How to Become an Enterprise Architect

After you learn how to become an enterprise architect and find out how excellent the pay and job outlook are, you may be motivated to begin your training for this rewarding career right away. But first you must learn what the job entails and whether you are a good fit for this kind of work.

As an enterprise architect you will be responsible for designing, developing and maintaining computer applications software or specialized utility programs for companies of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, government offices and other entities. You will be in charge of any changes, revisions and updates made during the course of enhancements and improvements to computer network systems. You will develop new application packages, computer languages and operating systems. Some architects also develop customized applications, packaged systems and systems software. Skills in computer science and mathematical analyses are a must, but you should also have communication and interpersonal skills to work as a member of a team.

The educational requirements may vary by employer, but you will probably be better off if you get a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, mathematics or software engineering, although some employers will be satisfied with an associate's degree. Some advanced jobs may also require master's degrees, but you'll probably want to get the bachelor's and work in the field for a few years before you get this additional training. The more experience you can get the better - if you have a great deal of knowledge in computer systems and the related technologies through internships and part time jobs during school you will be much better off than less experienced applicants. You will also want to work towards classification as a Certified Software Development Professional, which requires a bachelor's degree, experience and passage of an exam.

The job outlook for such architects is excellent. The number of jobs for them is expected to architect as developer increase by approximately 47 percent by 2016 in California, for example, and there are similar expectations around the nation. The average salary for with education and experience is $107,000. It' an excellent job in a burgeoning field.