In recent years, the world has witnessed a growing number of businesses adopting a digital-first approach. A study on 1,200 businesses in the US alone revealed that over 80 percent have started integrating digital technology into their operations or plan to do so. However, a digital-first approach is only viable if the corporation has the right workforce, which is key to transformation.
This probably explains why digital-savvy professionals are sought after, with hiring managers on the lookout for those demonstrating fluency in specific business technologies and a growth mindset, among others. Fortunately, Microsoft, a world leader in tech, can help you become one of these professionals through its Digital Transformation Ready (DTR) courses.
Microsoft DTR offers a full range of courses to help job seekers become proficient in cloud-based business applications and put their resumes in front of hiring companies.
Get trained in Microsoft.What Is Microsoft DTR?
Microsoft Digital Transformation Ready (DTR) is a collection of immersive, complementary courses designed around Microsoft Business Applications, such as Dynamics 365 and PowerApps. These cutting-edge technologies help businesses reshape and explore transformation opportunities in the digital era.
Created in partnership with the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP), DTR courses aim to train professionals on the ins and outs of Microsoft Business Applications.
In addition, DTR gives job seekers a chance to get their resumes in front of hiring managers at Microsoft Partner companies like Avanade, Capgemini and Cognizant, and more.
DTR welcomes the following learners:
- Recent tech graduates in need of further training
- Job seekers with up to 15 years of work experience and have some familiarity with Microsoft Business Applications
- Professionals with expertise in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and banking who are looking to switch to more technical roles.
For a wider reach, these courses are delivered online in a self-paced format so that you can learn anywhere, anytime. That said, you should set a goal or a timeline to avoid a learning lag.
Moreover, you can level up and enroll in Microsoft’s instructor-led courses. Here, you will undergo an interactive learning experience as you tackle advanced concepts and learn industry best practices from experts.
Note that the instructor-led courses are only available to a few, and classes are filling up fast, according to Microsoft. That’s why the company encourages interested students to enroll as soon as possible. Enroll by registering at DTR.
An Overview of Microsoft DTR Courses
Microsoft splits its self-paced courses into three tracks covering end-to-end business needs: Customer Engagement Apps (Enterprise CRM), Finance and Operations Apps (Enterprise Resource Planning), and Power Platform Apps (Development and Connectivity). You can take some or all the courses in your chosen track to help you fulfill your career goals and interests.
Customer Engagement Apps Track
This track zeroes in on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement, a software application that supports businesses to stay on top. The application helps track leads and marketing campaigns, nurture consumer relationships, and create a central hub for customer information.
With a unified and organized access point for consumer data, the business’ sales, marketing, field service, and customer service teams can source the necessary information to determine opportunities for growth and make strategic decisions.
This track is perfect for you if you already have some familiarity with the application and digital marketing or CRM tools. The track includes a substantial amount of self-paced, on-demand, and instructor-led course materials, which cover the following:
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Marketing
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service
Finance and Operations Apps Track
Another integral part of a stable business is having finance and operations running like a well-oiled machine. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Management apps make this possible for millions of organizations.
With solid know-how, these apps can provide powerful insights from historical financial data and trends that inform business decisions. In addition, the user-friendly finance and operations suite aids in budget planning and control, monitoring logistics, inventory and manufacturing, and establishing solid product information management.
The course attracts ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) consultants who want to switch careers and become Finance and Operations consultants and tech professionals seeking to expand their expertise in these areas.
Included in the track are the following:
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Core Finance and Operations
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce Functional Consultant
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant
Power Platform Apps Track
Microsoft Power Platform brings together low-code apps or apps requiring minimal knowledge in coding that beginners can easily use. Think DIY (Do-It-Yourself) site-builders that integrate drag and drop customization features like WordPress or the popular design platform Canva.
In this case, the Power Platform combines tools that allow users to find data connections, visualize insights through Power BI, and develop apps or improve user interface design to enrich consumer experience through PowerApps.
In addition, the platform lets you automate tasks for better time management and allocation of resources through Power Automate, which is used in tandem with Power Virtual Agent that tailors chatbots and improves overall productivity.
The Power Platform Apps course track is ideal for project managers, analysts, and developers. Here, you can build your competency in the following aspects:
- Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals
- Microsoft Power Platform Functional Consultant
- Microsoft Power Platform Developer
- Microsoft Power Platform App Maker
Once you complete any of these DTR courses, you are on your way to getting certified upon passing the corresponding exams. More than just a feather in your cap, these certifications serve as your ticket to career-changing perks.
3 Reasons to Get Microsoft-Certified
1. Increase Your Credibility
With exciting opportunities attracting thousands of qualified candidates, it can be hard to stand out. But with Microsoft certifications on your resume, you possess a competitive edge as they prove your expertise in widely-used business technologies and the ability to leverage these to help businesses reach their goals.
This brings us to our next point.
2. Gain Access to Better Career Opportunities
Microsoft Partner Network is home to hundreds of employer partners and industry leaders worldwide who use Intelligent Business Applications. And they are eager to hire people who can hit the ground running when it comes to operating these tools.
Getting Microsoft-certified boosts your visibility and gets your resume on top of the hiring pile. You increase your chances of getting hired by trusted Microsoft partners by simply uploading your resume upon registration at DTR or on your profile. It is also worth noting that new hires with Microsoft certifications assimilate faster into their role than those who have none.
Among Microsoft’s notable partners you could be working with are Cognizant, Stoneridge Software, Sunrise Technologies, and Visionet.
3. Earn More and Get Promoted
A study by Nigel Frank International, Microsoft’s global recruitment arm, revealed that over 50 percent of surveyed employees reported having an immediate salary increase of 10 percent after gaining Microsoft certifications. Truly, this is a testament to how employers see Microsoft-trained professionals in the job market.
In addition, managers are inclined to promote employees with vital skills and knowledge to facilitate Microsoft Dynamics 365 and PowerApps. Again, this goes back to increasing your capability, which also boosts the trust of your superior that you have what it takes to get the job done.
So, are you ready to take your career to the next level? Kickstart your career on Microsoft and register now. While you’re at it, don’t forget to upload your resume to get your details in front of actively hiring Microsoft Partners!
Eager to learn more? Attend a leadership panel event organized by IAMCP in partnership with Microsoft! The event, to be held online on LinkedIn, will go live on June 29, 2022, at 2pm EDT or 11am PDT (North America).
Expect to hear firsthand insights about Microsoft Business Applications and how they’re driving rapid digital transformation straight from IAMCP’s leaders and IT training experts! Bonus: Get the chance to directly ask the panel how you can prepare for the future of work during the live Q&A session. Learn more about the leadership panel event here.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.