Lead ABAP Developer’s Journey: Cutting-Edge SAP Projects Led This EPAMer to Spain

Meet Karim Koshmagambetov, a Lead ABAP Developer at EPAM whose journey with the company has been marked by participating in cutting-edge SAP projects and relocating to Spain. 

Life-changing decision

From day one, Karim was captivated by EPAM’s commitment to continuous learning. The wide range of training programs, learning resources and professional certifications became stepping stones in his career growth. These opportunities allowed him to keep up with the latest SAP technologies and apply this cutting-edge knowledge to his projects.

Beyond technical growth, EPAM offered him the chance to collaborate with a diverse group of professionals worldwide, which enriched his work experience and broadened his perspective.

“It was impossible not to thrive in such an inclusive and collaborative environment where everyone's opinions and ideas are valued,” recalls Karim. “Besides, the leadership team remained close at hand, always ready to guide and support.”

Perhaps the most transformative aspect of his employment at EPAM was the opportunity to relocate internationally. This led Karim to move to a new country and start a life in Spain with his family, marking a turning point in his personal and professional life.

Rewarding ABAP developer’s career

Working on various projects for international clients across different business domains, Karim found challenges and rewards during his time at EPAM. He recalls two projects that profoundly enhanced his SAP ABAP development skills.

The first project centers around the SAP S/4HANA transformation for an oil company, which required rapid development under tight deadlines and stabilizing a product with various issues. Ultimately, Karim and his EPAM team implemented a unique system to control business risks and automated data management processes, saving the client millions of dollars on inefficient inventory. 

Though challenging, this project was gratifying, culminating in an SAP Golden Value Award for “Leader in Digital Transformation” in 2021. 

Karim’s current assignment is equally stimulating, involving developing an application that offers project planning, precise financial forecasting, and comprehensive portfolio reporting. Working toward creating a new project from scratch has exposed Karim to new challenges and offered him a broader platform to learn and grow. 

“The satisfaction of creating a completely new application is unmatched, especially when utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as SAP Cloud and On-Premise,” shares Karim. 

Harmonious life in Málaga

Karim’s decision to relocate to Málaga, Spain, was driven by his long-time dream of living near the sea.

Although moving countries involved a few logistic adjustments, the relocation process was smoothed thanks to the helpful EPAM Soft-Landing Team. They attended to every request, from helping with the visa application to choosing a suitable home and ensuring a seamless transition into the local community.

Life in Málaga is tranquil, safe and filled with many opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year. 

Here, you can play sports, enjoy festivals and relish the laid-back Spanish lifestyle. And, of course, the luxury of living on the beach certainly adds to the charm of this beautiful Mediterranean city.

“The best part about the move has been a change in the lifestyle,” comments Karim. “The work culture in Spain offers a harmonious balance between work and leisure time. We are encouraged to take time off to recharge at work, increasing our efficiency and productivity. This leaves me free to enjoy the warm weather and immerse myself in the rich, vibrant Spanish culture.”

The people in Spain are warm and friendly, which makes it easier to adapt to the new environment. This is mirrored at work, where the welcoming community of EPAMers made Karim feel right at home. Similarly, his two sons, ages eight and 12 at the time of the move, adapted incredibly well. Within a year, they practically became locals, both in language and in their social circles.

Parting words for SAP professionals

Karim's advice for SAP developers and consultants considering a career with EPAM Spain is simple: Joining EPAM opens doors to working with innovative individuals, expanding your skills, and excelling in your SAP career.

The company values continuous learning and diversification of IT skills and offers exposure to global clients, while its collaborative culture promotes knowledge-sharing and free exchange of ideas.

So, if you are looking forward to enhancing your expertise in the SAP space, EPAM Spain is the place to be. Check our SAP careers and apply https://epa.ms/SAP-Spain-Careers.