Jeff delucas
We conducted another interview with a Focus on Force community member, Jeff DeLucas. He is a Salesforce consultant in a firm called Silverline in New York City. They specialize in Salesforce implementations for various kinds of companies, but focus mainly on financial services and healthcare clients.
Continue reading to get inspired from Jeff DeLucas’ experience with Salesforce.
How and why did you get started with Salesforce?
About 6 years ago, I was working for an online marketing company and I was a marketing assistant there. They introduced Salesforce to the company and I helped implement it there. I had to learn it on the go as I was doing it. I never really knew what I wanted to do as a career path, but I always knew I wanted Salesforce to be involved in it. I enjoyed it!
Ever since then, I just had different jobs around Salesforce, mainly as an admin for a different number of startups and different number of industries, but mostly marketing and sales. I wanted to move on from the admin path and become a consultant, which is what I’m doing now.
Which certifications do you currently have?
I have my Admin 201, App Builder Platform Developer, Sales Cloud Consultant, and Service Cloud Consultant exam complete. I just got those in the last year when I became a consultant. My next one which I’m going for soon is my Email Marketing Specialist exam. I want to start specialized more in marketing automation. My goal is to become a marketing automation solution architect.
What was the most challenging part of learning Salesforce?
It was a bit overwhelming because of how customizable it actually is. You really could do pretty much anything with it if you customize it the right way. Just learning everything in order of importance is what was challenging in the beginning, especially the basics. But then once you get it, it’s a lot of fun.
Which was the most difficult Salesforce certification and why?
I thought the Sales Cloud one was pretty challenging which is funny because that is where my experience lies but I needed to take it twice. The Service Cloud was pretty easy. The Sales Cloud was the most challenging out of those four.
What tips and advice do you have for others who are in the process of preparing and studying for a Salesforce certification?
Actually, I get that question a lot because I work with a firm of consultants so we are always talking about it. I always point them to Focus on Force if the study guide is available. I always recommend it and also Trailhead.
It is funny because people need certifications, but I don’t really love the way that they’re presented. They’re all scenario-based questions, which is good, but Salesforce is more hands on learning. I feel it should be more geared towards that like some type of interactive environment where you go and have to do things. That should be how you get to pass.
How did Focus on Force study guides and practice exams help you with your preparation?
They are fantastic. The fact that they’re split in different categories, which is what the exam is based on, is really helpful. It also gives you scenario-based examples at times which helps for that kind of format of exam. They are very good. They are specific, clear, easy to read and go through. Very enjoyable!
What is your advice to someone who wants to pursue a career in Salesforce?
I had a lot of different jobs, but I’ve never been more happy with the job that I have now and doing what I do now. It’s always changing; there’s always cool new stuff coming out, cool new ways to do things, and it’s creative. It could be artistic and I always tell people that. I like it and I say go for it!
What Certification are you studying for now?
Focus on Force currently provides practice exams and study guides for sixteen certifications
