What is Sharepoint?

 

SharePoint is a web-based collaborative platform developed by Microsoft. It is primarily used for document management, content management, and team collaboration within organizations. SharePoint allows users to create, store, organize, and share information, documents, and other resources across teams and departments.

Key features and functionalities of SharePoint include:

1. Document Management: SharePoint provides a centralized location to store and manage documents. Users can create document libraries, upload files, and collaborate on documents simultaneously.

2. Team Sites: SharePoint allows organizations to create team sites or intranet portals for specific projects or departments. These sites can be customized to suit the team's needs and can include document libraries, calendars, task lists, and more.

3. Collaboration: SharePoint promotes collaboration among team members. It offers features like version control, document co-authoring, real-time editing, and commenting, allowing teams to work together efficiently.

4. Workflows: SharePoint supports workflows, which are automated sequences of actions that help streamline business processes. Workflows can be customized to manage document approval, task assignments, and notifications.

5. Search: SharePoint's powerful search capabilities make it easy to find content within the platform. Users can search for documents, sites, people, and other resources.

6. Content Types and Metadata: SharePoint enables the use of content types and metadata, which help classify and organize documents based on specific attributes or properties. This enhances document discoverability and organization.

7. Integration with Office 365: SharePoint is tightly integrated with Microsoft Office 365, providing seamless access to tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive for Business.

8. Business Intelligence: SharePoint offers business intelligence capabilities, allowing users to create and share interactive reports, dashboards, and data visualizations.

9. Security and Permissions: SharePoint provides robust security features, allowing administrators to control access to content and resources based on user roles and permissions.

SharePoint can be deployed on-premises within an organization's own servers or can be used through Microsoft's cloud-based service called SharePoint Online, which is part of the Office 365 suite. SharePoint Online provides additional benefits such as automatic updates, scalability, and accessibility from any device with an internet connection.

Overall, SharePoint is a versatile platform that enables organizations to improve collaboration, streamline business processes, and manage content efficiently, making it a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes.

 

Becoming a SharePoint professional involves a combination of education, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you become a SharePoint pro:

1. Education and Basic Understanding:

   • Start by familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals of SharePoint. You can find numerous online tutorials, articles, and official Microsoft documentation to get started.

2. Set Up a SharePoint Environment:

   • Practice is crucial for gaining expertise. Set up a SharePoint environment on your local machine or use SharePoint Online (part of Office 365) to experiment with different features.

3. Online Courses and Certifications:

   • Take advantage of online courses and certifications provided by Microsoft and other reputable platforms. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from basic administration to advanced development.

4. Choose a Path:

   • SharePoint offers various career paths, such as administration, development, architecture, and power user roles. Determine which path aligns best with your interests and strengths.

5. SharePoint Administration:

   • If you want to focus on administration, learn about managing sites, user permissions, content types, workflows, and governance.

6. SharePoint Development:

   • For development, familiarize yourself with SharePoint's development framework, including SharePoint Framework (SPFx), JavaScript, TypeScript, React, and other web technologies.

7. Power User Roles:

   • Power users typically have advanced skills in SharePoint's features and functionalities. Master document management, version control, metadata, and other collaboration tools.

8. Community Involvement:

   • Join SharePoint user groups, online forums, and social media communities. Engage with other professionals, share knowledge, and learn from their experiences.

9. Real-world Projects:

   • Apply your knowledge by working on real-world SharePoint projects. Building actual solutions will give you hands-on experience and demonstrate your expertise.

10. Stay Updated:

    • SharePoint is continually evolving. Stay updated with the latest developments, updates, and new features from official Microsoft sources and SharePoint community blogs.

11. Specialize Further:

    • Consider specializing in specific areas such as SharePoint Online, SharePoint Server, hybrid deployments, migration, governance, or security.

12. Obtain Certifications:

    • Microsoft offers various SharePoint certifications, such as the Microsoft 365 Certified: Teamwork Administrator Associate and Microsoft 365 Certified: Developer Associate. Earning these certifications will validate your skills and enhance your resume.

13. Network and Collaborate:

    • Attend SharePoint conferences, webinars, and events to network with other professionals and learn from industry experts.

14. Be Patient and Persistent:

    • Becoming a SharePoint pro takes time and dedication. Be patient, stay persistent, and keep learning.

Remember that SharePoint is just one component of the broader Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suite. So, consider gaining knowledge in related technologies like Microsoft Teams, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Azure as they complement SharePoint's capabilities and enhance your career prospects.

 

Employment opportunities vary greatly depending on factors such as location, industry, job market conditions, and the specific skills and qualifications of an individual. Here are some general trends and industries that have shown growth in employment opportunities:

1. Technology and IT: The technology sector continues to experience significant growth, with demand for professionals in software development, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

2. Healthcare: The healthcare industry is continuously expanding, particularly in areas like nursing, medical and healthcare assistants, physician assistants, healthcare administrators, and medical technologists.

3. E-commerce and Retail: With the rise of e-commerce, there is a growing demand for professionals in digital marketing, supply chain management, logistics, customer service, and data analysis.

4. Remote Work Opportunities: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work, leading to increased demand for remote-friendly job positions across various industries.

5. Green Energy and Sustainability: As organizations focus more on sustainability and environmental responsibility, there is a rising need for professionals in renewable energy, environmental sciences, and green technologies.

6. Financial Services: The financial sector continues to seek skilled individuals in accounting, financial analysis, investment advisory, and fintech.

7. Education and Online Learning: The field of online education and e-learning has seen significant growth, leading to increased opportunities for educators, instructional designers, and e-learning specialists.

8. Health Tech and Telemedicine: The integration of technology into healthcare has created opportunities for professionals in telemedicine, health tech development, and healthcare data management.

9. Creative Industries: Opportunities exist in the creative industries, including graphic design, content creation, video production, animation, and digital media.

10. Cybersecurity: The increasing reliance on technology has also resulted in a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals to protect against cyber threats.

It's important to stay updated on industry trends and continuously enhance your skills to remain competitive in the job market. Networking, attending industry events, and utilizing online job platforms and professional networking sites can also be helpful in finding employment opportunities. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from career advisors or recruiters to explore specific opportunities in your chosen field.

 

 

SharePoint professionals have a range of employment opportunities in various industries and organizations. As organizations continue to adopt SharePoint for collaboration, content management, and business processes, the demand for SharePoint experts is expected to remain strong. Here are some potential employment opportunities for SharePoint professionals:

1. SharePoint Administrators: Organizations require SharePoint administrators to manage and maintain SharePoint sites, user permissions, content, and site configurations. SharePoint administrators ensure the platform runs smoothly and securely.

2. SharePoint Developers: SharePoint developers design and implement custom solutions, workflows, web parts, and applications on the SharePoint platform. They use SharePoint's development framework, including SharePoint Framework (SPFx), JavaScript, TypeScript, and other web technologies.

3. SharePoint Consultants: SharePoint consultants work with organizations to assess their needs, design SharePoint solutions, provide recommendations, and assist with SharePoint implementations and migrations.

4. SharePoint Architects: SharePoint architects design the overall structure and architecture of SharePoint solutions, considering scalability, performance, and security. They work closely with developers and administrators to create robust SharePoint environments.

5. SharePoint Content Managers: Content managers are responsible for organizing, categorizing, and managing content within SharePoint. They ensure that documents and data are properly tagged, classified, and searchable.

6. SharePoint Business Analysts: SharePoint business analysts gather business requirements, analyze processes, and translate them into SharePoint solutions. They bridge the gap between business needs and technical implementation.

7. SharePoint Power Users: Power users are skilled SharePoint users who help others within their organization use SharePoint effectively. They train users, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance on SharePoint best practices.

8. SharePoint Project Managers: Project managers oversee SharePoint implementation projects, coordinate with various stakeholders, and ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

9. SharePoint Trainers and Educators: Organizations often require trainers to provide SharePoint training to employees, helping them understand and utilize the platform effectively.

10. SharePoint Support Specialists: Support specialists assist users with SharePoint-related issues, troubleshooting problems, and providing technical support.

11. SharePoint Migration Specialists: Migration specialists help organizations move their data and content from older versions of SharePoint or other platforms to the latest versions or SharePoint Online.

12. SharePoint Governance and Compliance Specialists: With the growing emphasis on data governance and compliance, specialists in this area ensure that SharePoint environments meet regulatory requirements and organizational policies.

SharePoint professionals may find job opportunities in various sectors, including IT services, consulting firms, government agencies, healthcare, education, finance, and manufacturing, among others.

To enhance their employment prospects, SharePoint professionals should continuously update their skills, stay current with SharePoint developments, and obtain relevant certifications from Microsoft or other recognized bodies. Building a strong professional network and contributing to the SharePoint community through forums, blogs, or open-source projects can also be beneficial for career growth.

 

SharePoint professionals are hired by a wide range of organizations across various industries. Any organization that utilizes Microsoft SharePoint or SharePoint Online for their document management, collaboration, and content sharing needs may hire SharePoint professionals to manage, develop, and support their SharePoint environments. Here are some types of organizations that commonly hire SharePoint professionals:

1. Corporations and Businesses: Large corporations and businesses often use SharePoint for their internal intranet portals, document management, and collaboration among employees. They hire SharePoint professionals to manage and optimize their SharePoint sites and solutions.

2. Government Agencies: Government organizations at the local, state, and federal levels may use SharePoint for interdepartmental collaboration, document sharing, and public-facing portals. SharePoint professionals are hired to support and maintain these SharePoint implementations.

3. Educational Institutions: Educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities may use SharePoint for their intranet, e-learning platforms, and collaborative projects. SharePoint professionals are hired to manage these SharePoint environments and provide technical support to faculty and students.

4. Healthcare Organizations: Hospitals, healthcare providers, and medical research institutions may use SharePoint for patient record management, collaboration among healthcare professionals, and document sharing. SharePoint professionals help implement and manage SharePoint solutions in these organizations.

5. Financial Institutions: Banks, financial services companies, and insurance firms may use SharePoint for secure document management, compliance, and project collaboration. SharePoint professionals are hired to ensure the security and efficiency of SharePoint solutions in the financial sector.

6. IT Services and Consulting Firms: IT services companies and consulting firms often provide SharePoint-related services to clients. They hire SharePoint professionals to work on client projects, implement SharePoint solutions, and provide expertise in SharePoint development and administration.

7. Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits may use SharePoint for internal communication, knowledge sharing, and document management. SharePoint professionals may be hired to support the organization's SharePoint needs and ensure smooth collaboration among staff members.

8. Manufacturing Companies: Manufacturing firms often use SharePoint for process management, quality control, and document collaboration. SharePoint professionals may be hired to optimize SharePoint workflows and ensure efficient document management.

9. Retail and E-commerce Companies: Retailers and e-commerce companies may use SharePoint for inventory management, vendor collaboration, and marketing initiatives. SharePoint professionals can be hired to develop custom SharePoint solutions to meet these specific business needs.

10. Software Development Companies: Software development firms may use SharePoint for project management, documentation, and internal collaboration. SharePoint professionals are hired to customize SharePoint solutions to fit the company's development processes.

These are just a few examples of the types of organizations that hire SharePoint professionals. As SharePoint is a versatile platform with a broad range of applications, opportunities for SharePoint professionals can be found in various industries and businesses of all sizes.

 

The salary for SharePoint professionals can vary significantly based on several factors, including the individual's experience, job role, location, industry, and the size and type of the employing organization. As of my last update in September 2021, here are approximate salary ranges for common SharePoint job roles in the United States:

1. SharePoint Administrator:

   • Entry-level: $50,000 - $80,000 per year
   • Mid-level: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
   • Senior-level: $90,000 - $130,000+ per year

2. SharePoint Developer:

   • Entry-level: $60,000 - $90,000 per year
   • Mid-level: $80,000 - $120,000 per year
   • Senior-level: $100,000 - $150,000+ per year

3. SharePoint Consultant:

   • Entry-level: $60,000 - $90,000 per year
   • Mid-level: $80,000 - $120,000 per year
   • Senior-level: $100,000 - $150,000+ per year

4. SharePoint Business Analyst:

   • Entry-level: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
   • Mid-level: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
   • Senior-level: $90,000 - $120,000+ per year

5. SharePoint Project Manager:

   • Entry-level: $70,000 - $90,000 per year
   • Mid-level: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
   • Senior-level: $110,000 - $150,000+ per year

Please note that these salary ranges are approximate and can vary based on factors mentioned earlier. Additionally, salaries may differ in other countries and regions. It's essential to research specific job postings, industry reports, and salary surveys in your area to get a more accurate understanding of current salary levels for SharePoint professionals.

 

SharePoint training is offered by various organizations, including:

1. Microsoft: Microsoft provides official SharePoint training through its Microsoft Learn platform and the Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT) program. These courses cover different aspects of SharePoint, including administration, development, and end-user training.

2. Online Learning Platforms: Numerous online learning platforms, such as Udemy, LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), Pluralsight, Coursera, and Skillshare, offer SharePoint courses. These platforms often provide both beginner-level and advanced training for SharePoint professionals.

3. Microsoft Certified Partners: Many Microsoft Certified Partners and consulting firms offer SharePoint training and consulting services. These organizations often have experienced SharePoint professionals who conduct training sessions, workshops, and boot camps.

4. SharePoint User Groups: SharePoint user groups, both local and virtual, are community-driven organizations where SharePoint enthusiasts come together to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. They may conduct training sessions and workshops for members.

5. SharePoint Conferences and Events: SharePoint conferences and industry events often include training sessions and workshops led by SharePoint experts. Attending these events can provide valuable insights and hands-on learning opportunities.

6. Institutional Training Programs: Universities, colleges, and technical schools may offer SharePoint training as part of their information technology or computer science programs. Some institutions may also have professional development courses focused on SharePoint.

7. SharePoint Consultants and Trainers: SharePoint consultants and trainers who are experienced in the field may offer customized training sessions for organizations or individuals seeking tailored SharePoint instruction.

8. Vendor-Specific Training: Some vendors that offer SharePoint-related tools or solutions may provide training on their specific products or integrations with SharePoint.

When choosing a training provider, consider factors such as the course content, instructor expertise, mode of delivery (online or in-person), and reviews or feedback from previous participants. It's essential to select training that aligns with your specific learning objectives and career goals in the SharePoint field.

 

 

The time it takes to become proficient in SharePoint depends on various factors, including your prior knowledge and experience with related technologies, the depth of expertise you aim to achieve, the time you can dedicate to learning, and the complexity of the SharePoint tasks you want to handle.

Here are some general estimates for different levels of SharePoint proficiency:

1. Basic Understanding: If you are starting with little or no prior experience in SharePoint and want to gain a basic understanding of the platform's features and functionalities, you can achieve this in a few weeks of consistent learning.

2. End-User Proficiency: For end-users who want to become proficient in using SharePoint for daily tasks such as document management, collaboration, and basic site administration, a few months of regular usage and training can be sufficient.

3. SharePoint Administrator or Power User: If you aim to become a SharePoint administrator or a power user with expertise in configuring sites, managing permissions, and creating workflows, it may take several months to a year of dedicated learning and hands-on practice.

4. SharePoint Developer: Becoming a SharePoint developer, proficient in customizing and building solutions on the SharePoint platform, typically requires a year or more of focused learning, especially if you are starting from scratch in web development.

5. SharePoint Architect or Consultant: To become a SharePoint architect or consultant, who designs and implements SharePoint solutions for organizations, it can take several years of experience, continuous learning, and working on various SharePoint projects.

Keep in mind that learning is an ongoing process, and SharePoint is a vast platform with numerous features and capabilities. Additionally, the field of technology is ever-evolving, so continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest SharePoint developments are essential.

Your learning journey can be accelerated by taking structured courses, obtaining certifications, working on real-world projects, participating in the SharePoint community, and seeking mentorship or guidance from experienced professionals.

Ultimately, the time it takes to become proficient in SharePoint will vary from person to person. Set realistic goals, be patient with yourself, and commit to continuous learning and hands-on practice to achieve your desired level of expertise in SharePoint.

 

 

The cost of learning SharePoint can vary depending on the resources and training options you choose. Here are some factors that can influence the cost:

1. Training Courses: If you opt for formal training courses, the cost will depend on the type of course, its duration, and the training provider. Online courses on platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight, and others may range from $20 to $200 per course, while more comprehensive instructor-led courses can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

2. Certification Exams: If you decide to pursue Microsoft SharePoint certifications, there will be exam fees for each certification level. The cost of Microsoft certification exams typically ranges from $100 to $165 per exam.

3. Books and Study Materials: Purchasing books and study materials can add to the cost. Prices for SharePoint-related books can range from $20 to $60 or more.

4. Virtual Labs and Practice Environments: Some training providers offer virtual labs and practice environments for hands-on experience with SharePoint. Access to such labs may require additional fees.

5. SharePoint Subscription: If you want to practice on SharePoint Online (part of Office 365), you will need a subscription to Office 365. Subscription plans vary in cost depending on the features and services included.

6. Conferences and Workshops: Attending SharePoint conferences and workshops may involve registration fees, travel expenses, and accommodation costs.

7. Optional Tools and Software: Depending on your specific learning goals, you may need to invest in additional tools or software related to SharePoint development or administration.

While formal training and certification can provide structured learning and validation of skills, there are also many free or low-cost resources available, such as official Microsoft documentation, blog posts, YouTube tutorials, and community forums.

The cost of learning SharePoint is flexible, and you can tailor it to your budget and learning preferences. It's essential to research and compare different training options to find the most suitable ones that align with your goals and financial capacity. Additionally, consider investing in resources that offer hands-on experience and practical application of SharePoint concepts to gain a deeper understanding of the platform.

 

Many companies across various industries require SharePoint professionals to manage, develop, and support their SharePoint environments. Here are some examples of specific companies or types of organizations that often hire SharePoint professionals:

1. Microsoft: As the developer of SharePoint, Microsoft itself hires SharePoint professionals for various roles, including product development, consulting, and support.

2. Large Corporations and Enterprises: Large corporations and enterprises with extensive SharePoint deployments often have dedicated SharePoint teams that include administrators, developers, and consultants. Examples of such companies include Amazon, Walmart, General Electric, and IBM.

3. Consulting Firms: IT consulting firms and systems integrators that specialize in Microsoft technologies, including SharePoint, hire SharePoint professionals to work on client projects. Examples include Accenture, Deloitte, and Infosys.

4. Government Agencies: Government organizations at the local, state, and federal levels use SharePoint for internal collaboration and document management. They may hire SharePoint professionals to manage their SharePoint implementations. Examples include the United States government agencies, the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), and the Australian Government.

5. Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, healthcare systems, and medical research institutions often use SharePoint for document management, collaboration, and intranet portals. Examples include Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Medicine.

6. Educational Institutions: Universities, colleges, and schools may use SharePoint for e-learning platforms, intranet sites, and document management. Educational institutions hire SharePoint professionals to manage their SharePoint environments. Examples include Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Oxford.

7. Financial Services Companies: Banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions may use SharePoint for internal communication, collaboration, and document management. Examples include JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup.

8. Manufacturing Companies: Manufacturing firms use SharePoint for process management, quality control, and document collaboration. Examples include Toyota, Boeing, and Siemens.

9. Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits use SharePoint for internal collaboration and document sharing. Examples include the Red Cross, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and UNICEF.

10. Software Development Companies: Software development firms may use SharePoint for project management and internal collaboration. Examples include Adobe, SAP, and Autodesk.

These are just a few examples, and many other companies in various industries leverage SharePoint for their business needs. As SharePoint is a versatile platform used across different sectors, opportunities for SharePoint professionals can be found in a wide range of organizations, both large and small, across the globe.