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If you're contemplating a career in the MuleSoft ecosystem, you may find yourself debating between two main pathways: working for a MuleSoft partner or a MuleSoft customer. These two roles offer different opportunities and challenges within the MuleSoft development landscape, and understanding them will be vital in shaping your Salesforce career path.
First, let's clarify the terms. A MuleSoft partner generally refers to an IT consulting firm or contractor that works with various companies to implement MuleSoft integration solutions.
A MuleSoft customer, on the other hand, is an entity (generally a company) that uses MuleSoft products internally to integrate systems and automate operations.
Throughout my MuleSoft career, I've experienced both development roles first-hand, and each has unique advantages and drawbacks. Depending on your career objectives and aspirations, one may suit you better than the other in the MuleSoft ecosystem.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is based on my personal experiences as a MuleSoft partner and MuleSoft customer only and everything mentioned is public knowledge.
Exploring the MuleSoft Landscape as a MuleSoft Partner
If you're looking for a long-term career focused on implementing integrations and harnessing the power of MuleSoft's Anypoint platform, RPA, and Composer tools, becoming a MuleSoft partner could be wise. The key reason is that MuleSoft partners often get to work on a diverse range of projects and products.
Note: It's a great idea to extend your skillset into the Salesforce, Tableau, and Slack ecosystems.
As a MuleSoft partner, you might find yourself working on an API-led connectivity project one day and a data integration project or data migration of legacy systems the next project. This diversity of experience keeps your work exciting and allows you to build comprehensive skills in MuleSoft development.
Moreover, being a MuleSoft partner often means having access to various benefits from MuleSoft, such as early access to new product reveals and access to your own MuleSoft representatives responsible for helping your company.
MuleSoft certifications are also a big deal in your MuleSoft career if you choose to work for a partner. MuleSoft wants partners to get certified; since partners will take the lead in implementing automation and integration solutions for MuleSoft's customers, it's imperative that partners certify their knowledge. These can be invaluable for staying current with the latest developments and technologies in the MuleSoft ecosystem.
Many partners are willing to invest in MuleSoft training because MuleSoft training helps prepare you for 1) MuleSoft certifications and 2) real-world integrations and automations. Joining a partner is a good way to take training and get certified on the job without needing to pay out of pocket.
Another advantage of being a MuleSoft partner is the potential for job security. Unlike companies that may switch from MuleSoft to another iPAAS, API Management, or automation company based on their changing needs, partners generally have a consistent flow of MuleSoft projects.
Although being a partner comes with a lot of perks.
Joining a partner can come with the challenges of managing burnout due to potential overpromises, scope creep, lack of MuleSoft talent, and tight deadlines.
Exploring the MuleSoft Landscape as a MuleSoft Customer
As a MuleSoft customer, you typically work in-house at a company that uses MuleSoft products to build integration and automation solutions for the company. This role can provide a unique set of experiences and benefits.
One of the key advantages of being a MuleSoft customer is the opportunity to delve deep into a single company's systems and processes. You get the chance to understand the company's operations and contribute to the strategic application of MuleSoft tools within the organization.
However, the customer role can also present its own challenges. For instance, your company may decide not to renew its MuleSoft subscription, opting instead for a different automation and integration solution. Companies also have to worry about costs. Depending on your company's goals and finances, decision-makers may opt to remove add-on products or not renew the subscription at all. This can impact your role significantly and might require you to learn a new platform, shift your job focus, or find a new job at a different company. Five years ago, I found myself fighting to keep API Manager. At the time, API Manager was an add-on to the basic subscription.
Additionally, many companies outsource their MuleSoft development to IT consulting partners, which could limit your hands-on experience with MuleSoft tools. This is particularly pertinent if you find yourself managing contractors rather than actively participating in MuleSoft development.
Making Your Choice in the MuleSoft Ecosystem
Deciding between a MuleSoft partner or customer role depends on your career aspirations, comfort level with uncertainty, and desire for diverse experiences in automation and integration.
If you're someone who thrives on variety and wants to continually expand your skillset, being a MuleSoft partner could be the ideal path. Conversely, if you prefer deep-diving into a single organization's operations and enjoy strategizing the use of MuleSoft tools, the customer role might be a better fit. Remember, there's no universal right or wrong choice.
Are you a MuleSoft customer, a MuleSoft partner, or interested in breaking into the MuleSoft ecosystem? Let me know in the comments below.
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