_edited.png)
Ever wonder how companies keep their people and processes running smoothly, even with thousands of employees and countless data points? That’s where Workday® professionals come in—and where you could make a real impact! Workday careers focus on leveraging innovative HR technology to transform how people work, communicate, and grow within their organizations. Whether you’re a new grad looking for a breakthrough, an internal employee craving a change, or just curious about Workday, this guide shows you the endless possibilities. Let’s explore what a career in Workday could mean for you!
Starting Your Career in Workday
New Graduates 🎓
For recent graduates, a career in Workday offers an exciting yet challenging path. While the demand for Workday professionals is high, most roles require foundational knowledge or experience often found in mid-career professionals. Entering the field as an entry-level professional means embracing a steep learning curve and gaining a solid understanding of HR processes, payroll, finance, talent development, and other key areas Workday supports.
If direct entry into Workday feels out of reach, starting in related fields like HR, finance, or IT can be a smart way to build essential experience. Alternatively, stepping into a consulting role with a firm specializing in Workday implementations can provide a fast track to gaining hands-on expertise and exposure to diverse industries and functionalities.
Internal Transitions 🔄
Many Workday professionals start by transitioning internally from another role within their organization. This often happens when someone shows interest in HR tech or identifies a need in their current role for greater Workday expertise. Internal transitions allow you to leverage company-specific knowledge, which is highly valuable for navigating Workday’s unique capabilities to meet your organization’s needs.
Transferable Skills for Workday Success 🏆
A career in Workday, especially in its early stages, benefits from several key transferable skills:
● Curiosity 🧐: Workday is a robust platform with continuous updates, so staying curious and committed to learning is essential.
● Consultant Mindset 💡: Workday professionals often serve as internal consultants, understanding stakeholders’ needs and translating them into system requirements.
● Patience and Customer Service 🤝: Many Workday roles involve helping users solve issues or understand new features, requiring both patience and strong service skills.
● Networking 🌐: Building both internal and external networks is key for collaboration, learning, and career growth (the Customer Sharing Movement is a great place to start!).
Career Pathways and Growth Opportunities 🚀
Specialize in a Functional Area
Many Workday professionals eventually choose to specialize in a particular Functional Area, such as payroll, benefits, recruitment, or compensation. Becoming an expert helps you provide deeper insights and adds tremendous value to your organization.
Step Into Consulting
Consulting is another exciting entry-level option. Workday consultants gain exposure to diverse organizations and challenges, accelerating their learning curve. Later, transitioning from consulting to a customer-side role offers a chance to apply that broad expertise in a more focused way.
Expand Your Knowledge
Embrace a learning mindset. Seek out development opportunities within your organization and plug into thought leaders like Josh Bersin, Dave Ulrich, and Mark Stelzner to broaden your understanding of HR tech trends.
Complete Workday Training
Workday Pro certifications are a fantastic way to boost your credentials and marketability. As of September 2024, these certifications now require proctored exams, ensuring they reflect a strong understanding of the platform. Staying current with certifications can enhance your credibility and keep you competitive.
Seek Mentorship
Connecting with a mentor can help you clarify your career path, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions. Seek out people you admire within the Workday community and learn from their experiences.
How to Find Workday Roles 🔍
For Those with No Prior Workday Experience
● Leverage LinkedIn: Use keywords like "Workday configuration" or "Workday reporting" and engage with those posts to increase visibility.
● Pursue HR Certifications: General HR certifications, such as PHR or SHRM-CP, demonstrate HR knowledge and complement a Workday focus.
● Build Your Network: Join Workday user groups and engage in HR communities to uncover opportunities and make valuable connections.
For Those with a Workday Background
● Highlight Big Projects: Employers value experience with large-scale implementations or other high-profile initiatives.
● Network Actively: Participate in knowledge-sharing events and reach out to individuals who inspire you within the Workday ecosystem.
What Hiring Managers Look For 🎯
Hiring managers are on the lookout for candidates with potential. They value creativity and a willingness to learn over formal certifications. Active listening skills, the ability to connect the dots between Workday and other systems, and clear communication are all highly valued. Hands-on experience—like volunteering for internal projects or testing new functionalities—often makes a bigger impression than certifications alone. Staying updated on HR trends through thought leaders, like those mentioned above, can also set you apart as someone ready to innovate.
Conclusion
A career in Workday is your chance to make a real impact while growing your skills and expertise! Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take the next step, staying curious, building connections, and embracing new challenges can lead to an exciting and fulfilling journey in this ever-evolving field.
Comments