Advice: Salesforce QA Lead (15 YoE) looking for next move

Salesforce career advice question

With 15 years in IT (13 in QA) and currently working as a Salesforce (SF) QA lead consultant, I hold several non-SF certifications like PMP, PSM, and more. With 4 years in SF projects, I recently earned my Admin cert and am targeting the BA cert next. My goal in the next 1-1.5 years is to gain SF certifications such as platform app builder, Ux designer, and potentially advanced admin and CPQ.

Coming from a business background and being non-technical, I'm contemplating my next move. Should I:

1. Pursue more certifications and transition into a Salesforce consultant role?
2. Focus on CPQ certification?
3. Dive into development despite my limited coding background?
4. Shift to a BA role?
5. Or remain in QA?

Seeking advice from Salesforce professionals.

My response

Given your extensive experience in IT, QA, and Salesforce, combined with your many certs, you're well-positioned for many career pathways. Here are some options:

Salesforce QA management

Transition from a Lead QA to a managerial role where you're more involved in people dynamics and company politics. This would emphasize your leadership skills while still leveraging your technical know-how. Ignore if you are already doing this as a QA Lead.

Business Systems leadership‍

Consider leading a Business Systems team. Your QA experience will be valuable, but you'll expand your focus to ensure all business applications, including Workday, Mulesoft, Boomi, and NetSuite, operate seamlessly. This pathway aligns well if you're aiming for roles like Director of Business Systems or VP of IT.

Salesforce Admin/Admineloper‍

Take on an IC role as a Salesforce admin or "admineloper". Your choice between working in-house, for a consultancy, or independently depends on your preferences:

Independently

If you value freedom.

Consultancy

For broad exposure in a short time.

In-house

For in-depth knowledge in a specific industry.

Additionally, consider these avenues:

Salesforce educator‍

Leverage your IT and QA expertise to train newcomers or guide professionals in Salesforce.

Salesforce project manager‍

With your PMP certification, manage Salesforce projects in a more official capacity

Ultimately, it's going to take some soul-searching to reflect on where your passion lies, the work-life balance you desire, and your long-term goals.

Each pathway has its merits; it's about aligning them with your personal and professional aspirations.