Introduction
In today’s competitive tech landscape, standing out is crucial for career growth. For Salesforce Administrators and Business Analysts, adding development skills to their toolkit can significantly enhance their effectiveness and open up numerous opportunities. This new era of professionals with both declarative and development skills are being coined as “Adminelopers”, very clever!
Would you rather watch a video breakdown of why declarative Salesforce professionals should be learning development? Check it out below!
Expanding Job Opportunities
One of the most compelling reasons to learn development skills is the vast array of job opportunities it opens up. While Salesforce offers many roles for Administrators, Business Analysts, and other declarative pros, knowledge of development expands the possibilities even further. Professionals can transition into hybrid roles that blend administrative and development tasks or move into full-fledged development positions. This versatility makes them more attractive to employers, increasing their job security and career advancement prospects.
Gaining a Competitive Edge
In the tech world, having more skills than the next person can make a significant difference. Development skills set individuals apart from their peers, making them more valuable to their employers. This additional expertise can lead to promotions, new project assignments, and greater job security, as companies often look for multi-skilled employees who can handle a broader range of tasks. This is exactly what happened for Cloud Code Alumni Jennifer Olson and Hillary Fenton as they both got major raises and promotions after completing the program. Be sure to 
watch this video where they break down exactly why learning to code was so impactful to them.
Enhancing Versatility
Understanding development enhances a professional’s ability to tackle complex tasks and improve existing automations. For instance, knowledge of programming can make working with Salesforce flows more efficient. Professionals can understand why certain actions occur within flows, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to write more efficient flows. This knowledge extends to other areas like formula fields and report writing, making everyday tasks easier and more effective.
Continuous Learning and Innovation
The tech industry is constantly evolving, and Salesforce is no exception. By learning development, professionals commit to continuous learning, keeping up with new features and tools that Salesforce regularly releases. This ongoing education makes them more versatile and better equipped to leverage the full potential of the Salesforce platform, leading to innovative solutions that combine clicks and code for a holistic approach.
Improved Communication with Developers
Effective communication with developers is crucial for successful project outcomes. When Salesforce admins and business analysts understand development, they can communicate more effectively with their technical counterparts. This improved communication leads to more accurate requirements, faster project completion, and smoother project execution. Being able to speak the same technical language makes professionals invaluable to development teams, fostering better collaboration and project success.
Resources for Learning Development
If you’re ready to start learning development here are some great free resources:
- The 5 Day Developer Challenge: This is just what it sounds like. 5 days of learning Salesforce developer basics to kick off your learning journey.
- Trailblazer Mentorship Platform: Everyone needs a good Mentor! With this platform you can get a free 1:1 mentor that you hand select to guide you on your Salesforce path.
- Trailhead: Salesforce’s own learning platform offers beginner trails to get started with Salesforce, however it often lacks developer topics specifically. Which is why my next recommendation is Camp Apex.
- Camp Apex: This could simply be called “Trailhead for Salesforce Developer”, it includes comprehensive lessons to help learners transition from novices to proficient coders.
Conclusion
Learning Salesforce development is a strategic move for any Administrator or Business Analyst looking to advance their career. It boosts career trajectory, opens up new job opportunities, enhances the ability to create efficient automations, and improves communication with developers. By leveraging the free resources mentioned above, Salesforce professionals can embark on a rewarding journey to becoming more versatile and valuable in their roles.
As always, stay curious, keep learning, and remember, I believe in you.
