How do you become a solutions architect?

A solutions architect has to have strong business, soft, and technical abilities. Learn about databases, cloud services, frameworks, tools, and architectures for programming. Recognise the market, industry, domain, and client demands for your project. Develop your leadership, teamwork, creative, problem-solving, and communication skills. It is important to possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills in addition to a willingness to learn about new trends and technology.

Becoming a solutions architect requires a fine blend of technical prowess, business acumen, and interpersonal skills. However, the cornerstone of this role is an unwavering problem-solving mindset. This involves not just addressing issues as they arise, but proactively seeking out potential hiccups and preemptively devising solutions. Thinking outside the box is crucial. It’s all about exploring unconventional options. This innovative approach can often lead to more effective solutions. Embrace new technologies such as AI to leverage them to our advantage. View them as opportunities, not threats. The key to being a successful solutions architect is to not just keep up with the wave, but to ride it, using it to propel us forward.

One of the biggest qualifiers in my opinion was the experience I brought to the table. Being in the industry for over 25 years is a big plus. Also having people skills is key. Building relationships and cultivating those is key. Finally, always keep learning and adapting everyday.

1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. 2. Gain experience in software development and IT infrastructure. 3. Acquire certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect. 4. Develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. 5. Build a portfolio showcasing architectural designs and solutions.

Relentless questioning and introspection to challenge assumptions and validate the facts behind decisions. The prior experience bias can cloud judgment in selection of solution blocks, beware of that. Treat the role as consensus-making collaborative leadership role, than an ivory tower role handing down specifications to delivery team. Important to articulate WHY certain solution decisions are taken to business and tech side stakeholders, along with debate on cost implications. Solution Architect should come off as a listener and rational minded than "i know it all" , that even hiring managers make mistake of expecting.

I would suggest being an understudy to a practising architect, and rotate around a few domains. Learn tricks of the trade, modeling, alternative analysis, buy vs build, scoping and estimation. Learning many tools and technologies will only confuse you. Start with mainstream key technologies, learn architecting skills in that stack before developing breadth of tech span.

As noted prior, always keep learning. I took online courses for 5 years to get my Batchelors degree. You need to have job experience to drive home the interview but having the degree opens more doors to a possible new future.

Acknowledging that proficiency in architecture is intricately linked to a deep understanding of engineering principles is essential. “You’ll struggle to architect well if you don't know how to engineer them.” While honing architectural skills is undoubtedly valuable, practical experience gained from real-world, hands-on projects is equally indispensable. For example, it is necessary for architects' solutions for AI/ML pipelines to have a solid understanding of underlying data engineering principles. Considering the impossibility of mastering every domain, one must assess his/her strengths and interests and master one particular architecture area such as data, cloud, AI/ML, security, etc. Getting the right mentor is not a bad place to start.

Learn all aspects of technologies you wish to architect. Understanding roles and responsibilities and requirements of all roles within the IT project, can make you very effective when designing architectures for implementation.

ld agree with some of the other posts. The best way is to shadow someone who does the job and take as many good things and make them your own, as you can. Each person will have to craft the technology to fit their skills but the broader the general knowledge the better the ability to handle the various aspects of technology. It's good to specialize but that general knowledge comes in handy to "talk the talk"...

Another way to gain experience is to Try have 3 (or more) options for the solution architecture. That process allows for deliberation, thinking through possibilities and also open avenues for engagement with all other groups you may depend on to deliver the solution. It also enables asking those simple questions : “is my design too complex?”, can I simplify the way we deliver the end product? Etc… it’s a very powerful approach to learn and incorporate best practices.

Investing in a reputable boot camp or course is crucial for aspiring architects. Programs that focus on real-world, complex projects provide invaluable experience. There are no shortcuts to becoming a solution, platform, or enterprise architect; the journey involves a significant learning curve and hands-on experience that shape a clear vision. While data scale is important, the willingness to experiment and deepen understanding of core concepts is essential. Developing soft skills is also vital. Practicing architecture diagrams and presenting solutions to peers or mentors can enhance communication abilities. Seeking feedback offers valuable insights and contributes to growth in this role.

Needless to stay, starting from Ground floor gives you the strong footing. But tech landscape keeps changing every 6-7 years, so do you restart everytime? The key to that question is to do just enough architectural POCs using hands-on , to know the strengths/positioning of tools and technologies emerging. Very key skill for solution architect is to have the wisdom to know which tool/tech is to be applied when, than fall in the trap of "everything is a nail for the boy who discovered hammer"

This one is fairly straight forward: learn and do! Experiment, actively seek out new knowledge and always keep up to date with latest tech

While peer networking, industry presentations publishing articles, taking part in debates would help in furthering network and skills - here is the bitter truth - architect track has a glass ceiling when compared to delivery tracks. So measure your growth not in terms of title progression, but more of the satisfaction from contributing value all around.

Learn the framework, a good architect is one who analyses the impact from people, process and tech. Do TOGAF, it is still relevant and the best in architecture

La arquitectura de soluciones es una rama que cambia a diario, necesitas ser autónomo para poder mejorar día a día, y para poder tomar las mejores desiciones posibles, tomando en cuenta la experiencia, el conocimiento y las distintas dimensiones de los problemas de arquitectura. Por algo no hay arquitectos junior.