For our latest ASUG Member Spotlight, dedicated to highlighting the accomplishments and experiences of members of the ASUG community, ASUG recently connected with Christine Aboud, owner and president of St. Michael’s Learning Academy (SMLA).
A private post-secondary and vocational school focused on helping students retool their experiences for new careers and re-entry into the workforce, SMLA has collaborated with SAP for nearly a decade on the SAP for Veterans program, which equips U.S. military veterans with workforce fundamentals and free certification in SAP products.
In her role, Aboud has long been dedicated to overcoming challenges, empowering others, and fostering community as well as professional growth for students, faculty, and SAP professionals alike. Aboud plays a particularly important role in overseeing SAP Veterans to Work, a program that provides students with 320 hours of curriculum and hands-on learning, or the equivalent of about an 18-month education.
Aboud’s involvement with ASUG has been pivotal in her own professional development as well, providing platforms for community engagement while keeping her updated on industry trends and giving her multiple avenues through which SMLA can support its students and program graduates.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
How did you begin your career?
I started working within in workforce development and training for a family-owned and -operated tech school. While there, I fell in love with the way high-growth skills and certifications can lead to gainful employment, helping unemployed and under-employed professionals to get back into the workforce and on their feet again.
What would you describe as the proudest moment of your career?
Over the last 18 years, I’ve gained a lot of personal maturity, as a CEO dealing with trials and failures. Overcoming these hurdles in my career taught me grit and how to withstand the storms ahead.
I’m also incredibly proud of the evolution of leaders within our SMLA family as they move up within our company. Some have even started their own companies. That means I have done my job as a leader to empower others to believe in their skills and pursue their passions and purpose.
What was an important career milestone for you?
Obtaining our memorandum of understanding with both the U.S. Department of Defense and the Army. This designation made SMLA the first DOD SkillBridge program, back in 2014.
When did you first get involved with ASUG?
I first heard ASUG present at an SAP University Alliance academic conference, about the value the ASUG community can bring to our students.
What is your current involvement with ASUG?
For the last 10 years, I have attended ASUG Chapter meetings across the country, speaking in various sessions to bring awareness to the SAP Veterans to Work program.
How has ASUG helped your career?
The proudest moment of my career is deeply intertwined with my involvement with the ASUG Houston and Dallas Chapters. ASUG has significantly contributed to my professional growth in three key ways.
First, the ASUG Houston Chapter has provided me with a meaningful platform to give back to my community through volunteering. This involvement has not only allowed me to serve others but has also enabled me to forge strong relationships with like-minded individuals who share my passion for making a positive impact. These relationships have become invaluable advocates for both me and my company.
Second, participating in customer success stories and tracks at ASUG Chapter meetings has been instrumental in keeping me abreast of the latest SAP solutions and industry trends. Learning how SAP has helped businesses run more efficiently has enriched my knowledge and ensured that I stay current with skills that are highly sought after in today's job market.
Finally, the ASUG Dallas Chapter has played a pivotal role in supporting our veteran students by organizing events such as speed-interviewing sessions during the week of Veterans Day. These events provide our veterans with opportunities to showcase their military experience and SAP knowledge, thereby enhancing their soft skills and preparing them for successful integration into the workforce.
Overall, ASUG has not only enhanced my professional capabilities but has also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to my community and support others' career development. These experiences stand out as the proudest moments of my career, reflecting my commitment to continuous learning, community service, and supporting others in achieving their career goals.
What advice would you give to younger people entering the SAP ecosystem?
Chase the knowledge! If you fall in love with learning new things, money will follow. Employers are looking for a future-educated workforce that can deliver a multitude of skills. Having one skill is not enough to stay or grow in the SAP ecosystem or the IT sector.
"Any form of transition requires preparation as well as communication,” read a recent LinkedIn post from SMLA. Can you share your thoughts on what makes for a healthy transition mindset?
Transitioning—whether it involves military personnel returning to civilian life or any other life change—is a complex journey with multiple stages. In my experience, maintaining a healthy transition mindset involves recognizing the importance of seeking support rather than navigating the process alone. Despite the existence of numerous non-profit organizations dedicated to aiding veterans in their transition, statistics indicate that many veterans hesitate to seek assistance. This reluctance often leads them to face one of life's most challenging journeys without the support they need.
Recently you wrote on LinkedIn, "A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!" Can you elaborate on the power of SMLA to create lasting changes for its students?
Our motto is “Education is never the end but just the beginning.” This is especially true when it comes to learning and having a career in the SAP ecosystem. SMLA acts on this statement, as we know SAP is a perishable skill. If not used regularly, you will be left behind. We provide free alumni retraining for our graduates, which puts them in a position of lifelong success. After graduation, the real work begins. The SMLA career transition specialist reaches out every 30 days to assist our graduates as they are looking for jobs.
You are known for your passion and vision for SMLA. Can you share the foundation of your motivation?
When people ask me what I do as my profession, my first response is not that I am the CEO of SMLA. I also tell them that I get to help veterans find their next career in SAP, business, or tech! My passion and motivation come from helping others find theirs! I love helping others align their skills, passion, and purpose!
Can you share a story of success that you have directly been involved with that encompasses this?
I love this question because it hits on why I love doing what I do! Over the last decade, we have had many success stories. A recent example was a soldier who transitioned out of our Fort Bliss cohort. He served our country right out of high school and rose through the ranks within eight years, but he never got a chance to finish his degree.
He enrolled in the SAP Veterans to Work program and earned his SAP certification. He indicated to our career transition specialist that he wanted to have a career in SAP doing enterprise asset management (EAM).
Unfortunately, we could not find him a career in that field before he transitioned out of the military, and he settled for a data analyst role instead. However, he kept taking classes and upskilling himself with more knowledge, taking the course our instructors recommended to him. Our team knew what he wanted, and I kept leveraging our employer relationships within SAP and ASUG to help him find a career in SAP EAM. Four months later, those efforts paid off. We knew once an employer gave him a chance, given his years of experience, he would get the job.
Now, he makes over six figures and is able to move his family into a new home in a major city! This is such a great success story for SMLA and the SAP Veterans to Work program. It also shows how we are working together with SAP to help the world run better.
What advice would you give to your younger self or someone starting off within tech?
For anyone starting a career in tech, I would offer these three pieces of advice based on my own experience:
- Continuous learning – Stay current with the latest trends and skills by subscribing to academic learning environments and following pioneers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and role models in your chosen area of tech. The tech industry evolves rapidly, and ongoing learning is essential to stay competitive and relevant.
- Persistence and resilience – In your career journey, you will encounter setbacks and rejections. Remember, success often emerges from overcoming failures. Don’t be discouraged by obstacles or unexpected paths. Keep pushing forward, as perseverance through tough times has consistently led to positive outcomes in my own career.
- Develop a strong work ethic – Hard work is key to long-term success. While some may seem to advance based on connections rather than merit, focus on consistently delivering your best effort. Use any frustration from perceived injustices to fuel your determination and dedication. Genuine hard work and talent will eventually be recognized and rewarded.
What is next for you?
The next step for me is to build upon the successes of the past year. My focus will continue to be on maintaining and enhancing our operational efficiency, driving cost savings initiatives, and fostering the development of leadership skills within my team. Achieving these goals requires a collaborative effort with a great team both at work and at home.
Equally important to me is maintaining a balanced life. Balancing family commitments and personal well-being alongside professional responsibilities is crucial. Success to me means not only achieving business objectives but also ensuring a fulfilling personal life.
In navigating the future, my aim is to sustain our momentum, mitigate risks effectively, and lead with a clear vision that aligns our team's efforts with our company's long-term goals. This approach will allow me to continue delivering value to our stakeholders while nurturing a supportive work environment where everyone can thrive.
For additional ASUG Member Spotlights, read our interview with Amy Her, Joyce Butler, and Dr. Staci Baker.