u/Decent_Station1627

Hi everyone,

After several years working in SAP integration (SAP Integration Suite, APIs, S/4HANA, architecture, technical leadership), I'm starting my first freelance assignment this Monday as an SAP Integration Architect.

The role is mainly focused on architecture, integration governance, reviewing solution designs, participating in architecture boards, supporting SAP RISE initiatives, Core Model evolution, and advising delivery teams rather than coding every day.

I'd like to make a strong first impression and avoid the mistakes that new freelancers sometimes make.

For those of you who have worked as SAP architects, leads, or hiring managers:

• What differentiates an average architect from an excellent one during the first few weeks?
• What should I focus on before trying to propose improvements?
• How do you build credibility with internal teams without coming across as someone who wants to change everything?
• How quickly should I challenge existing architecture decisions?
• What questions would you ask during the first week?
• What are the biggest mistakes you've seen new freelance architects make?

I'm also interested in the "soft" side of the role:

• Communication with functional teams and developers.
• Working with enterprise architects and program managers.
• Running architecture workshops.
• Becoming a trusted advisor instead of just "the integration guy."

Any lessons learned, checklists, or stories from your own experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate some honest advice from people working in SAP architecture, integration, consulting, or hiring.

My background is mainly technical. I started with SAP Commerce Cloud / Hybris as a developer and later Technical Lead. Over the past six years, I moved toward SAP integration architecture: SAP Integration Suite / CPI, S/4HANA integrations, API-led architecture, event-driven integration, middleware, interface governance, technical design, and coordination with functional, development, business, and external partner teams.

I have worked on complex enterprise environments, including finance and public-sector programs, with SAP and non-SAP systems such as Salesforce, payment platforms, document-management tools, legacy middleware, APIs, IDocs, OData, and event-driven patterns.

However, after around four months of interviews, I keep receiving mixed feedback that is becoming frustrating:

• “You do not have enough ABAP, CAP, or RAP.”
• “You are too SAP-focused; we need MuleSoft, Boomi, Azure Integration Services, or another middleware.”
• “You have technical leadership, but not enough formal delivery/project management experience.”
• “You are not a complete SAP BTP architect.”
• “We need someone more functional.”
• Or sometimes: “We need someone more hands-on technically.”

I have interviewed with companies such as Accenture, IBM, Capgemini, Syntax, Safran, and others. The feedback often feels contradictory: I am either considered too specialized or not specialized enough.

I understand that CAP/RAP, ABAP, MuleSoft, Boomi, and cloud-native development can be valuable. But I am not sure whether I should now try to become broader across every technology, deepen SAP BTP development, move toward enterprise integration architecture, or reposition myself differently.

My questions are:

1. Is there still a strong market for a profile focused on SAP Integration Architecture / SAP BTP Integration Suite, without being a full-time ABAP, CAP, RAP, MuleSoft, or Boomi developer?
2. Should I position myself as an Integration Architect, an SAP BTP Architect, a Technical Lead, or an SAP Solution Architect?
3. What would be the highest-impact skills to add over the next 6–12 months?
   • CAP/RAP?
   • ABAP Cloud?
   • SAP API Management / Event Mesh?
   • MuleSoft or Boomi certification?
   • TOGAF / enterprise architecture?
   • Project/program delivery certification?
4. How can I demonstrate that I can lead architecture and delivery, not only design integrations?
5. For people who hire in this area: what would make my profile easier to place?

I do not expect to fit every role, but I want to avoid being rejected simply because recruiters or hiring managers cannot clearly categorize my profile.

Any direct feedback, career advice, or examples from people who made a similar move would be very welcome.

Hi everyone,

I have around 13 years of experience in integration and software architecture, with several years focused on SAP BTP Integration Suite (CPI), API Management, SAP S/4HANA integrations, and enterprise integration architectures.

I have recently been approached for an opportunity in the banking sector where the integration landscape is quite different from my current SAP-focused background. The environment includes technologies such as:

• TIBCO
• Apigee
• API Management
• Microservices
• Event-Driven Architecture
• Enterprise Integration
• Security (OAuth2, JWT, mTLS)

The role is more focused on integration architecture, governance, API strategy, and technology decision-making rather than hands-on SAP implementation.

My question is:

From a long-term career perspective, would such an experience strengthen my profile as an Enterprise Integration Architect, or would it risk moving me away from the SAP ecosystem where I already have significant expertise?

Has anyone here successfully transitioned between SAP Integration Suite and broader enterprise integration platforms (TIBCO, MuleSoft, Apigee, Kong, etc.)?

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on:

• Career growth
• Market value
• Freelance opportunities
• Enterprise Architect career paths
• SAP vs vendor-agnostic integration expertise

Thanks in advance for your insights.