Technical/Systems Architect – Career Advice
Simon Thompson on Technical/systems architects are all about efficiency, cost-effectiveness and innovation. A technical/systems architect usually works alongside designers and developers to provide made-to-measure IT solutions to companies and organisations.
A typical project will involve meetings to define a client’s exact IT needs, creating a plan to provide those needs and producing progress reports as that plan becomes a reality.
Troubleshooting and the identification of future upgrades and developments are also major aspects of the role.
Tact, diplomacy, great negotiation skills and the ability to think outside the box are all typical technical architect attributes. Deadlines and hitches are inevitable, so a cool, calm and persuasive manner will get you a long way.
Employers won’t look far past maths, computer science or business information system graduates who have programming, support and design experience. The British Computer Society and e-Skills run courses to help ensure technical architects are up to date with the latest technological developments in a notoriously fast-moving industry.
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Other recommended resources:
British Computer Society (BCS)
Offering a chartered status for IT professionals, the BCS provides a number of qualifications towards continuing professional development. They also strongly support exchange of knowledge and expertise, and membership can get you access to this community of information.
e-Skills
The UK Sector Skills Council for IT, connecting you with the training and qualifications you need to get ahead in the industry.
Institute of Analysts and Programmers
An organisation for those involved in the development, testing and installation of software and computer systems. Membership gets you access to an enterprising network of professionals, a number of professional services and advice and if you’re a consultant, or considering becoming one, your name goes on their register of consultants which can direct clients to you.
Institute for the Management of Information Systems
Involved in information and research development to support IT professionals, the IMIS also offer a strong education network with links to universities and regarded qualification programmes that cover the spectrum, from providing a foot in the door to continuing professional development.
IEEE Computer Society
A division of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Computer Society provides access to a wealth of information developed through knowledge exchange and research allowing you to keep abreast of latest trends and developments. They also offer some training in addition to networking opportunities through conferences.
National Skills Academy for IT
A portal to short and long courses, apprenticeship schemes and information about careers, standards and systems. Great for figuring out if technical architecture is the job for you and how you can get there.
Tech Republic
A blog resource aimed at connecting IT professionals with the latest news, trends and developments in the IT world allowing executives to make informed decisions and, for anyone interested in getting into the job, evidence of industry awareness.
Information Week
A digital magazine bringing the latest in IT news relevant to business and enterprise, offering IT professionals the opportunity to pick out the top new developments that could help the company they work within.
