Power Platform: Ignite Your Career Journey

The Unknown

Starting a new journey can be absolutely terrifying. You’re entering the world of the unknown. Some of this fear is from not knowing what’s on the other side, some of it is purely from the amount of knowledge you feel you need to consume. One thing for sure, a lot of it is from not knowing where on earth to start. At the start of my journey, this was my biggest fear. Your journey through the Microsoft Power Platform should not be something you fear. It should an exciting experience you wish to grow with. The hardest part of any new journey is taking the first step, especially when you have no clue where to begin. Well, that’s why you’re here 😉.

The Chatter

Before diving into your journey, understanding the concept behind the Power Platform is essential. The Power Platform is a low-code platform that allows users to create custom business solutions without extensive programming knowledge. Low-code development is a method of creating solutions with minimal or no coding. Incorporating low code in the Power Platform allows citizen developers to start building complex solutions using drag and drop methods as well as being able to integrate with 3rd party systems within minutes, making it more accessible for people with little or no programming experience.

Ok, What’s The First Step?

So, you’ve heard some chatter about Microsoft Power Platform, or maybe you’ve heard about a specific product, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI or any of the others. Although all the products can lead to completely separate careers, they all still live within the Power Platform ecosystem.

Not sure which path you want to take? Considering getting involved with them all? The best step forward would be utilising Microsoft Learn courses. It’s online, it’s insightful and most of all, it’s free!

The Beginning

The PL-900 Power Platform Fundamentals Learning Path is the perfect start. This learning path consists of multiple fundamental modules about the various Power Platform products. The beauty about this Learning Path, is that it teaches you the basics about these products whilst testing your knowledge after each module. Once you’ve completed the path, you’ll hopefully have a better idea of what path seems more appealing to you. Whether you want to focus more on Power Apps, Power BI, or all of it, you have started your journey.

Certifications

Certifications are not something you need to have, but it does feel good earning them. It proves you’ve done the hard work and are committed to growing. After completing the PL-900 Learning Path, taking the PL-900 exam will test your knowledge and award you with your first Microsoft Certified badge! You can even receive a free exam voucher by registering and attending a Power Platform Fundamentals Virtual Training Day. To get a free exam voucher, simply sign up for a Power Platform Fundamentals Virtual Training Day. Once you’ve attended, Microsoft will award you a free voucher for the exam. Click here to register.

Community

The Microsoft Community is truly unique. Leverage user groups, forums, blogs, meet-ups and member engagement to learn more. There’s no such thing as a silly question. The Power Platform Community will embrace you and help guide you through your career journey. View the Power Platform Communities here.

A Little Something Extra

If you are looking to get more hands on when studying a specific module, you can do so very easily by heading to the below sites and select “Start Free” with your work or school Office 365 account.

• Power Apps: https://powerapps.microsoft.com/
• Power Automate: https://powerautomate.microsoft.com/
• Power BI: https://powerbi.microsoft.com/
• Power Pages: https://make.powerpages.microsoft.com/
• Power Virtual Agents: https://powervirtualagents.microsoft.com/
• Azure Portal: https://azure.microsoft.com/free/

Alternatively, if you don’t have an Office 365 work or school account, you can join the Microsoft 365 Developer Program and setup a up to 25 E5 license that will grant you access to everything you need for the next 90 days. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/developer-program/microsoft-365-developer-program

What’s Next?

You’ve now taken the first steps to becoming a Power Platform Developer. In my following posts, I will dive deeper into what a Power Platform Developer does, review the relevant certifications and content, as well as discuss the various products in the Power Platform ecosystem.