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- Lead teams that design and develop new computer systems for clients
- Requires knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- Progress to senior or lead solutions architect and then enterprise architect
As a solutions architect you will play an important role in the development of technology solutions for clients. You will be responsible for the design of one or more applications or services within an organisation.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Learning the client’s business strategy and needs
- Developing solutions to meet those needs
- Assessing the strengths, weaknesses and costs of various options
- Providing solutions advice and suggestions
- Developing an action plan showing how any preferred option will work
- Making sure the new solution meets industry regulations, like security
- Working on the changeover from an existing system to a new one
- Making sure the new solution works with other systems and platforms in use
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work at a client's business or in an office.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software, who is able to be flexible and open to change.
You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in computing. You could do a degree in computer science, software engineering for business, programming, software development or cloud computing.
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got a high level of technical expertise. It's also useful if you have experience and understanding of the industry you want to work in, for example banking, retail or cloud computing. You'll typically need knowledge of service design principles, agile development, and IT industry standards and regulations.
Alternatively, you could also get into this job through a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship.
You may find it useful to have an industry certification like Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience you could progress to senior or lead solutions architect then move on to an enterprise architect role. You could also take up broader IT project management jobs, strategy planning or consultancy.