As dedicated readers are likely aware, the technology industry boasts some of the highest salaries and most sought-after positions in today’s job market. Indeed, based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in computer science and IT achieve a median income of $104,420 per annum and are anticipated to experience significantly above-average job growth in the upcoming decade. The best aspect is the vast array of specializations you may choose to follow according to your preferences.
Today, we are highlighting the role of a software architect, along with expert advice from Bradley Steinfeld, an IBM software architect who is focused on emerging technologies such as blockchain, Web 2.0, and cloud solutions. Steinfeld excels in staying at the forefront of innovation and self-educating in a domain that requires perpetual learning. Therefore, whether you aim to enter the sector or elevate your current profession, his guidance is likely to be extremely beneficial. Let’s explore further.
Path to becoming a software architect
Software architects are advanced-level engineering experts who, similar to traditional architects, make critical, large-scale design decisions. They establish the frameworks on which software developers construct their code, encompassing everything from selecting tools and platforms to setting foundational technical standards and procedures. Unlike traditional architects, they must also consider how that code will operate securely, at scale, and evolve as the software goes through various revisions.
The initial step towards a career in software architecture could involve working as an IT specialist, programmer, software engineer, or, in Steinfeld’s experience, a QA tester. There are numerous career trajectories to consider, so to decide the next appropriate step for you, reflect on what you enjoy about your current IT role and pinpoint the advanced positions that resonate with your interests.
Steinfeld shares that he initially thought he would find contentment solely by coding, but as he progressed in his career, he discovered that crafting the system architecture was highly gratifying. “It truly drives me to be innovative, solve problems, and learn from those around me,” he notes. “The most rewarding aspect is witnessing my concepts come to reality and assisting fellow developers who build upon the systems.”
Software architects combine a robust set of technical and interpersonal skills. While technical abilities may differ depending on their industry or the specific projects they undertake, software architects need to employ leadership capabilities and software development lifecycle (SDLC) management practices, including DevOps and Agile methodologies. Job postings for this position usually mention the necessity for Unified Modeling Language (UML) proficiency and knowledge in one or more programming languages, including Python, Ruby, or C.
For those new to the sector, Steinfeld offers two primary recommendations:
Firstly, participating in industry conferences and meetups can enhance your learning from peers and foster professional connections. Secondly, aim to oversee projects from idea generation to deployment. You’ll gain invaluable experience by engaging in every facet of the process.
“I’m a strong advocate for online courses and learning platforms—especially those that are interactive,” Steinfeld states. “You can discover nearly anything online these days! Although it can be daunting to keep pace with the rapid advancements in the tech realm, opportunities for growth have never been more accessible and inclusive.”
If you are a more experienced developer contemplating a transition to software architecture, the following advice may catch you off guard: don’t overlook the importance of enjoyment!
“Finding joy in your creations, whether it’s writing clean code, enhancing performance, developing groundbreaking solutions, or engaging in projects that resonate with you, is vital for sustaining a long career in this discipline,” he adds. “Loving the process fosters motivation and passion, both of which are crucial for enduring success.”
Explore our complete Q&A with Bradley Steinfeld, Bots & Blueprints: 6 Questions with a Software Architect and AI Developer.
Enhance your career with IBM
Are you prepared to initiate – or elevate – your career in software development or architecture? Consider pursuing one of these esteemed Professional Certificates from IBM to cultivate essential skills for your career today.
If you are a beginner, think about IBM’s DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for an introductory software engineering position.
To reinforce your software engineering expertise, investigate IBM’s IT Project Manager Professional Certificate Program. Learn how to implement project management techniques while broadening your understanding of software architecture.
Ultimately, to enhance your skills, experiment with IBM’s AI Engineering Professional Certificate. Discover how to extract business insights from extensive data using machine learning and deep learning methods.
The article Software architect: Job overview + tips from an IBM expert first appeared on Coursera Blog.