As long-time readers likely know, the tech sector offers some of the highest-paid and most in-demand careers in the job market today. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and IT professionals earn a median salary of $104,420 a year and are expected to see much faster than average job growth over the next decade. Best of all, there’s a wide range of specializations you can pursue based on your interests.
Today, we’re spotlighting the job of a software architect alongside some expert tips from Bradley Steinfeld, an IBM software architect specializing in emerging technologies like blockchain, Web 2.0, and cloud computing. Steinfeld is an expert at staying ahead of the curve and self-teaching in an industry that demands continued learning. So, whether you’re looking to break into the field or advance your existing career, his insights will likely prove invaluable. Let’s dive in.
How to become a software architect
Software architects are senior-level engineering professionals who, much like building architects, make fundamental, large-scale design choices. They devise the blueprints on which software developers build their code, doing everything from selecting tools and platforms to laying the groundwork for technical standards and processes. Unlike building architects, they’re also concerned with how that code will function securely, at scale, and in the future as the software undergoes iterations.
The first step toward a career in software architecture may be working as an IT specialist, programmer, software engineer, or, in Steinfeld’s case, a QA tester. There are countless career paths to take, so to decide the next step that’s right for you, consider what you like about your current IT position and identify the advanced roles that best align with your interests.
Steinfeld says he initially believed he’d be happiest just writing code, but as he grew in his career, he found creating the system blueprint to be extremely fulfilling. “It really pushes me to be creative, problem-solve, and learn from everyone around me,” he says. “The best part is seeing my ideas come to life and supporting other developers who build on top of the systems.”
Software architects possess a hearty combination of technical and workplace skills. Although technical expertise can vary depending on their industry or the projects they work on, software architects must harness leadership skills and software development lifecycle (SDLC) management techniques, such as DevOps and Agile. Job descriptions for this role usually include Unified Modeling Language (UML) and one or more programming languages, such as Python, Ruby, or C.
If you’re newer to the field, Steinfeld has two major pieces of advice:
Firstly, attending industry conferences and meetups can help you learn from others and connect professionally. Next, focus on taking ideas from conception to deployment. You’ll learn a tremendous amount by touching all parts of the process.
“I’m a huge fan of online courses and learning platforms—especially if they’re hands-on,” Steinfeld says. “You can learn almost anything online these days! It can be challenging to keep up with the fast pace of everything in the tech industry, but it’s more accessible and open than ever to grow.”
If you’re a more seasoned developer considering a career in software architecture, this next piece of advice might surprise you: don’t forget to have fun!
“Enjoying what you create, whether it’s writing clean code, optimizing performance, building innovative solutions, or working on projects you believe in, is crucial for maintaining longevity in this field,” he adds. “Enjoying the process keeps the motivation and passion alive, which is incredibly important for long-term success.”
Read our full Q&A with Bradley Steinfeld, Bots & Blueprints: 6 Questions with a Software Architect and AI Developer.
Build your career with IBM
Ready to start – or advance – your career in software development or architecture? Consider taking one of these popular Professional Certificates from IBM to develop job-critical skills today.
If you’re starting out, consider IBM’s DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate to build the skills and knowledge needed for an entry-level software engineering role.
To fortify your software engineering experience, explore IBM’s IT Project Manager Professional Certificate Program. Learn to apply project management methodologies while expanding your knowledge of software architecture.
Finally, to advance your skills, try out IBM’s AI Engineering Professional Certificate. Learn how to provide business insights from big data using machine learning and deep learning techniques.
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