Behind the Certs – Mukul Mishra

SG – Let’s get started. Why don’t we begin at the beginning? Please tell us about your education/ career before coming into the Salesforce ecosystem.

MM: I completed my B.Tech in Computer Science in 2017. I needed to make a choice of which technology ecosystem I wanted to be part of. I chose Salesforce as it seemed super exciting and high growth. I joined *SaaSfocus(now Cognizant)*, a leading boutique in the Salesforce ecosystem. This helped me immensely to build my foundation, and made me what I am today.

While working with PWC now, I am also pursuing my Master’s degree from the University School of Information, Communication, and Technology, GGSIPU, Delhi. It is helping me enhance my core knowledge and gain industry experience

SG – That’s awesome. We’d love to know the tipping point, that moment when you said ‘I want to make this change’ and what was the trigger?

MM: I was working as a trainee developer in SaaSfocus when one of my senior colleagues pulled me into pre-sales work for an Australian fintech client. In less than 3 months I learnt about full force product development and the lending domain. Lo behold, with an experience of just over a year, I was now leading a full force Salesforce product development. It gave me confidence to transition into a techno-functional role. A year later I joined PwC and I have been part of multiple developments and pre-sales opportunities. It is helping me strengthen my solution design as well as domain understanding to consult with clients on the most suitable solution for their needs.

SG – You achieved many certs along the way. Can you share three things with us,

1. why you value certs
2. challenges associated with the process and,
3. your top tips for being successful in cert exams?

MM: Certification can act as a validation of your knowledge when you know what you are doing and how you use it. A certification otherwise is just a piece of printed paper if we cannot apply that knowledge as a consultant. I refrain from giving certification exams only based on my theoretical knowledge.

In past years I have attempted several certifications after practical learnings from my projects. It was easy for me to learn this way as I was able to relate my industry experience with almost every question in the exam.

I value my certifications because they help me exhibit your proficiency in a particular domain.

The best advice is to do the certification that interests you and you are passionate about. The end goal is to use that certification to help customers drive better solutions. It will be really easy if you study with that mindset. Even after clearing the certification, it is important to still read and learn about the new releases and changes and keep yourself updated on whatever technology brings up.

1. Practice and learn, understand the reason “why” behind every concept.
2. Understanding the scenarios where this domain knowledge can help.
3. Talk to people who are already certified to clear your doubts.
4. Take mock tests to understand the pattern
5. Success and failure go hand in hand. Accept it, prepare well and bounce back.

SG – What do you enjoy most about your work as a certified Salesforce professional?

MM: It gives me immense joy when my business knowledge helps my customers make their business better. They put a lot of confidence in me and it then becomes my duty to give them the best solution.There’s always something to learn in every project. Learning from mistakes and then making new ones to learn more.

SG – Time for gratitude!! Finally, is there anyone (individual or company) you would like to take this opportunity to thank for their role in helping you along your journey? If Yes, what was their role in your success?

I’ll always be thankful to the people of my first organization SaaSfocus for allowing me to learn and grow. A few names at the top of my list are Dheeraj Pandey- my go-to person for any doubt. Atif Saad and Veeresh Kaul for allowing me to explore Pre-sales.
ANJUMARA Inamdar for giving me the opportunity to work with PwC.
Arvind Singh and Mukesh Shah* from my current company. These people have helped me by pushing me outside my comfort zone through challenging projects and having the confidence that I’ll rock it again. Ganesh Kumar Dendukuri, My manager at Salesforce India for always believing in my work.