Technical Architect/ IT Systems Architect
What is the work like?
Technical architects or IT systems architects, act as the link between an organisation's operations managers and the designers and developers who build their IT systems.
As a technical architect, you could work on projects, ranging from planning the structure of a large-scale patient records database in the health service to the redesign of a building society’s online banking system. Your key responsibilities would be to make sure that the separate parts that make up the overall structure of a system:
- work together as planned
- satisfy the requirements of the organisation
- meet the needs of the people who are going to use it.
For most projects, your main duties would include:
- identifying the organisation's needs
- breaking large system requirements down into manageable parts
- carrying out cost-benefit analysis on ideas to decide whether ‘off-the-shelf’ products would be more suitable than systems built from scratch
- agreeing plans for the system’s structure with the client
- explaining the structure to the designers and developers, and helping them to build it
- developing and carrying out acceptance testing procedures to make sure all parts of the system are working properly
- producing documentation and monitoring compliance with quality standards and procedures
- advising senior IT managers about how to plan for their future IT requirements.
In this job, you could specialise in a particular part of a system's framework, for instance the security or software requirements; or you could be responsible for the entire structure (this is normally at senior level), supervising a project team made up of architects, system analysts and developers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need proven experience and qualifications in IT to work as a technical architect. Although you would work with technical staff who may have more expertise in certain areas, it is very important that you have a broad understanding of the available technologies and what they could do for the client. For this reason, many employers will look for a background in systems development, analysis, programming or testing.
Employers will also want to see strengths in non-technical areas, such as client management, communication skills and leadership. This is because they place great emphasis on the ability to communicate the client's requirements to technical teams, and to manage competing demands on time and resources.
A common route into this career is to start with a company at a slightly lower level, for example, programming, and to work your way up through internal promotion. Companies often use this as a way to recruit people who already have a good understanding of their business.
Qualifications are also important and you would normally need a degree or postgraduate award. Relevant course subjects include:
- computer science or computer engineering
- information management systems
- business information systems
- software development
- mathematics.
You should look for courses that cover areas such as: C# (C sharp), C++, Java/J2EE, .NET, SQL, Oracle and SAP business software applications.
To search for colleges and universities offering these courses see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
For more details about careers in this field, see the websites for e-skills UK and the British Computer Society (BCS).
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working, it is important that you keep your technical skills and knowledge up to date, as technology changes very quickly. You could do this by taking professional development courses with your employer and through professional bodies, like the British Computer Society and e-skills UK. You could also gain recognition of your skills through industry certifications, including:
- ISEB Certificate in IT Architecture
- Microsoft Certified Architect (MCAP)
- Open Group IT Architect Certification
- Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA)
- IBM Service Orientated Architecture Solution Designer.
You can find more information about professional development options on the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) website. This has been developed by professional bodies and employers and allows you to identify career skills and development pathways.
Where can I go for more information?
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ
London
SW1E 6DR
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries for technical architects are usually between £30,000 and £50,000 a year.
- Senior architects can earn between £55,000 and £80,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your normal working week would be around 37 to 40 hours but the intense nature of the job can often mean working overtime on evenings and at weekends.
You would be based at one site although you may have to travel to meet clients, who could be sited anywhere in the country, depending on the contract. This could lead to you working away from home at times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to understand client requirements
- strong problem-solving skills
- the ability to build good relationships with clients and colleagues
- tact, diplomacy and good communication skills
- the ability to gather and interpret data
- a broad knowledge of technologies and applications to plan solutions
- the ability to explain ideas clearly to technical and non-technical staff
- a knowledge of industry quality standards, legislation and best practice
- the ability to work effectively under pressure and to deadlines
- a willingness to adapt to changing priorities
- the ability to anticipate future trends
- a commitment to keep up to date with technology.
What opportunities are there?
This is a growing area of IT and job prospects are very good if you have the right skills and experience. You could find technical architect jobs in all areas of the country with the major concentrations in London and the south-east. Employers include large public service organisations, government departments, utility companies, financial institutions, and specialist IT consultancies.
Your options for career progression would normally involve promotion to senior architect jobs or specialising in a particular field, for example finance or security. You could also move into broader IT project management roles, strategy planning and consultancy.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
ITJobsWatch
ComputerWeekly
Computing Careers
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