Enterprise architecture is a specialized field of study that involves the creation of information models that can be used by different departments to successfully complete their tasks.

There are many ways to become an enterprise architect, but the first step is to get your MBA. You’ll learn how to think strategically and plan for the future, which are two key skills you’ll need to succeed as an enterprise architect. After your MBA, you can start looking at job listings and applying for positions that match your experience and education. If you don’t have any experience or education yet, you can start volunteering at companies or organizations that interest you; this will help build up your resume and network!

The primary goal of enterprise architecture is to create an effective integration between all business units, providing them with the tools they need to communicate effectively and collaborate on projects. The role of an enterprise architect is to ensure that these models are created in a way that allows for this communication and collaboration to occur.

This article will explain how you can become an enterprise architect by explaining:

1. What an enterprise architect does
2. Skills needed for this career path
3. Education requirements for this career path

How To Become Enterprise Architect

Enterprise architects typically hold full-time salaried positions, though some may find part-time or contract jobs. The salary of an enterprise architect varies based on their education and experience. Additional factors that could affect a salary are the location and size of a company. 

• Common salary in the U.S.: $139,857 per year
• Some salaries range from $53,000 to $267,000 per year

Enterprise architect requirements

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.

How to become an enterprise architect

To become an enterprise architect, you need an extensive knowledge base. Follow these steps to help prepare you for a career in this IT field:

1. Pursue an education. Earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field will give you the background you need to begin gaining on-the-job experience in IT. Consider studying computer engineering or network security.
2. Gain relevant work experience. An enterprise architect usually has several years of IT experience, information security, or a related field. Some jobs look for candidates with 10 years of experience or more for the complex role of an enterprise architect.
3. Pursue a master’s degree. Most companies seek candidates with a master’s degree in enterprise architecture. This advanced education will help you overcome the challenges of designing the overarching IT architecture for a company.
4. Gain certifications. Many certifications can supplement your educational background. Pursue certifications in information security, information systems or systems engineering.
5. Apply for enterprise architect roles. Research each company thoroughly before interviewing so you’re prepared with a detailed explanation of how you would improve the business’ IT architecture.

Enterprise architect job description example

Our technology development company is seeking a skilled enterprise architect to streamline business operations and align our corporate goals with the company’s IT infrastructure. You will be responsible for assessing our current IT systems and solutions. You will also be designing enhanced architectural models that demonstrate how we can improve internal communications and better align all our departments. Candidates should have:

• A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or similar field with at least 12 years of experience, or a master’s degree in enterprise architecture with at least 10 years of experience
• Extensive knowledge of IT infrastructures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with a team
• Willing to travel occasionally