Hi everyone,
I am relatively new to the Salesforce ecosystem. I have completed my Salesforce Administrator and Platform App Builder certifications, and I am currently planning for Platform Developer I (PD1).
I am based in Denmark and currently feeling a little stuck due to the job market and honestly not having much local support.
I would really appreciate hearing from others who have been in a similar situation. What helped you keep your confidence, curiosity, and consistency in learning and building your skills while searching for your first opportunity?
I am also open to volunteering or internship opportunities where I can contribute, learn, and gain real-world Salesforce experience.
I would really appreciate your thoughts, experiences, or suggestions.
Thank you in advance!
First, finishing Admin and App Builder and lining up PD1 while job-hunting in a tough market takes real discipline, so give yourself credit. A few things that genuinely helped people in exactly your spot (certs done, first role still out of reach):
1. Turn certs into proof-of-work. Certs open doors, but a portfolio gets interviews. Build one real end-to-end thing (a small app or automation) plus two or three superbadges. Superbadges are scenario-based, so they show applied skill, not just knowledge. 'I built X' beats 'I passed Y' in a first-job conversation.
2. Get real hours through volunteering.
Salesforce.organd nonprofits constantly need admin/dev help and will give you a live org and real requirements. It is the fastest way to convert 'certified' into 'has delivered,' which is the gap most first-job seekers have.
3. Build in public. Post what you are learning and building on LinkedIn, even short 'today I automated X with a Flow' notes. Over months that becomes a visible trail recruiters and the community notice, and it keeps you consistent because you are accountable out loud.
4. Use the community as a network, not just a resource. Answer questions here and in the Nordic / Denmark Trailblazer user group, and join virtual events. A lot of first roles come through people who have seen your name being helpful, not through cold applications.
5. On consistency: small daily reps (even 20-30 minutes of Trailhead or building) beat occasional marathons. Momentum protects motivation more than motivation protects momentum.
For PD1 specifically: pair the Trailhead prep with actually writing Apex, triggers, and LWC in a Dev org. Both the exam and real interviews reward hands-on fluency over memorization.
The market is genuinely hard right now, so being stuck is not a reflection of your ability. Keep the reps small, make your work visible, and get real hours however you can. You are closer than it feels. You've got this.
