{"id":24045,"date":"2024-09-11T10:49:55","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T09:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avolutionsoftware.com\/?p=24045"},"modified":"2024-09-12T01:39:42","modified_gmt":"2024-09-12T00:39:42","slug":"enterprise-architecture-skills-strategies-for-career-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avolutionsoftware.com\/news\/enterprise-architecture-skills-strategies-for-career-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Enterprise Architecture Skills & Strategies For Career Success"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over 74%<\/span> of architecture teams are experiencing increased demand for their skillset, according to our recent survey. However, the skills and tools required from Enterprise Architects also continue to expand.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the modern-day Enterprise Architect, what are the skills and strategies required to drive business success? And where can the aspiring Enterprise Architect begin?<\/span><\/p>\n

Enterprise Architecture in 2024<\/span><\/h2>\n

To help address these core questions, we assembled a panel of industry leading experts at the Avolution ABACUS Digital Enterprise Architecture Summit 2024<\/strong>. They explored the who, what, where, when and why of enterprise architecture. They addressed opportunities and challenges as well as the under-recognized skills that set enterprise architects apart. Here are some of the highlights from the conversation:<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the benefits of Enterprise Architecture? How can we show the value?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cEnterprise architecture is key for any organization seeking to achieve its strategic goals and maintain a competitive edge. When demystifying Enterprise Architecture within your organization, ensure you are clear about the purpose and value of your role. What you<\/em> can do to help improve the business.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, most organizations have the common problem of silos. How do I look after data? How should I run processes? Which process do I run?! Architecture helps remove these silos and makes the invisible, visible.\u201d \u2013 Laura Dawson, CIO for over 30 years and Chair of Charity IT Leaders<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo break the silos, try to trigger collaborations and bring business areas together by creating shared data sets. <\/span>Some stakeholders worry IT architecture will increase the time spent on projects. However, another value of Enterprise Architecture is ensuring projects run faster. Removing duplication of efforts by keeping a manageable landscape. This not only saves time but also helps reduce costs\u201d \u2013 Dr Herman Harmann, Lead Enterprise Architect, NXP Semiconductors<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Demonstrate the value by solving problems people are facing. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Chris Forde, The Open Group<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Which recommendations would you give a small Enterprise Architecture Team starting out?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cAim for improvement over perfection. Pick one thing and identify the quick wins, <\/em>this will help increase stakeholder interest and build momentum. Get others to also help, such as Data Engineers or Analysts.\u201d \u2013 Zdenka Vockova, Enterprise Data Architect at British Heart Foundation<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPick a major project that has visibility to management and stakeholders and see where you can add value. Choose where to focus your efforts, but ensure you focus on main projects. These have the biggest impact and biggest visibility.\u201d \u2013 Dr Herman Harmann, Lead Enterprise Architect, NXP Semiconductors<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ensure you focus on main projects. These have the biggest impact and biggest visibility.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Dr Herman Harmann<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstand how your organization works from a political sense and have allies who speak well of you, and what you do. Whether a large or small organization, be clear on what you can do. For example, if there is a delay on projects and decision making, showcase how Enterprise Architects make it easier for people to make decisions quickly and confidently.\u201d – Laura Dawson, CIO for over 30 years and Chair of Charity IT Leaders<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Aim for improvement over perfection.<\/span> Pick one thing and identify the quick wins, <\/em>this will help increase stakeholder interest and build momentum. <\/span><\/p>\n

– Zdenka Vockova<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How do you get buy-in from senior management to move projects forward?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cThis can be considered a \u2018Chicken and the egg\u2019 situation. If you don\u2019t have direct access to senior management, you need to be aware of who does and who has trust from your stakeholders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese \u2018trusted advisors\u2019 can act as an advocate. It\u2019s not about your voice directly, it is about the ability to solve the problem your company is facing.\u201d – Chris Forde, CEO of Association of Enterprise Architects and Principal of The Open Group<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will need a \u2018sponsor\u2019. You need to know who on your board, is more likely to recommend your skillset and who will point senior management in your direction. Sponsorship at board level can be one of the most valuable assets to Enterprise Architects and for Enterprise Architecture Career Success\u201d – Laura Dawson, CIO for over 30 years and Chair of Charity IT Leaders<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Sponsorship at board level, can be one of the most valuable assets to Enterprise Architects<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

– Laura Dawson<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What are the most important and unrecognized skills for Enterprise Architects, IT architects and Business Architects to have?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cMany people focus too heavily on technology skills. However, those can be acquired easier than softer, more \u2018strategic\u2019 skills, including the ability to see the big picture and identify the root cause for pain points.\u201d \u2013 Zdenka Vockova, Enterprise Data Architect at British Heart Foundation<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo not underestimate the importance of human factor and the business process. Being able to work well with others, to unite and trigger collaborations, goes a long way in Enterprise Architecture.\u201d \u2013 Zdenka Vockova, Enterprise Data Architect at British Heart Foundation<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Helpful resource:<\/em><\/strong> Open Professions Program from The Open Group<\/strong>.<\/a> \u201c<\/span><\/em>A peer reviewed certification, created upon experience. Here you can self-access where you are in your architecture journey and use this as a guide to provide direction for the next stage of your professional career.\u201d – Chris Forde, CEO of Association of Enterprise Architects and Principal of The Open Group<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>An invaluable skill of an Enterprise Architect is being able to bring people together to articulate a problem. The real prize is being able to get others to see the big picture. <\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

– <\/em>Laura Dawson<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you get into an organization make sure you know what is on people\u2019s minds, what are their concerns, and what are their values. Once you understand your business you can then offer your services directly to that business context.\u201d – Laura Dawson, CIO for over 30 years and Chair of Charity IT Leaders<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I want to be an Enterprise Architect, what should I do?<\/span><\/h2>\n

“Typically, when people ask me this question, I recommend exploring certifications as this helps show interest and that you have the basic set of skills and knowledge to take next step. You need good business knowledge, good range of soft skills, and understanding of reference architectures, methodology, notations and frameworks.\u201d \u2013 Dr Herman Harmann, Lead Enterprise Architect, NXP Semiconductors<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What are the skills needed for enterprise architecture career success?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Technical Skills<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n