If you wish to become an enterprise architect, you must have a genuine love of technology and be prepared to handle responsibility. Do not expect to become an enterprise architect without at least four years worth of university education. Additional qualifications include certification in networking and writing proposals. Part of the job involves explaining why technology is beneficial to a company in language that is easy for others to understand. Your career will probably begin in an entry-level networking or programming position and progress toward a management level position.
An enterprise architect is likely to be in charge of a number of technological projects within an organization. You will be responsible for security measures as well as the company’s wires, servers, and desktop devices. You also need to be able to explain the benefits of technology within the organization in plain and easy to understand language. For example, you may need to explain why certain technological advancements are necessary for the company in order to increase productivity, reduce overhead, and improve customer service.
You will need a master’s degree in information technology as a minimum requirement in order to become an enterprise architect. A number of organizations also insist that prospective employees have certification from well-known technology companies such as Microsoft. You will need to be certified in a number of areas including databases and operating systems.
Other skills needed in order to become a enterprise architect include project management abilities. There are additional certifications that help you gain these skills. You may also want to obtain further education in the field of technical writing. Employers look favorably upon candidates with the ability to write presentations, bids, and request for proposals.
Competition to become an enterprise architect is intense, and you may have to work your way into the position. It is a good idea to seek employment in areas such as programming, security, or networking at the beginning of your career, as the most successful enterprise architects have experience in all these areas. To become an enterprise architect, you must be equally comfortable with all technology platforms. The next step involves being promoted to junior management.
