Steps to follow to become a salesforce developer: Pursue a degree, Learn about Salesforce, Earn Salesforce certifications, Get a PDI certification and Join Salesforce Stack exchange

Salesforce is a popular Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform that helps companies foster strong relationships with their clients. Their software is designed to help businesses to grow by better understanding their customer’s needs, using cloud-based apps that are designed for marketing, sales and service. Some organizations have specific developers who help maintain their company’s Salesforce platform.

Table of Contents

  • Who is a Salesforce developer?
  • What does a Salesforce developer do?
  • How to become a Salesforce developer?
  • Salesforce developer skills
  • Who is a Salesforce developer?

Who is a Salesforce developer?

A programmer who builds Salesforce applications across various PaaS (Platform as a Service) platforms. They write code and design user interfaces of applications to help enhance user interaction and strengthen customer relationships. They help organizations with applications that they need to operate efficiently and use Salesforce properly.

What does a Salesforce developer do?

A Salesforce developer has an understanding and the experience of the Salesforce platform. These developers can be hired by a customer/ client to help customize Salesforce to their specific needs. Alternatively, it could be an in-house developer who is familiar and skilled at working with Salesforce. These developers use tools such as Apex and Visualforce, as well as frameworks Lightning Component to develop apps. 

While the exact duties of a Salesforce developer may vary from company to company, their general responsibilities include the following:

  • Creating Salesforce solutions and prepare project plans to execute the solutions
  • Customize Salesforce to meet the needs of the client or employer
  • Designing, testing and developing software or applications to meet the needs of users
  • Instructing others on how to design and code for projects
  • Maintaining an accurate record of a company’s applications and systems
  • Resolving issues with inconsistencies with data or processes
  • Suggesting ideas for upgrades to existing systems, applications, software, and programs.
  • Updating the Salesforce system based on technological changes.

How to become a Salesforce developer?

To become a Salesforce developer, take a look at the following steps:

  • Pursue a degree

Get a bachelor’s degree in a field like computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or a related field. Most people hiring for the position of a Salesforce developer will expect only a bachelor’s degree however, should you possess a master’s degree, you will be distinguished from the other candidates and it could also provide you with more opportunities. 

  • Learn about Salesforce

Read and explore resources that help you learn about Salesforce as a platform. You could also consider an online course and review tutorials that discuss Salesforce development, such as its proprietary programming language Apex. You could also consider doing an internship with a software business which will help you prepare to work with Salesforce and in development. 

  • Earn Salesforce certifications

You must complete official training through Salesforce to earn relevant certifications. This will help you develop knowledge of Salesforce Admin and demonstrate your expertise to future employers. Certifications that you may consider are:

  • Salesforce Certified Administrator
  • Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator
  • Salesforce Certified App Builder
  • Sales Cloud Consultant
  • Service Cloud Consultant
  • Use Salesforce

You must constantly look for opportunities to incorporate Salesforce into your own daily life. For instance, you may use Salesforce to track documents associated with a particular project. Doing something like this will help you learn different ways to use the platform and understand your client’s needs.

  • Get a PDI certification

Aim to earn the Salesforce Platform Developer I (PDI) Certification. This certification gives you the credential that you understand developing and deploying customer interfaces and business logic using the Lightning Program. Once you are done with this you could look at the next level and earn the Salesforce Platform Developer II (PDII) Certification. This will enable you with advanced programming skills with the Salesforce platform and data modeling.

  • Join Salesforce Stack exchange

The Salesforce Stack exchange allows you to browse queries and help you find answers to questions that you may have about Salesforce development. It has a scoring system based on what you search for and helps you identify potential areas of professional development to pursue. 

  • Network with Salesforce professionals

Look for Salesforce developer community groups online or local community groups in your area. This may give you access to people who you can ask for advice about coding or with help to new job opportunities.

  • Find a mentor

A professional mentor can help you learn more about Salesforce and with your career advancement. Talk to people within your network or community to help you find a mentor. Ideally, it would be great if you can find someone who has a career that aligns with your aspirations. That would help you talk to a like-minded person.

Salesforce developer skills

Skills that you must develop before becoming a Salesforce developer include analytical skills, attention to detail, communication skills, computer skills, creativity, interpersonal skills, programming skills and problem-solving skills.

Summary

Increased Salesforce adoption by smaller companies and appeal to a wide selection of users means more new jobs created by the Salesforce ecosystem. Salesforce is growing in popularity and the demand for developers looks promising. Qualifying as a Salesforce developer therefore is a promising career choice that has a great future.

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