People Behind the Certs – Divya Hirani – saasguru

Transitioning from a medical dentist career to Salesforce requires hard work and dedication. It involves starting from scratch, learning a new set of skills, and often working alongside professionals with technical backgrounds. It requires commitment and a willingness to put in the extra hours to master the skills needed to succeed in this field. 

However, here we have an excellent example to show how the right mindset, motivation, and perseverance can help someone transition to the most demanding career of the present day without any technical background. 

It is crucial to prioritize learning, take advantage of available resources like Trailhead, and seek out mentors and communities to help guide you along the way. While the journey may not be easy, the rewards of a career in Salesforce can be significant, both professionally and personally.

This week, meet Ms. Divya Hirani, Salesforce Technical Business Analyst/Salesforce Tester at Euromoney Institutional Investor, UK. Read how she transitioned from a medical career to a successful Salesforce professional. Explore her journey with Salesforce!

SG: Let’s get started. Why don’t we start from the beginning? Please tell us about your education/ career before entering the Salesforce ecosystem.

Divya Hirani: After completing my schooling in Delhi, I pursued a career in the medical field and graduated as a dentist. Following a brief stint in the field, I decided to embark on a new journey and moved to the UK to explore new opportunities and start a fresh chapter in my life.

During my volunteering for a local charity, I had my first encounter with the world of IT. I was immediately fascinated by its potential to bring about transformation and drive outcomes, which sparked my interest in this field.

SG: That’s awesome. Now we would love to know what was the tipping point when you said, “I want to make this change,” and what was the trigger for that?

Divya Hirani: When I transitioned into IT, I was fortunate enough to begin my journey with Salesforce. I was instantly impressed by how approachable it seemed to make tech even for business users.

What’s more, I found myself welcomed into a vibrant community, unlike any I had experienced before in my previous medical profession. Witnessing the real-life success stories of other Trailblazers who had also made the leap into a digital career with no prior IT experience was incredibly inspiring. It was clear that I had found my calling.

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

1. Why do you value certificates?

2. What are the challenges associated with the process?

3. What are your top tips for being successful in cert exams?

Divya Hirani: Ohh, sure.

They say change is the only constant, and I have always had a natural desire to learn. With Salesforce’s free, gamified Trailhead platform, education has become democratized. Learning is organized into bite-sized modules, allowing individuals to dive in and out according to their schedules.

1. Certifications are a great way to test your knowledge as well as share your achievements with your employer and the community, building instant credibility.
2. Achieving certifications while working a full-time job can be a challenging process. While certifications hold significant value, they should not be used as a substitute for real-world knowledge or experience. In the dynamic field of Salesforce, hands-on experience is paramount, and it’s crucial to strike a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
3. A useful tip is to prioritize certifications that align with the project you’re working on. For instance, if you’re supporting a Sales CRM Application, consider earning the Sales Cloud Consultant certification.

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

Divya Hirani: I enjoy working closely with Business Users, solving their requirements, and helping them achieve real-world business outcomes.

Additionally, I also enjoy collaborating with the incredibly vibrant Trailblazer community.

SG: Time for gratitude!! Finally, is there anyone (individual or company) that 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?

Divya Hirani: I would like to thank my current employers-Euromoney Institutional Investor(now Delinian), for always giving me the opportunity to learn, thrive and grow in my role.