How to become a Solutions Architect

Solutions Architect

Find out what to expect from a career as a Solutions Architect.

As demand for smart and emerging technologies increase in line with the rise of Industry 4.0, the role of a Solutions Architect has never been more critical.

The technology industry has seen significant advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and more. This has pushed industry leaders and top-tier companies to adapt and adopt new technologies to ensure they maintain market position. Enter Solutions Architects.

What is a Solutions Architect?

In essence, a Solutions Architect is the specialist responsible for “defining, designing and managing software engineering called to solve specific business needs.” AppSolutions puts it perfectly: “This person is responsible for figuring out the best way of bringing together business needs and technological solutions.” Ultimately responsible for delivering cost-effective, sustainable and trustworthy ICT solutions to the business needs, Solutions Architects are invaluable to any business.

How to become a Solutions Architect

A bachelor’s degree is an essential requirement for the majority of roles. While it’s possible to build a successful career without formal training, more than 85% of ICT leaders hold an undergraduate or postgrad qualification.

Torrens University’s Bachelor of Information Technology is designed in collaboration with industry, and therefore tightly aligned to the expectations of employers who want to leverage technology and take their business to the next level. 

Solutions Architect roles and responsibilities

According to Indeed, key responsibilities of Solutions Architects include: 

  • Investigating organisational systems and processes, identifying opportunities to maximise efficiencies
  • Keeping abreast of the latest technologies and how they can be leveraged
  • Developing architectural solutions that meet business objectives
  • Delegating tasks to implement architectural solutions
  • Communicating project requirements such as time, budget and resources
  • Working closely with other IT professionals and stakeholders
  • Overseeing projects, identifying challenges and proposing solutions 

The Solutions Architect career path is one that can encapsulate many roles and responsibilities. At their core, Solutions Architects can identify opportunities in technology and demonstrate how those opportunities will improve a company’s performance and achieve their business goals. 

Core skills needed to become a Solutions Architect

Our Bachelor of Information Technology is aligned to ACS guidelines and meets the SFIA framework for the Solutions Architect role. That means you’ll graduate with in-demand skills including: 

  • Solution architecture
  • Consultancy
  • Specialist advice
  • Emerging technology monitoring

To be successful, IntellectSoft says Solutions Architects must also have:

  • Communication skills
  • Project and resource management skills
  • Risk identification and management expertise
  • Business analysis skills
  • Technical skills

The Solutions Architect role is on the rise

Industry 4.0 has exemplified the recent growth of the overall technology industry. According to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee, there has been increased demand for ICT professionals who can lead and execute automation initiatives. These advancements in technology are slated to impact up to 46% of current work activities by 2030 across various sectors and roles including, of course, Solutions Architects. According to DICEUS, Solutions Architects are must-haves in the IT, e-commerce, retail, manufacturing, healthcare and transport industries.

In fact, employment of Solutions Architects is projected to grow 30% over the next five years, according to SEEK. As of March 2022, there are more than 1600 job ads listed on the same site.

If you’re looking for an in-demand role in the information technology sector that will allow you to capitalise on the latest technology and take a business’ operations to the next level, look no further.

Solutions Architect salary and earning potential

GlassDoor estimates the national average salary for a Solutions Architect is $150,000, while SEEK quotes a range between $140,000 and $180,000 based on job ads listed in the last six months.

Time to get started

With so much growth and demand, there’s never been a better time to become a Solutions Architect. If you want to leverage the latest technologies and lead businesses to success, take the first step and learn more about our Bachelor of Information Technology designed to prepare future leaders of the industry.

 
Check our Technology Courses to learn more
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