Has anyone restarted their IT career after a long break and succeeded in ServiceNow?

[AkshadaL]

I completed my master’s degree in 2009 and, after a 17-year career break, I’m planning to restart my career in ServiceNow. I’m currently learning the platform, working on personal projects, and preparing for the CSA certification.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has made a similar transition.

• Were employers open to hiring someone after a long career break?
• What helped you get your first ServiceNow role?
• Should I focus more on certifications, hands-on projects, or both?
• Any advice for someone trying to break into the ServiceNow ecosystem after such a long gap?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experience and guidance!

[scootjeep88 · Accepted solution]

Ok so there are some questions, what did you do before the break and what skills are transferable?

I started in sales and customer service 20 years ago then finance and ultimately IT about 6 years ago. I got involved with ServiceNow over a cup of coffee. The common theme across my career is process improvement and I’ve used those skills in every role. My SN career skyrocketed because I approached the platform as a process improvement initiative. I focused on learning the foundation, best practices, risk and building up a strong technical team. 

This enabled me to rise up from a project manager to admin to SME to product owner and now to leading a platform. I also have over 2k hours in addition to platform time spent reading and learning. 

Now for the tough part, ServiceNow is massive and you need to start narrowing in on modules you will know well. ITSM, CSM, CMDB, HRSD, etc. go get your CSA and start pursuing CIS for a module or two. Leverage your PDI, read, study, apply, and learn. 

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi  

Greetings!!

Being a ServiceNow trainer, I've taught many people who wanted to start their careers in ServiceNow. A 17-year break is definitely a long gap, and technology has changed significantly during that time. However, that doesn't mean you can't start now. Since the gap is so long, I would suggest considering yourself a fresher and preparing accordingly. This mindset will help you build your foundation without unnecessary pressure.

Were employers open to hiring someone after a long career break?

Atul: You mentioned that you completed your degree in 2009, but you didn't mention whether you worked after graduation. If you haven't worked since then, I wouldn't really call it a career break. A career break usually means someone worked for a few years and then took time off. In your case, you would be considered a fresher entering the workforce. Employers are more likely to evaluate you as a fresher rather than someone returning from a career break, so don't worry too much about that.

What helped you get your first ServiceNow role?

Atul: ServiceNow has become much deeper, broader, and more mature over the years. The best place to start is with the Certified System Administrator (CSA) certification. CSA gives you a solid understanding of the platform, its architecture, core concepts, navigation, and capabilities. It builds a strong foundation and gives you confidence that you're moving in the right direction.

However, considering the current job market, CSA alone is no longer enough. Today's employers expect candidates to have knowledge of at least 2–3 ServiceNow modules. I would also strongly recommend learning JavaScript and ServiceNow scripting, as scripting skills make a huge difference, especially if you're interested in development roles.

There are dedicated learning paths available on Now Learning and plenty of community resources to help you prepare.

Should I focus more on certifications, hands-on projects, or both?

Atul: Don't focus on certifications first. Focus on learning. The training available on Now Learning is free, so spend your time understanding the platform and practicing as much as possible. Once you've built a strong understanding and gained hands-on experience, then go for the certifications. Certifications validate your knowledge—they shouldn't replace learning.

Any advice for someone trying to break into the ServiceNow ecosystem after such a long gap?

Atul: Dedication, determination, and hard work are the key. There will be times when it feels difficult, you may struggle to stay motivated or concentrate, but don't give up.

Create a realistic study schedule and follow it consistently. It's okay if you don't study for long hours every day, but try not to miss your routine. Consistency matters much more than intensity.

Also, connect with the ServiceNow community. If you're in India, try attending ServiceNow Developer Meetups held in cities like Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Noida, and Indore. Many sessions are also conducted online, so you can participate from anywhere.

I would also recommend attending the AI Learning Days organized by ServiceNow. These events are free, provide valuable insights into the latest technologies, and are a great way to hear from experts, learn from the community, network with like-minded professionals, and stay motivated throughout your learning journey.

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi  

AI leaning Days:

https://servicenow.swoogo.com/AILearningDays2026

Dev Meetup / SNUG

https://www.servicenow.com/community/servicenow-user-groups-snugs/ct-p/servicenow-user-groups-snugs

[Search for your area]

learning Courses:

New to ServiceNow:

https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/australia/new_to_servicenow

https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/australia/servicenow_administrator

Also, keep an eye on the ServiceNow RiseUp Program. You can fill out the application form, and if you meet the eligibility criteria, you'll be invited for an interview. If you're selected, you'll receive free training along with vouchers for the CSA (Certified System Administrator) and CAD (Certified Application Developer) certification exams.

It's a great opportunity for anyone starting their ServiceNow career, so I highly recommend applying if you're eligible.

https://learning.servicenow.com/apply

https://www.servicenow.com/uk/standard/other-documents/snu-riseup-with-servicenow.html?state=seamles...

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Good luck, mate, with your learning journey! I'm sure you'll be back in the ServiceNow ecosystem soon.

Keep learning, keep growing, and all the very best for your future! 🚀 @AkshadaL 

[scootjeep88 · Accepted solution]

Ok so there are some questions, what did you do before the break and what skills are transferable?

I started in sales and customer service 20 years ago then finance and ultimately IT about 6 years ago. I got involved with ServiceNow over a cup of coffee. The common theme across my career is process improvement and I’ve used those skills in every role. My SN career skyrocketed because I approached the platform as a process improvement initiative. I focused on learning the foundation, best practices, risk and building up a strong technical team. 

This enabled me to rise up from a project manager to admin to SME to product owner and now to leading a platform. I also have over 2k hours in addition to platform time spent reading and learning. 

Now for the tough part, ServiceNow is massive and you need to start narrowing in on modules you will know well. ITSM, CSM, CMDB, HRSD, etc. go get your CSA and start pursuing CIS for a module or two. Leverage your PDI, read, study, apply, and learn. 

[AkshadaL]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. This is very encouraging.

Before my career break, I completed my master’s degree and I also have experience in learning business/process concepts, problem solving, documentation, and working with people. During my break, I managed family responsibilities, but now I’m seriously focused on restarting my career.

Your point about process improvement really helped me understand how to position myself. I don’t want to learn ServiceNow only as a tool. I want to understand how it improves business workflows.

Right now, I’m preparing for CSA and working in my PDI. I started building an IT Help Desk application so I can practice tables, forms, flows, business rules, and basic ITSM concepts. Based on your advice, I’ll focus first on ITSM, then later consider CIS once my foundation is stronger.

Thank you again for the practical direction. It gives me a clear path forward.

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi  

Greetings!!

Being a ServiceNow trainer, I've taught many people who wanted to start their careers in ServiceNow. A 17-year break is definitely a long gap, and technology has changed significantly during that time. However, that doesn't mean you can't start now. Since the gap is so long, I would suggest considering yourself a fresher and preparing accordingly. This mindset will help you build your foundation without unnecessary pressure.

Were employers open to hiring someone after a long career break?

Atul: You mentioned that you completed your degree in 2009, but you didn't mention whether you worked after graduation. If you haven't worked since then, I wouldn't really call it a career break. A career break usually means someone worked for a few years and then took time off. In your case, you would be considered a fresher entering the workforce. Employers are more likely to evaluate you as a fresher rather than someone returning from a career break, so don't worry too much about that.

What helped you get your first ServiceNow role?

Atul: ServiceNow has become much deeper, broader, and more mature over the years. The best place to start is with the Certified System Administrator (CSA) certification. CSA gives you a solid understanding of the platform, its architecture, core concepts, navigation, and capabilities. It builds a strong foundation and gives you confidence that you're moving in the right direction.

However, considering the current job market, CSA alone is no longer enough. Today's employers expect candidates to have knowledge of at least 2–3 ServiceNow modules. I would also strongly recommend learning JavaScript and ServiceNow scripting, as scripting skills make a huge difference, especially if you're interested in development roles.

There are dedicated learning paths available on Now Learning and plenty of community resources to help you prepare.

Should I focus more on certifications, hands-on projects, or both?

Atul: Don't focus on certifications first. Focus on learning. The training available on Now Learning is free, so spend your time understanding the platform and practicing as much as possible. Once you've built a strong understanding and gained hands-on experience, then go for the certifications. Certifications validate your knowledge—they shouldn't replace learning.

Any advice for someone trying to break into the ServiceNow ecosystem after such a long gap?

Atul: Dedication, determination, and hard work are the key. There will be times when it feels difficult, you may struggle to stay motivated or concentrate, but don't give up.

Create a realistic study schedule and follow it consistently. It's okay if you don't study for long hours every day, but try not to miss your routine. Consistency matters much more than intensity.

Also, connect with the ServiceNow community. If you're in India, try attending ServiceNow Developer Meetups held in cities like Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Noida, and Indore. Many sessions are also conducted online, so you can participate from anywhere.

I would also recommend attending the AI Learning Days organized by ServiceNow. These events are free, provide valuable insights into the latest technologies, and are a great way to hear from experts, learn from the community, network with like-minded professionals, and stay motivated throughout your learning journey.

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi  

AI leaning Days:

https://servicenow.swoogo.com/AILearningDays2026

Dev Meetup / SNUG

https://www.servicenow.com/community/servicenow-user-groups-snugs/ct-p/servicenow-user-groups-snugs

[Search for your area]

learning Courses:

New to ServiceNow:

https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/australia/new_to_servicenow

https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/australia/servicenow_administrator

Also, keep an eye on the ServiceNow RiseUp Program. You can fill out the application form, and if you meet the eligibility criteria, you'll be invited for an interview. If you're selected, you'll receive free training along with vouchers for the CSA (Certified System Administrator) and CAD (Certified Application Developer) certification exams.

It's a great opportunity for anyone starting their ServiceNow career, so I highly recommend applying if you're eligible.

https://learning.servicenow.com/apply

https://www.servicenow.com/uk/standard/other-documents/snu-riseup-with-servicenow.html?state=seamles...