Are you wondering what an enterprise architect’s resume looks like? It’s a great career to pursue, as enterprise architects earn a high annual salary, have good job security, and offer indispensable services to organizations. If you’re hoping to break into the tech industry, you should consider a degree in enterprise architecture.
Professionals with experience in a related field don’t necessarily need a degree. However, you will need a wide range of soft and technical skills. Let’s look at how you can become an enterprise architect, job outlooks and salaries, and typical enterprise architect career paths.
What Is an Enterprise Architect?
Enterprise architects design, build and implement an organization’s IT and infrastructure. Experts must optimize and maintain business operations by improving enterprise services using the latest software and hardware tech. To keep an organization’s infrastructure updated, professionals must always stay ahead of the latest industry trends.
Becoming an enterprise architect requires analytical thinking, communication skills, and strong leadership skills. Professionals must also have a technical understanding of network security, coding, project management, and systems architecture.
Enterprise Architect Job Description
The job role of an enterprise architect involves analyzing an organization’s IT and technology systems and working closely with internal stakeholders to understand the business needs. The job also involves a lot of research and networking, in order to stay up to date with the latest technology advancements.
Enterprise Architect Salary and Job Outlook
You can expect an annual salary of around $135,041 as an enterprise architect, according to Payscale. This median salary is much higher than most tech jobs. It’s worth keeping in mind it takes time and extensive experience to reach this amount.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t collect data on the job outlook for enterprise architects specifically. However, it does have data on similar professions such as computer network architects. BLS states that the job growth for this career field is five percent, which is above average.
Top Reasons to Become an Enterprise Architect in 2021
Becoming an enterprise architect in 2021 is a good idea because you’ll likely earn a high salary and have job security. You’ll also open up opportunities for many different jobs in tech.
- High salaries. The average salary for enterprise architects is much higher than most careers in the tech field. If you want to work in enterprise architecture, you can expect generous pay.
- Your knowledge is valuable for many tech careers. Once you become an enterprise architect, your resume will receive an instant boost. You’ll likely have access to many of the best tech jobs at world-class tech companies.
- Professionals have job security. Architecture roles are in high demand, and this means you can rely on a recession-proof career.
- You can work for diverse companies. All types of businesses need enterprise architects, which allows you to work in dynamic environments.
Enterprise Architect Job Requirements
The requirements to become an enterprise architect include knowledge in systems architecture as well as a range of soft skills. You also need leadership and project management expertise and most likely, a college degree. Below we list the most essential skills.
- Systems Architecture Knowledge. This requirement is vital for any enterprise architect role. Professionals must understand how a system works and behaves.
- Soft Skills. If you want to become a successful enterprise architect, you need to have excellent communication skills. You’ll deal with a lot of stakeholders daily, so these soft skills become vital.
- Leadership and Project Management Skills. An enterprise architect role entails juggling various projects at once and leading those projects to success. Strong leadership skills will enable you to do your job efficiently.
- A Degree. A college degree isn’t the only way to become an enterprise architect but it’s the most reliable method. Professionals with degrees are often prioritized over candidates without degrees.
Types of Enterprise Architect Careers
As an enterprise architect, you can work as a project manager, a software engineer, or a solutions architect, among other professions. Below are the three popular career paths for enterprise architects.
Project Manager
A project manager handles every aspect of a project from start to finish. Professionals have to meet time requirements and ensure that their project fulfills the client’s requirements. You need communication, leadership, and analytical skills for this job.
Software Engineer
If you want to become a software engineer, you’ll need to build software that achieves business goals. You’ll be creating web applications, mobile apps, and websites, to name a few tasks.
Solutions Architect
Solution architects play a vital role in assessing business infrastructure operations. Solutions architects must implement better frameworks, tools, and software when necessary.
Enterprise Architect Meaning: What Does an Enterprise Architect Do?
Enterprise architects have a wide range of duties, and their jobs are essential to the efficient functioning of companies. You can expect to build architecture models, create and implement compliance methods, and evaluate tech systems. These are typical responsibilities for enterprise architects.
Develop Architecture Models
Enterprise architects must develop models to demonstrate how their solutions will match the business needs and improve efficiency. Once the architect has created a model, they can use their technical skills to bring it to life.
Implement Compliance Methods
To eliminate potential problems, the strategy should include developing compliance procedures for all team members to follow. This includes data storage and change control, or ensuring new systems are implemented in an orderly manner. A successful enterprise architect will regularly update compliance protocols aligned with the company.
Evaluate Systems
Part of an enterprise architect’s responsibility is evaluating IT systems and networks for any vulnerabilities. They must be able to identify and solve potential security risks by finding a sustainable solution.
Essential Enterprise Architect Skills
Enterprise architects must be proficient in cloud systems, standard business procedures, and how to use JavaScript. Below are some of the top skills required to become an enterprise architect.
Communication Skills
As you’ll be working with colleagues across the organization, as well as external contacts, you’ll need excellent communication skills. A big part of the job is understanding people’s needs and presenting potential solutions to complex problems in order to implement changes.
Business and Tech Knowledge
You must understand the fundamental components of how business processes work. This knowledge enables you to build infrastructure around an accurate business strategy. You’ll also need a strong understanding of tech, including cloud systems, and be up to date with current developments in the market.
Analysis and Data Visualization
Strong data analysis skills will allow you to interpret and evaluate the organization’s current performance and inefficiencies. It’s also essential to have good data visualization and design skills so you can transform that into visual graphs and graphics that bring complex analysis to life.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Enterprise Architect?
It could take you nine to 12 years to earn a degree and gain the necessary experience to become an enterprise architect. Although other education options require less time, a bachelor’s degree program is your best bet.
You also need to gain hands-on experience in the industry. During your educational journey, you can take on job roles like software engineering and project management to gain this invaluable experience. Bootcamps are also a great way to specialize your skills and gain practical training.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Become an Enterprise Architect?
A coding bootcamp can help you become an enterprise architect, but it will take much more to land a job. A coding bootcamp won’t work for those new to the scene. In the case of enterprise architecture, coding bootcamps are more suited towards professionals with extensive experience who want to make a career change or advance in the field.
Can I Become a Enterprise Architect from Home?
You can become an enterprise architect from home. Many universities and colleges offer remote learning nowadays. There are also plenty of tech companies hiring these professionals to work remotely nowadays. If working from home is a priority for you, this could be an ideal career.
How to Become an Enterprise Architect: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting a degree and supplementing it with work experience is the most surefire way to land a job as an enterprise architect. Below we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to help get you started.
Step 1: Study a Degree Program
A degree program is not the only learning pathway to become an enterprise architect but it’s the most tried-and-tested route. Most employers want enterprise architects with work experience and a degree. The higher your degree level, the higher your salary will grow.
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Step 2: Showcase Your Skills
To prove to employers that you can deliver the services they need, create a project or a portfolio showcasing your expertise. Some learning pathways like a degree program and a coding bootcamp may require you to do this in your training. Otherwise, complete a project of your own.
Step 3: Become Certified
Getting certified doesn’t just bump up your salary range, but it will also increase your job opportunities. Earning a professional certification will put you ahead of your competition when applying for jobs in enterprise architecture.
Best Schools and Education for an Enterprise Architect Career
Undergraduate and graduate programs are the best pathways to help you gain employment as an enterprise architect. There are, however, other options to consider. Some are geared towards those new to the industry while others are better suited for professionals.
Below are the top four education pathways that will help launch your enterprise architecture career.
Enterprise Architect Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps offer software development, software engineering, and project management training programs to help you become an enterprise architect. If you don’t have any previous work experience, you’ll have to settle for entry-level positions. For professionals with relevant experience, you may be able to get hired for intermediate and senior-level positions.
Coding bootcamps are much faster-paced and cheaper than degree programs. However, they can’t help you break into enterprise architecture right away. Coding bootcamps work better for professionals making a career switch rather than beginners wanting to become enterprise architects.
Vocational School
Vocational schools aren’t a popular route into this field. These schools provide essential job training supplemented by practical and academic courses. If you’re a professional with relevant industry experience, vocational schools aren’t the best option for you. These schools work better for tech novices who want to gain the technical and academic skills for entry-level jobs.
Community College
Community colleges require a two-year commitment and offer comprehensive training courses that allow you to easily progress towards a bachelor’s degree after graduation. Community college is an ideal choice for those with no experience who want a bachelor’s degree but aren’t ready to immediately commit to a four-year program.
After community college, you can further your studies or gain work experience at entry-level jobs. Community college graduates can also find jobs much easier as many community colleges have hiring partners.
Enterprise Architect Degrees
Undergraduate and graduate programs are the best choice for aspiring enterprise architects. The most common degree programs for this career field are computer science and IT management.
A degree program will provide you with all the practical and theoretical skills you need to work in the tech industry. They take four years to complete and depending on the university, can be expensive.
The Most Important Enterprise Architect Certificates
Whether you want to progress in your current position or break into the enterprise architecture industry, earning certifications is key. These are the top three certification programs for enterprise architects.
Google Professional Cloud Architect
There are no prerequisites for professionals to gain this certification, but you must be experienced with the Google Cloud Platform. To pass the Google Professional Cloud Architect exams, you’ll need skills in planning, designing, and implementing cloud architecture. You should also have expertise in analyzing business processes with Google cloud technologies.
Salesforce Certified Technical Architect
If you’re a master at working with architectural solutions on the Salesforce platform, this certification is for you. During the exam, you’ll be faced with hypothetical situations and build architecture solutions for each one.
AWS Certified Solution Architect
Before attempting this exam, you should have six months of hands-on experience working with AWS (Amazon Web Services) architecture solutions. You should know about computing, storage, and databases on the AWS platforms. You should also be knowledgeable in AWS global infrastructure, and technologies related to AWS.
How to Prepare for Your Enterprise Architect Job Interview
Go over potential interview questions beforehand to build your confidence before the actual interview. You’ll be asked situational interview questions that gauge your ability to react to different scenarios. Below is a list of common questions you may be asked.
Enterprise Architect Job Interview Practice Questions
- What metrics do you use to evaluate whether your enterprise architecture solutions are benefiting a business?
- What does a successful SOA mean to you?
- Define business architecture and the role it plays in different organizations?
- What does the term “network policy enforcement” mean?
Should I Become an Enterprise Architect in 2021?
If you desire a high-paying and possibly remote role in the tech industry, becoming an enterprise architect might be for you. You should be prepared to study hard and realize you’ll have to work in the tech industry for several years before landing an enterprise architect job. Once you’ve locked down a position in enterprise architecture.
Enterprise Architect FAQ
If you have five to 10 years of industry experience, you can become an enterprise architect without a degree. However, most jobs for enterprise architects require at least a bachelor’s degree. If you don’t have any experience in tech, a degree program will be your best bet.
Yes, it is hard to become an enterprise architect. Professionals in this position must have a few years of industry experience. The best way to become an enterprise architect is to earn a bachelor’s degree and gain job experience to work your way up.
It takes around five to 10 years. Because of how paramount the responsibilities of this job are, enterprise architects need extensive industry experience. You’ll need this and a bachelor’s degree to be seriously considered for an enterprise architect job.
Yes, enterprise architecture is an excellent career. Professionals in this career earn a high salary, have job security, and can work from home. For many, these are top priorities and for anyone willing to put in the time and work, working as an enterprise architect is an achievable goal.
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