business world, it has become a must-have tool for management and marketing processes in customer-facing industries. With the ALX Salesforce Administrator Certification, you can stand out in today’s competitive job market with one of the world’s most in-demand skill sets. In this article, we’ll explore the exciting career opportunities available to you after completing the programme.

About the ALX Salesforce Administrator Certificate

Salesforce is a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform that helps companies manage their customer interactions, sales activities, and marketing campaigns. It is an all-in-one software that more and more businesses are adopting every day.

The person responsible for configuring and managing a company’s Salesforce platform is known as a Salesforce Administrator. You can think of them as the company’s go-to expert on all things Salesforce. They can run reports, set up accounts, manage customer profiles, manage data security, and generally troubleshoot issues as they arise. Learning these skills can help prepare you for a career in Salesforce that can be both fruitful and rewarding.

Typically, one needs to go through a certification programme to become a certified Salesforce user. The ALX Salesforce Administrator Certificate is a hybrid learning course that offers the exact training you need to become a Salesforce Administrator. In the duration of the 7-month course, you’ll learn how to solve business problems by customising and managing the Salesforce platform. The in-person and online training will give you the opportunity to gain the technical and practical skills necessary for a career in this emerging market.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the many jobs this programme can make available to you.

The Top 4 Salesforce Administrator Careers

Getting a Salesforce Administrator Certification can be a huge help for you in a wide range of careers and roles at many different kinds of companies. In 2019, experience using the Salesforce platform was mentioned in nearly half a million online job postings. Nowadays, that number is only growing. Salesforce continues to affect the way existing professions function and create new ones as well.

The ALX Salesforce Administrator Certificate prepares you for roles like a Salesforce Systems Administrator, Customer Relationship Manager, Business Analyst, or General Manager, to name a few. Finding the right career for you will depend on your own personal skills and interests. The first step in figuring that out is learning about your options.

Systems Administrator

You can think of this career as a sort of Salesforce generalist. A Salesforce Systems Administrator manages and maintains a company’s Salesforce infrastructure from top to bottom. That means they are not only experts on how the Salesforce software itself works, but also understand exactly how a company plans to use Salesforce to meet their business needs.

As companies begin to adopt Salesforce as their customer management software, this role becomes more and more important. It is often the work of a systems administrator that makes the CRM an overall success.

The basic skills you’ll have to master in order to become a Salesforce systems administrator include Salesforce configuration, data management, business analysis, communication, and problem solving. All of these technical and soft skills can be learned as part of the ALX Salesforce Administration programme.

The day-to-day of a system administrator is usually pretty variable. There are a variety of tasks that you’d be expected to know how to complete, but the work you do each day will depend on the immediate needs of your company. On a given day, you would be expected to add and deactivate Salesforce users, import data, make sure users only see information related to their job role, train employees on how to use Salesforce, and troubleshoot problems as they arise.

A business with a good Salesforce system administrator can maximise the value of their Salesforce system, improve productivity, and increase user and customer satisfaction. This role is perfect for someone who finds satisfaction in understanding how something works. It also would suit someone who thrives in a dynamic and changing work environment.

Average annual salary: $85,000/year

Client Relationship Manager

As mentioned above, Salesforce is a CRM tool. This type of software is used by businesses that track a large quantity of leads or clients in order to either nurture relationships, gain marketing insights, or track their activities. These are particularly prominent in industries like retail, hospitality, and service, where customer satisfaction is critical to the success of the business.

A Client Relationship Manager or Customer Success Manager uses the insights gathered from the Salesforce software to nurture and maintain relationships with customers to ensure their satisfaction and retention. Given that customers are crucial to any business’s survival and operation, a customer success manager provides data-driven insights to improve decision-making and enhance collaboration across departments.

In order to succeed in this role, you need to understand how to look for and decipher the information about customers on the Salesforce platform. You will also need strong communication skills, be able to problem solve, and understand the basics of data analytics. This role relies heavily on collaboration, as you will be working within all departments of your company that deal with customers or clients.

Generally, a Salesforce client relationship manager will spend their day reviewing customer interactions, responding to customer inquiries, creating reports and dashboards for insights about their customers, collaborating with other departments, providing training and support, and monitoring system performance. You can see in this Client Relationship Manager job posting that this role requires a deep understanding of the Salesforce platform, which the ALX Salesforce Administrator Certificate would more than prepare you for.

Average annual salary: $93,000/year

Business Analyst

A Salesforce Business Analyst focuses more on the operational processes of a business in order to make improvements or increase efficiency. They are more involved in working together with the IT team and business stakeholders in order to create the most opportunities for overall success. Importantly, they use insights from the Salesforce platform to inform these decisions and find data-driven solutions to important business problems.

A Salesforce business analyst plays a key role in improving a company’s efficiency and productivity. They ensure the accuracy of data, enhance the customer experience, facilitate collaboration, and create space for a business to grow.

Unlike the other roles mentioned above, a business analyst really needs to understand a company’s business processes, goals, and vision in order to succeed. While an understanding of a company’s clients is certainly necessary, this career is more focused on improving sales, efficiency, and revenue overall.

A day in the life of a Salesforce Business Analyst is likely to involve a mixture of technical and non-technical tasks, like configuring the Salesforce system, analysing data, managing projects, providing training and support to colleagues, and collaborating with other departments and teams. If you are someone who has a natural knack for business, this might be the role for you.

Average annual salary: $118,000/year

General Manager

A Salesforce General Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategy, operations, and performance of the Salesforce business unit in a company. The role typically involves managing a team of sales, marketing, and customer success professionals, and will find you working closely with other departments like product development, finance, and human resources.

The Salesforce General Manager is like the glue that holds all of the different parts of a company’s Salesforce presence together. They bridge gaps between departments and make sure everyone is aligned and working towards the same goal. Importantly, they are responsible for setting a company’s strategic vision for the Salesforce division. They will employ their teams to drive revenue growth through effective sales and marketing strategies using insights from Salesforce. They are also responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and developing and managing a team of sales, marketing, and customer success professionals.

This job is no joke – it is the pinnacle of a company’s Salesforce operations.

A successful Salesforce General Manager needs strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, sales and marketing expertise, financial management, as well as good communication and collaboration practices. While the ALX Salesforce Administrator course may not provide training in all of these arenas, it is a good starting point for a long, healthy career in Salesforce. Becoming a general manager is a great feat to aspire to; it combines business and customer service skills into one, making it a dynamic and exciting career choice.

If you’re a natural leader and are good at seeing the big picture, this might be the role for you. A day in the life of a Salesforce General Manager is normally very busy and varied, as you can see from this Salesforce Manager job description. You’ll likely be busy with strategic planning, operations management, talent development, and cross-departmental collaboration. It surely is not a dull career!

Average annual salary: $130,000/year

Why the ALX Salesforce Administrator Programme is Right For You

Facts are facts; Salesforce isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Now is as good a time as any to learn the skills necessary to kickstart your career and change your life.

Becoming a certified Salesforce Administrator opens the world of Salesforce up to you. It not only prepares you for a successful career within the Salesforce platform, but also equips you with a variety of personal and professional skills that can help push your professional development forward.

The ALX Salesforce Administrator Certificate is a hybrid learning experience that will provide you with the technical skills and practical knowledge that will help you land a good paying job once you’ve finished. If you consider yourself an analytical, curious, self-motivated, and communicative person, this course is right for you. Enrol today!

FAQs

What is the career path for a Salesforce Administrator?

An Administrator is a great place to start, but it can also help propel you into more senior roles too. As you upskill, you can become a Developer, Architect, Business Analyst, Marketing Cloud specialist, a Senior Salesforce Administrator, or a specialist. The path you choose depends on your interests and skills.

Is Salesforce used in Africa?

Many companies across the continent use Salesforce to manage their customer relations. In South Africa, for example, Salesforce is estimated to generate over 31,000 new jobs and over $5 billion in revenue between now and 2026. As African businesses digitise, the prevalence of Salesforce as a management software also grows.

Are Salesforce Administrators in demand?

In 2022, the Salesforce ecosystem produced over 3 million jobs. As more and more companies start using Salesforce to manage their customer relations, the demand for Salesforce Administrators grows, too.

The post Top 4 Careers You Can Have With an ALX Salesforce Administrator Certificate first appeared on ALX Africa.

Salesforce is a cloud-based platform that helps businesses get a complete view of their customers using various tools. Knowing how to use it will enhance your skills and open doors to career opportunities in Sales, Marketing and Business Analytics. Read on to learn more about this leading customer relationship management (CRM) tool and how the ALX Salesforce Administrator Certification can prepare you for a rewarding career as a Salesforce Administrator.

What is Salesforce?

You’ve likely heard of Salesforce before. Businesses of all sizes and shapes use it, from huge Fortune 500 to small startups, the software company has grown in popularity in the last few years.

Salesforce is a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform and software used by businesses to better manage and connect to their customers. It acts as a central hub for a business to manage things like customer interactions, sales activities, and marketing campaigns. Using its various tools, businesses can streamline their operations, improve customer engagement, and drive revenue growth. Basically, this software helps businesses track their customers so that they can streamline their marketing efforts and increase their revenue.

A CRM platform like Salesforce is essential these days for a successful business. With its growing popularity, more and more businesses are looking to hire people who understand how to use Salesforce. As a result, the role of Salesforce Administrator has emerged as an entry-level position for those seeking a role in the Salesforce ecosystem.

What does a Salesforce Administrator do?

A Salesforce Administrator solves problems in a business by customising the Salesforce platform. They are experts on how the software works and can therefore help users get the most out of the technology. They set up user accounts, define data fields and workflows, create reports, build dashboards, and manage data security, to name a few of their valuable functions.

To put it simply, a Salesforce Administrator is a company’s advisor on anything related to the Salesforce platform. You can think of administrators as the important bridge between technology and business.

How ALX Can Prepare You for a Salesforce Career

The ALX Salesforce Administrator Certificate is designed to prepare you for many careers by learning the ins and outs of the Salesforce platform. Over the course of the 7-month, hybrid-style learning experience, you’ll become an expert on the Salesforce platform. A few things you’ll learn include:

• How to navigate and change the user interface of Salesforce
• How to use Salesforce to configure and make an invoicing application
• Process automation, security and reporting functions
• Understanding the two Salesforce clouds: Sales & Marketing and Support Cloud
• Data management and setup navigation

With this training, you will leave the programme not only feeling confident in your knowledge, but also equipped to achieve your professional goals. This is because at ALX, we don’t encourage learning just for the sake of it. Our “secret sauce” comes from our career-focused approach to learning. This means that you’ll not only learn technical skills in this programme, but practical skills that will prepare you for the real world, too. Moreover, after completing the programme, you’ll have access to resources like The ROOM Fellowship, for example, that will help you find a job after you’ve completed your certificate.

The Benefits of the ALX Salesforce Administrator Certification

It’s clear that learning the ins and outs of Salesforce is a great way that you can keep up with the ever-changing tech industry. Not only will the ALX Salesforce Administrator Certificate prepare you for a long career as a Salesforce Administrator, but it will also teach you key skills that can be applied to all areas of your professional life.

Besides this, here are some other important benefits of this certificate:

Enhanced skill set

The certification process covers a wide range of topics related to Salesforce Administration. You’ll learn about data management, data security, automation, and data reporting. These skills will help you develop a deeper understanding of these topics so that, when you get a new job, you can apply these skills.

Industry recognition

Salesforce is one of the biggest – if not the biggest – CRM software platforms in the world. It’s used in a variety of industries and has become an integral part of how companies manage their customer data and market to their customers. With a Salesforce Administrator Certification, you can establish yourself as a credible, capable worker with employers, clients, and colleagues alike.

Professional development

A big thing employers want is a motivated employee. The fact that you took the time to go through with the ALX Salesforce Administrator Certificate programme speaks volumes. It demonstrates a commitment to your own professional development and lifelong learning, which can increase your earning potential and career prospects. It’s a win-win.

Job opportunities

More and more organisations adopt Salesforce as their CRM solution every day. There is a growing demand for professionals who can help them manage or build their company’s Salesforce infrastructure. A Salesforce Administrator Certification can open up new job opportunities for you, or help you advance your existing career.

Equip Yourself for a World of Opportunities

If you consider yourself detail-oriented, analytical, curious, self-motivated, and are a good communicator, you should consider the ALX Salesforce Administrator programme. Enrol today to do hard things and change your life for the better.

FAQs

What do Salesforce Administrators get paid?

The salary range for a Salesforce Administrator is between $69,000 – $126,000 per year. The amount you make will depend on your skill level and experience. As you improve your skills, you can expect to make more money along the way.

What skills does a Salesforce Administrator have?

A Salesforce Administrator is really good at solving problems. They will use their technical know-how combined with their creative problem-solving skills to make quick decisions about how to better manage the platform for their company. Another key skill is communication. Admins must be able to communicate these changes with their team effectively in order for them to be successful at their job.

What does a Salesforce Administrator do daily?

The bulk of a Salesforce Administrator’s day will be spent in the Salesforce platform. A lot of time will be spent customising the software to solve whatever problem your team puts before you. You might be supporting users, managing data, maintaining data security, or delivering data analytics for your team to use.

The post What is Salesforce and How Can I Learn How to Use it? first appeared on ALX Africa.

What is Salesforce?

Salesforce is the world’s number one Customer Relations Management (CRM) platform. Over 150,000 users from various companies use Salesforce to engage with their customers, manage data, automate marketing, analyse e-commerce, and run their businesses smoothly.

The Salesforce ecosystem is projected to generate $1.6 trillion in revenue, alongside over 9 million new jobs by 2026. In 2021 alone, it created 12,100 Salesforce Administrator jobs, seeing overall job growth of nearly 150% in the past 5 years. The Salesforce Administrator position helps businesses solve problems. It is a key profession for those who appreciate learning new things and for experts who take pleasure in working with cutting-edge technologies. Considering these benefits, it’s no wonder then that more professionals want to become Salesforce Administrators.

What does a Salesforce Administrator do?

In a nutshell, Salesforce Admins know how to modify the Salesforce platform in order to solve business challenges. More specifically, they help develop, configure, and automate these technological solutions by supporting users, overseeing data, and providing actionable insights.

Sometimes, Salesforce Administrator positions are coupled with other jobs, but many employers specifically hire for this position based on their needs. A certified Salesforce Admin can guarantee that the platform is being used to its best potential for the business – an invaluable skill.

For some, completing the Salesforce Administrator Certificate programme complements their current job and potentially qualifies them for a raise. For others, they utilise the skill to boost their CV and help their job hunt. Anything from online retailers, financial services, healthcare providers, and software firms use Salesforce to manage their business. A good Salesforce Administrator is always desired to help them reach success.

A Salesforce Administrator can be depended on to:  

• Maintain and manage the Salesforce platform 
• Make Salesforce simple to use for users of any technical skill 
• Remain up-to-date with the platform’s new features, tools, and upgrades

In essence, the Salesforce Administrator is an essential link between industry and technology.

Top 7 Benefits of a Salesforce Administrator Certification

A Salesforce Administrator certification improves your overall awareness of sales and customer interactions, while also allowing you to have a thorough understanding of how to use the platform. No matter your experience, you will find a variety of useful tools as you explore Salesforce through this course. Here are the top 7 key benefits of a Salesforce Administrator Certification:

1. Skills enhancement 

A Salesforce Administration certification proves that you not only understand the Salesforce platform, but that you are an expert at it. You’ll know how to use the many features to efficiently manage administrative duties and increase a business’ sales. This certification will help boost your CV in the eyes of potential employers, as they know that you’ve got the skills necessary to get the job done.

2. Improved problem solving

With the knowledge you’ve learned through obtaining your Salesforce certification, you’ll be able to take on new projects more quickly, find solutions to issues as they arise, and move swiftly to implement clever, efficient business solutions. Because you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to assist others in overcoming their difficulties, you’ll be an asset to your entire team.

3. Hands-on experience 

Throughout your coursework, you will have hands-on experience working with Salesforce that helps you to increase your productivity. This increases the value of your CV and work profile, as many recruiters look for employees who have received the necessary training for marketing operations.

4. Attract recruiters

The job market is constantly growing, with thousands of applicants vying for the same post. This certification will help you stand out amongst the crowd. It shows that you can effectively help any company design and improve their Salesforce platform.

5. Good for business 

When you eventually land a job, your expertise will help the company you work for in a variety of ways. You’ll understand how to navigate the platform to rapidly and easily design solutions to efficiently meet the business’ needs. This ability to manage the application quickly and effectively will help your company succeed in the long-run.

6. Better pay 

Earning the Salesforce Administrator credential allows you to negotiate a higher salary, pursue a promotion, or even explore new job prospects. As Salesforce continues to expand its reach, more and more companies will be looking for certified experts. As this job sees higher demand, it also generates higher pay.

7. Growing industry

Salesforce Administration is an excellent career choice because the sector as a whole is expanding. Salesforce is always introducing new tools and features to its platform to better serve its diverse client base. As this trend continues, additional industries will begin to adopt the technology to compete in a crowded marketplace, creating the opportunity for many new jobs.

Conclusion

Earning a Salesforce Administrator certification takes a huge amount of hard work and discipline. It proves to recruiters, employers, and the world at large that you have useful and irreplaceable skills. People from all areas of a company command the time and feedback of a Salesforce Administrator. This role is the entrance into the Salesforce system, and there is plenty of room for growth from there.

Given the widespread use of the Salesforce platform in business and ongoing digital transformation, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career-expanding certification like the ALX Salesforce Administrator programme, providing you with in-demand expertise.

The post 7 Key Benefits of a Salesforce Administrator Certification first appeared on ALX Africa.