How to Transition from End-User to Dynamics Consultant
If you have been working with Microsoft Dynamics in-house and are starting to think about moving into consultancy, you are not alone. Many of today’s most successful Dynamics consultants began their careers as end-users. They were the people who first implemented, tested, or supported Dynamics within their company before realising they wanted to turn that experience into a consulting career.
So how do you move from being someone who uses Dynamics in one organisation to becoming the professional businesses turn to for expert guidance? The good news is that the transition is entirely possible if you take the right steps.
Why Make the Move?
Remaining as an end-user has its benefits, but consultancy opens up new opportunities. As a consultant, you gain exposure to a wider variety of industries and projects, which accelerates your learning and broadens your experience. Consultancy also tends to offer faster career progression and higher earning potential compared to staying in a single in-house role. Most importantly, you are not just working with Dynamics on a day-to-day basis, you are actively shaping implementations and transformations that impact how entire businesses operate.
Step 1: Leverage Your End-User Experience
Your time as an end-user is far from wasted. In fact, it gives you an advantage. You already understand how Dynamics functions in a real business environment, the frustrations that users face, and the difference a well-configured system can make.
When updating your CV or preparing for interviews, make sure you highlight projects you have been involved in. Instead of simply listing responsibilities, emphasise the outcomes of your work. For example, you might write: “Supported the rollout of Dynamics 365 CE, trained 20+ users, and collaborated with external consultants to customise workflows.” These details demonstrate project involvement and transferable skills.
Step 2: Invest in Certifications
Certifications are not the only thing that matters, but they do establish credibility, especially if you are competing with more experienced consultants. The most valuable certifications in 2025 include:
- PL-200: Power Platform Functional Consultant
- MB-210: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales
- MB-310: Dynamics 365 Finance
- MB-500: Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Developer
Choose the certification that best matches your current knowledge and career goals, and then expand from there. Even a single certification can help you stand out when making your first move into consultancy.
Step 3: Build Consultant Skills
Being a consultant requires more than technical knowledge. Strong communication is vital, you need to explain complex systems to clients who may have little technical understanding. You also need to manage expectations, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly when moving between industries or projects.
Soft skills are often what separate a good consultant from a great one. If you can listen, problem-solve, and communicate clearly, you are already developing the qualities that employers look for in Dynamics consultants.
Step 4: Test the Waters
You do not have to dive straight into a role at a large consultancy. There are stepping stones you can take. Some companies offer “Dynamics champion” or “internal consultant” roles that allow you to gain more responsibility within your current workplace. You could also take on short-term contract projects, which give you hands-on experience and build your portfolio.
Networking is another valuable way to ease the transition. Join Dynamics user groups, attend Microsoft events, or connect with consultants on LinkedIn. Speaking to people who have already made the move can provide both guidance and encouragement.
Step 5: Work with a Specialist Recruiter
Breaking into consultancy can feel challenging without guidance, which is why working with a recruiter who specialises in Microsoft Dynamics is so useful. A recruiter understands the skills you already bring from your end-user background and knows which employers are open to hiring people making the transition. At Shape It Recruitment, we regularly work with candidates in your position, connecting them with consultancies and partners who value their experience.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from end-user to consultant is not only possible, it is a natural next step for many Dynamics professionals. By showcasing your project involvement, gaining relevant certifications, developing consultant-level soft skills, and seeking the right opportunities, you can move confidently into a career that is both rewarding and future-focused.