Becoming an enterprise architect is a challenging and rewarding career. But how do you get there?

To become an enterprise architect, you need to be able to communicate with business leaders and understand their needs. You’ll also need to know how technology can help them achieve those goals.

First, you’ll want to gain experience in your field. This could include working at different companies or even starting your own business. You might also consider getting an MBA or another degree in business management.

Once you’ve gained some experience and knowledge about how businesses work, it’s time to start looking for internships or entry-level positions at companies where you’d like to work as an enterprise architect later on down the road. If this isn’t possible because of budget constraints or other reasons, then consider taking classes online so that you can learn more about how things work from home without having to pay tuition fees every semester!

Once you’re ready for an entry-level position at a company that works with large-scale networks (like Google), then apply! Make sure that your resume includes all relevant information about each job that you’ve held so far – including projects completed, hours worked per week/month/year etcetera – along with any certifications.

How To Become An Enterprise Architect

Enterprise architects need extensive education and experience to manage an organization’s information technology systems and strategies appropriately. Many enterprise architects have different active certifications to demonstrate their proficiency in a particular skill.

Education

To become an enterprise architect, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in information technology or similar field and several years of relevant work experience. Many enterprise architects earn a master’s degree in enterprise architecture to receive specialized field instruction. Industry certifications can substitute education or experience in some situations.

Training

On-the-job training is minimal for enterprise architects. This complex career path requires applicants to gain a strong educational background and experience before seeking employment as an enterprise architect. Any training provided within an organization will focus on familiarizing the enterprise architect with the IT systems currently in place.

Enterprise architects can gain off-the-job training by attending IT conferences and seminars. These conferences help enterprise architects remain current in the IT industry by gaining updated knowledge about machine learning, cloud computing and innovative technology.

Certifications

There are several professional certifications available that demonstrate an individual’s knowledge in essential areas critical to the field of enterprise architecture. Obtaining one or more of these will help you prove your relevant expertise:

Systems Engineering Professional certification: Offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering, this professional certification acknowledges the expertise of systems engineers. INCOSE also offers certification programs for the Associate Systems Engineering Professional, Certified Systems Engineering Professional, and Expert Systems Engineering Professional.
Certified Information Security Manager certification: ISACA offers CISM certification to recognize individuals with knowledge managing and designing information security systems. To earn a CISM, you must pass an online exam.
Certified Information Systems Auditor certification: ISACA also offers CISA certification, which is available to applicants with a minimum of five years of experience in information systems auditing, assurance, security or control. To earn a CISA, you must pass a 150-question multiple-choice exam.
Certified Information Security Professional certification: The CISSP certification available from (ISC)² proves an individual’s demonstrated knowledge with the design, implementation and management of outstanding cybersecurity programs. To earn a CISSP, you must be a member of (ISC)² and pass an online exam.
The Open Group Architecture Framework certification: TOGAF is a specific enterprise framework methodology that takes a systematic approach to maintaining timelines and budgets while reducing errors and aligning projects with overall business goals. Certification in this methodology is especially valuable for enterprise architects. You can earn a TOGAF certification by completing training courses and passing an exam.
Federal Enterprise Architecture Certification certifications: FEAC offers the Certified Enterprise Architect Black Belt program and Associate Certified Enterprise Architect Green Belt program. These encompass enterprise architecture and modeling in a variety of specialized government frameworks. To earn either of these certifications, you must attend a training program.

Skills

Enterprise architects need a well-rounded skill set that includes highly specialized technical knowledge and relevant soft skills.

Leadership: Enterprise architects help coordinate IT activities across projects, programs and departments. They’re often in charge of IT teams and need strong leadership skills to keep employees on task.
Analytical skills: Enterprise architecture focuses heavily on systems analysis. These architects need to possess analytical skills to gather and evaluate data.
Project management: Project management skills are essential for an enterprise architect to design and implement new systems and strategies. A high level of organization and attention to detail ensure successful project planning and execution.
Collaboration and negotiation: Enterprise architecture crosses departmental barriers. Enterprise architects must negotiate successfully with different teams to develop beneficial solutions for all involved.
Communication: Communicating clearly is essential for an enterprise architect, as these professionals are responsible for educating others within the company on the proper way to utilize available IT systems.
Modeling and graphical representations: Graphical representations clearly outline how IT architecture functions within an enterprise. Enterprise architects must be skilled in creating graphical representations of their plans.

Enterprise architect work environment

Enterprise architects typically work in an office setting. They will spend the majority of their days working on a computer. They may also attend meetings or lead seminars. In some cases, enterprise architects must prepare and give presentations to other employees.

An enterprise architect usually works with one company at a time, but they may serve multiple office locations. They may need to travel occasionally to different offices to educate employees. The enterprise architect may design the overarching IT strategies and make on-site visits to assist in implementation and synchronization across locations.