Solutions architects are a vital part of a data and system administration team. They are responsible for designing, modifying, and adapting system architecture to meet business and customer needs. If you work with system databases, this guide will help you customize your resume to apply for a job.
First, let’s take a look at the three resume formats, one of which you’ll choose to create your own resume.
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Job Duties of a Solutions Architect
The position of a solutions architect in data and system administration calls for integrating systems that require updated specifications. They play a mediator’s role between enterprise architecture dealing with global business viewpoints and software architecture dealing with tech issues. Their responsibilities vary according to the complexity of the computing environment. Some of their other duties include:
Periodically accessing and analyzing system architecture with current and standard methodology.
Developing software solutions according to the scope of the work.
Developing and designing design objectives and technical workflows.
Analyzing IT and database systems and developing technical solutions, like adopting special system software, system security services, and cloud technology addressing the needs of the company, client, or enterprise.
Developing reports forecasting system capacity issues and providing supporting solutions for the same, aligned with the standard technological guideline.
Supporting a cooperative work-frame while supervising and guiding the departmental projects of IT system architecture.
Collaborating with stakeholders in pursuit of better and efficient customized solutions.
Providing technical support and consultation for developers and architect partners.
Analyzing emerging trends like artificial intelligence, big data analysis, augmented and virtual reality, incorporating these into the business and providing solution portfolios.
Documenting data for recommending technical solutions and selecting appropriate technology.
Solutions Architect Median Salaries
According to PayScale, an American compensation software and data company, a solutions architect’s average salary is $119,395 annually as of July 2021.
Top Skills for Solutions Architects
A solutions architect is one of the more competitive jobs in the data and system administration field. They are responsible for designing, implementing, administrating, and handling the company's needs while successfully incorporating new technology solutions.
These are some of the skills that will help you get recruited:
- Resources and project management expertise: Solutions architects take part in the project management team by keeping track and allocating resources for a project within the planned budget. They focus on meeting deadlines, expected quality-oriented results, and reaping beneficial impacts on the business. These experts must also be ready to discard inefficient solutions in the face of their needs, clients, or stakeholders.
- Adept at technology and software solutions: Typically, solutions architects address issues tending to the digital and technological infrastructure. They should program, integrate, test, and analyze software. Some of the tools they use for this are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and software like Slab or Intercom.
- Proficient at designing and developing applications: Solutions architects are in charge of setting and creating applications to help with particular needs and collaborate with the development team. They balance technical and business strategies as the solutions they develop must solve the situations at hand but with the budget assigned and the company’s well-being as the goal.
- Up-to-date information technology knowledge: solutions architects need to be well-versed in their information technology (IT) knowledge. They must know all the ups and downs of the operating systems they will create, the best database for the job, and which software provides an adequate solution to a company's problem, among other issues.
- Exceptional communication skills: Excellent communication skills are needed to interact and collaborate with teams, software architects, stakeholders, and customers.
- In-depth analytic ability: Solutions architects possess keen analytical skills to tackle different strategies in businesses and corporations. These skills enhance their understanding of different layers of an operation and how to achieve their goals.
Educational Requirements for Solutions Architects
A degree
Solutions architects should have an MS or BS in Engineering with a concentration in Computer Science, IT Systems, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mathematics. These are standard programs found throughout the country; some universities, like Arizona State University or the California University of Pennsylvania, and colleges like Excelsior college or Daytona state college, are good options. Ensure that wherever you decide to study is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) to be considered a true professional in the field.Certifications
Bypassing an exam, aspiring solutions architects should strive to receive a TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) certificate, an entry-level qualification for solutions architects.
AWS certified solutions architect sites such as Amazon offer those interested a certification in their company’s applications. Associate and professional certificates validate your technical skills and expertise with that company and require two years of experience.
Those looking for senior solutions architect positions should have a Certified Information Systems Security Professional - Architecture (CISSP) certification offered by (ISC)². Solutions architects with a minimum of two years of experience are eligible for this certification and must renew it every three years.
Suppose you prefer to certify yourself as a project manager instead. In that case, the Project Management Institute offers a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate which will test your knowledge and skills in project control, team leading, scheduling, among other topics. No renewal is required. However, you must complete a nine-course credential to receive the certificate.
The Professional Cloud Solutions Architect certification enhances a professional’s knowledge on cloud impact for business, application design, and data management.
Solutions Architect Resume-Writing Tips
Here are some tips to make an exceptional resume to impress employers:
- Write an engaging professional summary or objective summary: Be thoughtful! Use the summary statement highlighting your related skills and how you can help grow the organization.
- Strategize your skills: Flaunting your skills in a verbose manner won’t work. You have to strategize which skills impress recruiters, such as working as a team or on projects, and present them concisely.
- Use keywords: Identify keywords found in the job descriptions provided by the recruiters. Use these keywords in your summary, skills, and experience sections so your resume can pass application tracking systems. Some keywords people use are “application development,” “project management,” “software architecture,” “designing and developing,” and “solution optimization.”
- Quantify achievements: Use figures, data, and percentages to demonstrate measurable achievements.
FAQ
Is a solutions architect the same as a technical architect?
A technical architect is responsible for the overall system or program structure. They evaluate the need of a project and its designs, including hardware or software requirements. Solutions architects who have the overall technical knowledge are mediators between enterprise architecture and technical architecture.
Does an organization or an IT firm need a solutions architect?
Yes. A solutions architect can describe, design, and implement the solution to meet the needs of a company, client, and stakeholders. They analyze business needs, detect technology issues, project progress, make strategic decisions involving business and IT departments, collaborate with different departments like management team, business decisions, IT, and technology selection.