In general, you can split the training needs into two different areas, each having their own needs and path.
End User Trainer
What is End User Training?
This evolves around creating and delivering training to people who will use the “front end” of the system. These are users like Sales Reps and Managers, Marketing Teams, Call Centre staff etc.
For these training sessions I work closely with the client to develop what they need. This means you do need to have a fast knowledge of the different aspects of a variety of Clouds. That also means it gives you a great opportunity to work with different clouds that you normally might not get the change to. I have been able to deliver training on Sales Cloud, Service Cloud and Marketing Cloud.
In addition to understanding how Salesforce works, you also need to be able to understand and explain how internal business processes are linked to the Salesforce instance that the client has developed. Training most of the times is not just focussed on hands-on training in the org, but also why things are working in a certain way and how users have to use the system.
Advantages and Challenges of End User Training
The advantage of and user training is that you can work with a large variety of clients and will meet an enormous amount of different people. Although no two instances are the same, you will start to see many similarities between businesses which help you developing best practices and getting a pool of examples you can use (anonymously of course).
Depending on what you want, you could also get the opportunity to travel across the world to deliver the training. Training needs are global and as more and more big businesses get onboard and continue to develop their existing systems, training will always be a requirement.
The challenge is that often bringing in and developing Salesforce means change to the existing way of working. It is not uncommon to come across some challenging questions from users on why they now have to do things in a certain way. Many users have developed their own way of working and with any change, resistance can arise. As you will be the first person to explain to them what is going to happen, questions and challenges can be raised. Closely working with the client to prepare for this is key.
What experience is needed?
To become an end user trainer it is beneficial to at least have the Admin certification as this gives you a nice rounded foundation. Of course excellence in PowerPoint is needed as most training does include some sort of training manual.
Further more some experience in delivering training can help as well as enjoying standing in front of a group of people and taking them on the road to learn the system.
Most end user training goes through Salesforce directly or a partner agency. So if you want to get into this world, try to find a good one in your area.
Salesforce Certified Trainer
This is a road far more difficult to get into and complete. The best way into this is via an agency that does Certification Course training. You will need their sponsorship and support to start the journey
For the admin course, of course, you will need to be a Certified Admin yourself. Then it is a matter of learning the system in and out as well as the materials. During this time it is incredibly useful to have the coaching of another Certified Trainer. They can support you in understanding the materials and what is needed to become certified.
It is for sure not a short and quick journey, with a lot of study and practice required. But once you have your certification, you can experience the joy of teaching others how Salesforce works.
If you want to go down this route, find locally a company that delivers certified training. They might help ow getting onboard and into the programme.
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