Enterprise Architect Career Guide

What is an enterprise architect?

An enterprise architect is essential in any large modern organization. Their primary purpose is to ensure that the company’s business strategy uses the ideal technology systems architecture to achieve its goals. Enterprise architects exist between IT and business operations, translating business needs and possibilities – aligning strategies with the technical landscape of the organization. They also increase organizational effectiveness by enabling the quick and efficient execution of corporate strategy.

The enterprise architect provides a high-level, holistic vision and conceptualizes an enterprise’s structure and operations. They analyze systems architecture, relationships between systems, and how they can contribute to the execution of the company’s mission. Without this role, a company risks pursuing strategies that can’t be supported by its IT capabilities, leading to inefficiency and the inability to compete effectively in the marketplace.

Duties and responsibilities

Primarily, these professionals are responsible for designing and implementing business processes, aligning these with the technology deployed by the business. It includes examining and evaluating current business structures to understand their efficiency and limitations.

They also create, analyze, and manage the model of the enterprise architecture that includes change and transformation programs. It involves developing IT strategies and future applications, understanding emerging technologies, and deciding how they can be incorporated into the business’s infrastructure. They ensure that the business and IT are in alignment, reducing redundancy and promoting effectiveness.

Work environment

Enterprise architects typically work in a corporate setting. Their role involves a significant amount of time spent meeting with various department heads to understand the different operational needs within their organization. They also spend time working on computers designing systems architectures. The work demands high levels of thought and analysis, making it a mentally demanding job.

They might also be required to attend business meetings, workshops, and seminars, and may occasionally travel for work, depending on the size and nature of their organization. They usually work closely with other IT professionals, including system architects, software developers, and project managers.

Typical work hours

The work schedule of an enterprise architect will vary depending on the workload, deadlines, and the nature of a current project. As with other roles in IT, they typically work full-time office hours from Monday through Friday. However, they are often required to work beyond the typical 40-hour workweek, especially when it involves critical project timelines or system issues that need immediate attention.

Overtime might become necessary, especially during system upgrades, implementations, or unexpected emergencies. It’s important for the architect to maintain flexibility in their working hours, as technical problems can occur at any time and need prompt attention.

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How to become an enterprise architect

This career guide section outlines the steps to becoming an enterprise architect. At its core, the journey revolves around garnering a wealth of experience in IT, broadening software, hardware, and networking knowledge, and attaining relevant industry certifications.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree in a field related to information technology, computer science, or business is the first step toward becoming an enterprise architect. These programs offer foundational knowledge in systems analysis, database management, programming languages, and network theory which are crucial to this role.

Step 2: Gain professional experience

Comprehending the link between business objectives and technology requires hands-on exposure, which comes from working in roles like software development, network administration, or data analysis. Aspiring enterprise architects should concentrate on roles that offer experience in system design and technology integration. Most employers require 5+ years of experience.

Step 3: Consider earning a master’s degree

Some professionals choose to further their education by getting a master’s degree in enterprise architecture, IT management, or business administration. Advanced degrees offer deeper insight into business strategy, leadership, and advanced technology concepts, and while not mandatory, could increase job prospects and salary potential.

Step 4: Obtain relevant industry certifications

Consider obtaining certifications such as TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or AWS Certified Solutions Architect. They show employers you’re serious about professional development and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

Step 5: Develop soft skills

Soft skills are equally important as technical skills in an enterprise architect role. Communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are critical for success in this job, as you’ll often be required to communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences and lead diverse teams.

Step 6: Apply for enterprise architect positions

Once you have the required education, experience, certification, and skills, it’s time to start applying. Tailor your resume to highlight your technology and business expertise, your ability to bridge the gap between IT and business objectives, as well as specific outcomes or projects that you’ve successfully led or contributed to.

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How much do enterprise architects make?

Salaries for enterprise architects vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. Factors that can uniquely impact compensation include specializations in various technological areas and the magnitude of their tasks, such as overseeing the infrastructure of large companies or designing system frameworks for multiple departments.

Highest paying industries

• Computer Systems Design and Related Services – $165,530
• Management of Companies and Enterprises – $159,690
• Software Publishers – $158,640
• Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services – $156,580
• Scientific Research and Development Services – $155,750

Browse enterprise architect salary data by market

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Types of enterprise architects

Below, we explore common career types and areas of specialization for enterprise architects. This section offers a detailed overview of distinct roles in this profession.

Information systems architect

A professional in this area primarily focuses on developing digital systems and information management databases. These architects design and implement computer systems to ensure that specific business needs are addressed properly.

Infrastructure architect

Focusing on telecommunications and hardware, these professionals ensure that a company’s computer infrastructure meets performance requirements and accommodates future growth. Their tasks include researching, recommending, and planning network and storage hardware infrastructure.

Solutions architect

Solutions architects manage complex initiatives that encompass numerous IT projects. They design, implement, and maintain enterprise systems and software, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with the overall business strategy and needs.

Data architect

Archtects in this niche design, create, deploy, and manage a company’s data architecture. Their tasks include defining how data is stored, consumed, integrated, and managed by different entities and IT systems within the organization.

Cloud architect

These experts specialize in cloud computing technologies, creating solutions for businesses migrating to cloud-based systems. From analyzing system requirements to managing cloud architecture design and deployment, their responsibilities are extensive.

Business architect

This specialty aligns the business’s operations with its technology. By mapping out key business processes and functions, they ensure that the information systems support the business objectives effectively and efficiently.

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Top skills for enterprise architects

This career guide section outlines the skills and abilities that will help you find success as an enterprise architect.

Strategic thinking

Understanding the big picture is essential – it requires you to foresee future business needs and plan the IT infrastructure accordingly. You’ll need to be able to understand and apply knowledge of business processes, industries, and technology trends.

Communication skills

Being capable of clearly explaining complex technical concepts to non-experts is vital in this job. You need to articulate the business’s technical needs and strategies to stakeholders at all levels, listen effectively, and understand the needs of various departments within the company.

Ability to balance short-term and long-term goals

Enterprise architects need to have a vision for the future, but they also need to address immediate business needs. You need to be adept at managing current issues while never losing sight of the overarching long-term strategy.

Technology knowledge

You must remain aware of the latest technology trends and understand how to implement them in conjunction with the organization’s business strategy. This means being familiar with current technology, anticipating upcoming trends, and knowing how they might impact the company.

Leadership

Often, the success of an enterprise’s IT strategy hinges on the ability of the enterprise architect to lead the team effectively – this involves guiding, influencing, and motivating team members, fostering collaboration, and facilitating successful project completion.

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Career path options

The route to leadership and more senior roles is attainable with experience, prowess, dedication, and a willingness to upskill consistently.

With a few years of experience and demonstrated ability, you can expect to move into roles like senior enterprise architect, where your leadership skills will be tested as you oversee multiple projects, manage teams, and influence the strategic technical path of the organization. It is a dynamic role with a lot of responsibility and ample opportunity to make a significant impact.

Eventually, with a deep understanding of the organization, you may move into a role as a chief architect or chief technology officer (CTO). These positions demand even greater use of your technical and leadership abilities while offering a greater opportunity to display your technical strengths.

Many enterprise architects also find a lateral shift into roles like IT project management, IT management, strategic planning, or even consulting to be a fulfilling next step in their career. This diversity in potential paths suits professionals who appreciate variety and thrive on learning new things.

To summarize, while challenging, the career pathway for an enterprise architect offers numerous opportunities for growth and development. The adaptability and varied nature of the role make it a rewarding choice for professionals who enjoy strategic problem-solving and leading technology advancements within an organization.

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Similar job titles

• Cloud Architect
• Data Architect
• Database Architect
• IT Manager
• Network Architect
• Solutions Architect
• Systems Engineer

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Position trends and outlook

Enterprise architects are witnessing a significant evolution in their roles with the progression of modern technology. This profession, rooted within the IT industry, has expanded to play an integral part in business strategy and transformation. There’s a noticeable shift towards the use of cloud-based systems; hence, proficiency in the latest cloud technologies is becoming a cornerstone for individuals pursuing this career. Additionally, understanding the nuances of business processes and strategy is becoming increasingly vital.

The advent of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) has also highlighted the need for enterprise architects to stay abreast of evolving trends. They are required to develop strategies for integrating these advancements into the existing frameworks. The impact of regulatory requirements and data privacy norms on architectural designs is another consideration. Enterprise architects must stay updated with changes in regulations to maintain compliance.

Additionally, soft skill requirements are becoming equally important as technical prowess. Abilities such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and negotiation are vital for performing the job effectively. In this rapidly-changing landscape, enterprise architects are expected to take on the role of influencer and decision-maker, making these skills indispensable.

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Enterprise architect career tips

Understand the bigger picture

As an enterprise architect, you will be expected to understand the organization, its business model, strategies, and processes, to create an architectural vision that aligns the business with IT. You need to be able to see the bigger picture, not just the technological aspects.

Master communication

The role of the enterprise architect involves liaising between stakeholders, from top-level executives to technical staff. Thus, having excellent communication skills is crucial. Not only should you be able to explain complex ideas in a simple, understandable way, but you should also be a good listener, understanding the needs and concerns of others. By mastering communication, you can ensure that all stakeholders understand and align with the architectural plan.

Stay updated with technological trends

Technology is a continuously evolving field. As an enterprise architect, staying updated with the latest trends, understanding how they can benefit the organization, and identifying the risks associated with new technologies is essential. This knowledge will allow you to design robust, contemporary, and forward-looking architectures that cater to the organization’s evolving needs.

Continuous learning

Continuous learning is key to staying ahead in this role. Some specific areas to focus on include:

• Advanced architecture frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman
• Innovative enterprise solutions such as cloud services and IoT
• Getting certified in other complementary areas such as Project Management or ITIL

Strive for strategic alignment

As an enterprise architect, you often have to balance business needs and technology options. Therefore, all your decisions and plans should align IT with strategic business goals, requiring not only a deep understanding of the business and technological landscape but also leadership qualities to drive this alignment.

Build a professional network

Networking within the profession is an effective way to improve your knowledge, skills, and career opportunities. Participate actively in industry-specific forums and groups, attend architecture-related events, and connect with other professionals in similar roles. Some of the well-known professional associations and networks for enterprise architects include:

• The Open Group (TOGAF)
• Association for Information Systems (AIS)
• Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)

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FAQs