Today’s successful businesses depend on technology. There’s no way around it. A corporate office wouldn’t be the same without computers and a network that ties it all together.
Enterprise architects work behind the scenes to make sure that all of a business’s technology is functioning to the best of its ability. Becoming an enterprise architect is not easy. It will, however, be one of the most rewarding steps that you will ever take in your IT career. Read on to learn how to become an enterprise architect in the technology industry.
What Is Enterprise Architecture?
Enterprise architecture lays the technological framework for a successful business. This is important when a business owner is looking to stay on-trend with current technology while keeping up with the online foundation for their business.
Enterprise architects are viewed as technology gurus and IT visionaries. To become successful in this industry, you need to be able to market yourself as an authentic tech person.
They make sure that the right technology system is in place for the overall success of a business. An enterprise architect acts as a type of business consultant. This is in the sense that they manage the technology part of a business. The job includes so much more than that.
What Does the Job Entail?
An enterprise architect designs an IT system specific to the needs of a business. They make pertinent decisions for the greater good of the company that they are working for. They also handle a number of IT services. This might include data security, database management, automated payroll, and even email servers.
As an enterprise architect, your job might include:
- Creating and establishing IT standards for an organization
- Communicating with other tech experts and business managers
- Consistently improving current IT practices
- Simplifying the company’s use of technology
- Analyzing business technology strategies
When it comes to working in the tech industry, you already know that having the necessary technical skills. This might include programming and business management. This comes from your education and training.
In addition to these skills, you need to have a variety of interpersonal skills. This might include a strong sense of leadership. They need to be able to prioritize and manage your time. Problem-solving and decision-making skills are also important. An enterprise architect will be creative. They will have good written and verbal communication skills.
An enterprise architect might be an expert in a specific field of the tech industry. This might include programming, networking security, or information technology.
How to Become an Enterprise Architect
To get the skills needed to become an enterprise architect, you need the right education and training. This includes the right degree and specific certifications that are related to the tech industry.
A bachelor’s degree in a field related to business and technology will get you started in your enterprise architect career. This might include data management, computer science, or information technology.
Selecting a minor in business or taking a few business classes might help you become an EA. This is because you may find yourself dealing with business management. Having an understanding of how businesses work can only increase your work efficiency.
There is no clear cut education plan that leads to the role of an enterprise architect. It isn’t the type of career where a high schooler can select EA as a program and graduate from their master’s ready to step into the position. However, the International Council of Electronic Commerce recommends the Certified Network Defender program.
This course aligns with the job description for an enterprise architect. It might help you to get on track a little faster than muddling through your computer science degree. Training and education are only part of what you need to assemble your future career in enterprise architecture.
Enterprise Architect Certifications
An enterprise architect salary can be affected by having the right types of education and training in your resume. Having the right certifications can do the same thing.
Certain certifications may help you to climb to the top in your career as an enterprise architect. The Open Group Architecture Framework, or TOGAF 9, certification is at the top of the list when it comes to learning the ins and outs of enterprise architecture. Keeping up to date on these certifications while you are building your IT experience will pay off in the long run.
The TOGAF 9 Certification follows the most popular discipline within the enterprise architecture framework. It provides the certified EA with designing, planning, implementing, and governing a business’s technical aspect.
Apprentice Under an Experienced Architect
IT experience is crucial to the success of your career in enterprise architecture. Entry-level positions for those aspiring to become enterprise architects might include web or software developers, computer technicians, and even help desk support technicians.
Once you find that you have enough experience to branch out of your entry-level position, you should find an enterprise architect to work under to learn the ropes of enterprise architecture. Along with proper training and entry-level experiences, you will find that networking is essential to the job. Knowing the right people in the tech industry can help you to get your foot in the door.
All of this will help to build a solid foundation for your career in the IT industry.
Take the Next Steps Today
Now that you know how to become an enterprise architect, you will be prepared to take your IT career to the next level. Look into courses that are available in the industry to get your foot in the door. Once you have enough experience in the industry, you will be able to reach your full potential.
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