New CSA looking for advice — PDI projects, peer collaboration, and picking up real work

[bryanpena18]

Hey everyone! Just passed my CSA and wanted to introduce myself.

I'm Bryan, based in New Jersey, transitioning into ServiceNow administration through self-directed study and hands-on PDI work. I've been building custom applications on my own — tables, Service Catalog, Flow Designer workflows, roles, groups, and ACLs — but I'm looking to take it further.

A few things I'd love input on:

1. What PDI projects helped you most when you were starting out?
2. Are there any peer collaboration groups where junior admins work on projects together?
3. Any advice on picking up small freelance or volunteer work to build real experience?

Happy to connect with others at a similar stage or anyone willing to share knowledge. I can do a live PDI walkthrough if anyone wants to see what I've built.

Thanks in advance — glad to be part of the community!

Bryan ServiceNow CSA | New Jersey

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @bryanpena18 

Congratulations for your CSA!.

In PDI , I did practice normal component testing like client script, notification, script includes etc. 

End to end project I did try - E-bonding project with all possible different methods. Which gave me Clear concept about integration with development.

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @bryanpena18 

For your second question-

you can find peers using the ServiceNow Community Groups. For active, project-focused teamwork and direct collaboration, explore these options:

1. You can leverage Official Developer Meetups - These community-led chapters are great for networking and usually involve hands-on collaboration. You can look into nearby chapters or virtual global events through the ServiceNow Developer Meetups Hub.
2. You can join ServiceNow User Groups (SNUGs) – it  provide excellent networking and mentorship opportunities
3. Networking: Engage with the official ServiceNow community forums and LinkedIn groups to connect with  industry professionals

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @bryanpena18 

Regarding your 3rd question:

1. To pick up small jobs and build real experience, leverage the official ServiceNow Community forums to solve real-world user problems.
2. Engage in the ServiceNow.org Nonprofit Community to identify NGOs seeking platform support
3. Spend 1-2 hours a day on the ServiceNow Developer Forum answering technical queries and discussing platform challenges.
4. Set up a Personal Developer Instance (PDI) to test solutions, build custom applications, or create custom widgets. You can use these PDI projects as evidence of your skills when talking to prospective clients.

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @bryanpena18 ,

For scripting  and use case, you can check following resources:

https://www.servicenow.com/community/servicenow-studio-forum/client-script-realtime-scenarios/m-p/35...

1. Introduction to Scripting in ServiceNow 

2. Scripting in ServiceNow Fundamentals 

3. Refer syllabus for scripting : KB0012764 Scripting in ServiceNow Fundamentals (SSNF) Syllabus 

4. Go through once related youtube videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccxb4UJKF9c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLNQinTkLfQ

5. Practice in  your Personal Developer Instance (PDI).

6.Client Script in ServiceNow With some use case.

7.https://www.learnnowlab.com/Business-Rules/

8.want some use cases for Client Script, Business rule , Script Include , and Glide Ajax  

9.Mastering Client Scripts in ServiceNow – A Practical YouTube Playlist for Real-World Scenarios

10.Script Action: A Practical Example!

etc.