If you are a computer whizz with adequate IT and managerial skills, we have a blueprint plan to launch you as a technical architect.
It’s a craft that bridges the gap between an organisation’s business and technological aspects. The professionals are also referred to as IT systems architects and act as a crucial link between the company, its designers, managers and developers who build the system. They take over the responsibility to ensure every facet of the IT system works as per the requirements.
A certified technical architect designs sophisticated solutions for clients and acts as a project manager for IT assignments with the intent of bettering the business. Also recognised as the unicorn of the tech space, a professional technical architect sets a strong foundation for programming, designing, analysis and development.
Roles & Responsibilities of a Technical Architect:
Here’s a brief job description of a technical architect in a thriving business or an IT firm.
To identify the software and hardware requirements
To generate progress reports
To recognise the system specifications
To put forward the best systems and products to clients
To break down the larger systems into smaller ones and take it forward
To sort out all technical issues
To map out and outline the technology system structure
To coordinate closely with the software development team and work towards a smooth operation
To perform all testing procedures
To monitor the progress
To carry out the technical work as per requirement
To ensure quality standards
To guide teammates and oversee their implementation
To determine the upgradation of the current system
To provide a post-installation feedback
To meet the company’s future IT requirements
To troubleshoot system issues
To provide the company with schematics
What are the Technical Architect job categories?
While we have discussed the whole and sole of what a technical architect does, it stood as a universal job description that further branches into more specialised roles.
An infrastructure architect is responsible for leading hardware and infrastructure equipment. The concerned person is responsible for implementing, designing and integrating the systems within the existing system infrastructure.
A solution architect creates an all-inclusive technical vision for a specific problem. The technical person designs, describes and manages the solution.
An enterprise architect is comprehensively responsible for an organisation’s directions. The entire entity is characterised under analysis, and the professional defines, standardises, organises and documents the whole structure.
A software architect takes charge of the individual parts of a whole IT project. The in-charge person creates a high-level design as per the technical standards, including the appropriate tools, coding standards, platforms and more.
Data architects sketch, build and manage a company’s data system. They define the process of storing, archiving and retrieving data, keeping the security levels in mind.
Application architect creates new applications, updates the old ones, demonstrates prototypes, and runs testing plans and procedures.
A business architect examines and designs a business model. They monitor how well an enterprise model performs and improvises based on strategies, structures, capabilities and processes.
Skills required to be a Technical Architect:
Apart from all the technical skills, being a technical architect requires a list of non-technical ones as well.
With big responsibility comes immense pressure. A technical architect must be able to derive great results in high-pressure situations
IT projects are mostly time-bound. Time management is a must
Knowing where the problems may arise and having the right attitude to solve them
Being proficient at listening, understanding and explaining concepts at the same and higher level
Have great communication skills and be detail-oriented
Teamwork and trust among teammates are important
The ability to see the bigger picture from the basics
Capability of prioritising
Great knowledge of technical applications
Analysing corporate strategies rightly
Rational distribution of resources
Lastly and most importantly, avid interest in technical architecture
Technical Architect Salary:
The field is super lucrative provided you are committed, a challenge seeker, inquisitive, enthusiastic and with a competitive degree. A technical architect bridges the gap between the developers and designers working on the company’s IT needs and the upper management. And therefore, the expert is an important part of the organisation.
The salary of a technical architect can vary depending upon factors like – job location, employer, skills, degree holding and the type of technical architect.
As per PayScale, you can expect a handsome salary of $ 127k per year in the United States. In India, a preliminary position also promises an attractive and fat salary. Needless to say, technical architects with more years of experience are sure to feel immensely satisfied, which is a good enough reason to enter the domain.
How to become a Technical Architect?
Here’s how you can adopt the lucrative field.
1. Earn your degree
The first step to adopting the remunerative career path is to graduate with a futuristic degree. It is important to indulge in one which serves as a strong foundation for your life-long journey. If you are looking to pursue a learning approach benchmarked to international standards, here’s our Interactive Technologies major that will position you as a transformative leader by imbibing the cutting edge of technology.
Some key highlights of our Interactive Technology course include:
2. Develop technical skills
Besides being passionate and ambitious, one must also learn all the technical skills to be successful. Some important technicalities in the field include:
Cloud computing and cloud technologies
Software development
System Administration
Internet of Things (IoT)
Big Data Analytics
Programming languages like C#, javascript, SAP, Oracle, SQL and more.
Operating systems like UNIX and Windows
Computer hardware and networking systems
Strategic IT solutions
Cybersecurity protocols
Database management
3. Look for employment opportunities.
Once you have all the industry knowledge, you are ready to face the challenges. Begin with gaining significant experience in an entry-level role to enhance your calibre slowly. Strengthen your skills, identify your area of interest, attend professional conferences and get ready to embrace success.
Companies hiring Technical Architects:
Infosys Limited
Analog and Digital Labs India Pvt
Larsen & Toubro Limited
ASC Technology Solutions
Runwal Developers
Tata Group
JP Morgan
Adobe
Amazon
One Last Thought:
Pursuing a career as a technical architect is worthwhile. The scope is bolstering at a fast pace, pushing the need for skilled individuals. In our expeditiously revolving world impelled by new techniques and realms, every organisation requires a technical architect to face emerging solutions.
Also, a technical architect is not restricted to working in an IT consultancy. You can explore various opportunities in financial institutions, government departments, public service organisations and more. Get in touch with us for more insights.