What is a Data Architect?

From designing to planning, architects have a hand in houses, factories, office buildings and other structures. Working from an office, architects spend their days developing plans for such structures and meet with clients to ensure their dream is being carried out.

While it all sounds like fun and games, you do need a good amount of education and experience to be able to become an architect. A bachelor's degree is step one. Then you need experience through a paid internship. Before accepting a job offer, you even need to pass the Architect Registration Examination.

A solutions architect develops and oversees the processes involved in integrating IT systems to meet an organization's needs. He/She reviews project challenges to identify alternatives and minimize risks, evaluates the existing system infrastructure, and works with project management and IT development teams to improve the infrastructure. Additionally, he/she informs stakeholders on the progress of product development processes and budgets. Asides from that, he/she develops and implements a framework for necessary contributions from different departments.

Most solutions architects have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Employers will require at least six years of relevant work experience. However, you must possess technical, analytical, communication, project management, and leadership skills. You must also have experience developing IT and cloud infrastructure. Plus, you must be familiar with operating systems. Solutions architects are paid about $127,285 a year. Their salary is between $90,000 and $180,000.

The chief duty of a systems architect is to design and develop computer systems and networks to increase efficiency, productivity, and security. Their job is essential in helping a company reach its business objectives, as well as maintaining business continuity by preventing unexpected breakdowns or, worse - cybersecurity attacks.

The secondary duties of a systems architect typically involve conducting research to determine the company's needs, gathering data, troubleshooting issues, developing strategies to improve existing systems, and implementing these strategies in a timely manner. Furthermore, a systems architect may also be responsible for training subordinate employees and ensuring that everyone complies with company standards and regulations.

For many employers, the minimum educational requirement for this role is a bachelor's degree in computer science or other relevant fields. In terms of experience, a lot of employers require applicants to have at least six months to a year of experience, depending on their company standards.

On average, systems architects take home around $93,000 in basic salary per year. When it comes to job opportunities, the best industries to consider are technology, manufacturing, and insurance.