How to become A Solution Architect

Solution Architects who can ensure the design, development, and implementation of software solutions that meet the unique business needs of an organisation are the need of the hour in a continuously evolving technology-driven landscape.

• Solutions Architect

What do Solution Architects do?

A Solution Architect would typically need to:

• Evaluate the organisational business needs; design and manage one or more solution engineering applications or services to support the needs
• Sit down with the client to identify pressing technical issues with the design process and the end product; understand their expectations
• Identify areas where IT can support business needs and goals; integrate IT systems to meet enterprise-specific demands
• Use technical knowledge to come up with various practical solutions to the problems; engineer and guide new software development from the front end
• Ascertain the exact framework, platform, or tech stack that will help create the solution
• Establish the scope of a project, requisite resources, and priorities, with a particular focus on workflow, applications, and integration
• Customise application appearance, the inclusion of modules and their interaction with each other
• Liaise with enterprise architects and computer network architects in developing a strategic plan for the software solution prototype
• Mentor, motivate, and assist the teams, as required; assess potential risks and put in place appropriate solutions, so there are no hitches in the project
• Test the new software to ensure optimum capability and functionality; determine and document testing requirements
• Review the project to identify challenges and viable alternatives; analyse its impact on organisational goals and outcomes
• Work with business units, project management and IT development teams to assess current IT implementations and identify opportunities for process improvements
• Build and migrate software applications and services across the organisation; develop and implement a collaboration framework of applicable departments
• Develop scalable solutions and products in collaboration with the product and delivery teams
• Set proper expectations for the end-product and ensure the client is satisfied; establish open communication lines with clients and internal stakeholders
• Ensure resources, risk recognition, and planning remain aligned with the prescribed solution goals 
• Update pertinent stakeholders on the progress of product development processes and budgets

Solution Architects work in an office environment where most of their work is done on a computer. The role entails frequent collaboration with departmental heads, managers and employees across every business unit.

You may need to travel to customer sites to have real-time knowledge of their hardware and software, primarily if you work as a contractor or consultant. Travel may also be necessary to attend important training events.

Typically, Solution Architects work full-time for around 40 hours/week, although overtime and weekend work may be necessary to meet strict deadlines. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Solution Architects can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Solution Architects are generally employed by:

• Businesses
• IT Companies
• IT Departments In Other Industries

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), are crucial for Solution Architects interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Health issues due to a significant amount of time spent sitting in front of a computer screen
• Unstable work-life balance due to extended work hours in the face of frequent deadlines
• Frustration from occasionally having to work on outdated systems that are unstable and not integrated well with other systems

Keep in mind that it takes years of dedicated learning and training to equip yourself with the complex skills critical to being considered for the position of Solution Architect.

At least ten years of experience in roles that focus on network systems administration, programming, or IT systems is necessary to acquire adequate expertise in database management systems or business intelligence tools, which is key to carrying out your duties as a Solution Architect with confidence. Additional experience in developing IT and cloud infrastructure will give you an edge over your peers.

Some companies offer internships and technology solutions apprenticeships, but their rarity makes them highly sought-after, so ensure you apply to such companies as early as possible.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working as Solution Architects to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Most aspiring Solution Architects acquire a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or software engineering before pursuing a master’s degree with particular emphasis on system architecture and network administration.

However, some employers may consider graduates from non-computing backgrounds provided they can demonstrate critical technical knowledge. Enrol in postgraduate IT conversion courses to strengthen your technical and programming skills.

Focus on mathematics, information technology, and English in high school.

Certification validates a Solution Architect’s competence in a particular skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

Vendor-specific certification from an objective and reputed organisation that focuses on skills such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, Java, or Apache Kafka can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement.

Certifying organisations offer training courses, learning materials, and practice tests to prepare for the examination, which requires, above all, a thorough understanding of solution architecture concepts and principles and significant real-time experience in the field.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Solution Architects.

A Solution Architect with significant experience and a proven track record can advance to the role of a Senior Solution Architect with increased responsibilities or move onto a different career path as an Enterprise Architect.

You can also quit a regular job to set up your own contracting or consulting firm, which usually proves to be lucrative options.

Candidates with appropriate technical, analytical, communication, project management, and leadership skills and at least ten years of relevant work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Solution Architect build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. 

CPD allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. It also enables the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licences. Employer-sponsored CPD activities will ensure you are familiar with the latest technological advancements in your area of expertise.

Most companies provide critical on-the-job training that will allow promising Solution Architects to stay on top of company policies and procedures. Additional experience in networking administration, software development, computer programming, and computer service will prove helpful in bagging senior positions.

Similar Yet Different

Although enterprise architect, technical architect, and infrastructure architect sound like roles very similar to that of a Solution Architect, they are different in crucial aspects. 

An enterprise architect focuses on developing complex enterprise ecosystems and resolving high-level strategic concerns, while a technical architect is responsible for software architecture and engineering issues. An infrastructure architect’s job description is similar to a technical architect’s except for the emphasis on the on-site server or cloud systems. 

Effective Communication

A Solution Architect should be exceptionally skilled in communicating effectively; the role entails understanding the needs of and negotiating with all stakeholders, managing risks, and efficient product delivery. 

You will have to work closely with enterprise and software architects, business analysts, and project teams; hence, the ability to listen, advise, and empathise will be highly beneficial. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Solution Architects have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Solution Architect has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The primary reasons corporate budgets often skyrocket are the need to change outdated infrastructure, the higher priority of IT projects, and heightened security concerns. 

Accomplished Solution Architects draw on their technical and communication skills to conceptualise, develop, implement, and scale up apps and services that contribute to sustainable organisational growth.

Throughout your career, you might encounter challenges that appear to have no solution; but if you persevere, you will ultimately have your "Eureka!" moment.