What does an Enterprise Architect do?
Enterprise Architects align the technology of a business with its strategy. They have a highly visible job with a significant level of responsibility, they stay aware of new trends in technology. Enterprise Architects abide by strict performance standards and deadlines. They usually operate as an IT visionary, have specific expertise or serve as a generalist IT officer providing high-level oversight and guidance. Typically, they report to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), work full time and spend their day in an office setting in front of a computer. They may travel to other company sites for implementation and synchronisation of technology in the company’s IT system.
Enterprise Architect skills and qualifications
Enterprise Architects visualise and model the current state of the business transformed into the desired shape of the company. A successful Enterprise Architect candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications, that typically include
- Ability to scrutinise the domains of the enterprise’s structure to improve operations and align the business and technology to be transparent
- Ability to analyse data and information generated by the enterprise and operational labour structure to identify cost-savings opportunities
- Skills in developing standards and policies that guide the use of IT assets
- Excellent communication skills for educating employees on best practices for applying the company’s IT products, resources and solutions
- Expert knowledge in computer science and IT to research IT solutions and identify ways to enhance existing operations
- Expertise in cloud computing
- Efficiency in time management, project management and demonstrative of the company’s service-oriented architecture (SOA)
Enterprise Architect experience requirements
The Enterprise Architect needs seven to ten years of experience in IT, information security or a related field. The ideal candidates also have work experience as an apprentice for one to two years. Some employers prefer candidates from the same industry working on familiar systems and strategy. Specialised certifications such as the Systems Engineering Professional, Information Security Auditor or Information Security Professional are also beneficial. Smaller businesses may accept a candidate with ongoing study towards graduation with a bachelor’s degree (BSc) in computer science.
Enterprise Architect education and training requirements
Successful Enterprise Architects have a master’s degree in science (MSc) in IT, application or network architecture, computer science or data architecture. Employers also consider candidates with a postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate. Bonus certifications include those from the Certified Enterprise Architect Professional (CEAP), The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF®) and The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Some employers require certifications from the International Board of IT Governance Qualifications (BITGQ) and the British Computer Society (BCS). They can also accept certificates from Zachman Framework, Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework (FEAF) or Gartner. A large, complex business may require a PhD in a related principle such as technology or an engineering management doctorate.
Enterprise Architect salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Enterprise Architect in the UK is £82,182 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.
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