Solution architect
Use innovation and your knowledge of technology to solve business problems. Consult with clients to consider the best option to improve their IT systems.
Also known as: IT solution architect
About the job
What it's like
You’d lead a team and come up with computer systems to solve clients' business problems.
First, you'd work out what issues they’re facing and what you can do to help them meet their goals. You’d think outside the box to come up with ideas and consider different options.
Once you’ve presented the options to your clients you decide on which idea to put into action. It’s then your job to plan, design and develop the technical solutions. You'd decide what the needs and priorities are.
You’d organise the tasks of developers and software engineers to keep the project on track. You'd also offer guidance to teams and support them with certain tasks.
What you might do:
work with clients and businesses to understand any issues and concerns
come up with practical solutions to technical problems and present these to clients
figure out the scope of a project and decide what resources you'll need
manage teams of developers and engineers to deliver on project goals
motivate your team and provide guidance when they need it
assess potential risks and have solutions in place to mitigate them
keep up to date with latest technology and software
test software to make sure it works the way it’s expected to
A solution architect can be an asset to many organisations and business. In this job, you could work in many industries depending on where your interests or experience takes you. For example:
IT
finance, including fintech (financial technology)
healthcare
retail
agriculture
transport
automotive
manufacturing
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- creative
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- listening
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Business
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Computing Science
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Economics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are many ways to get qualified for this job. You could study at college or university study, or get a work-based qualification, like an apprenticeship.
Depending on their level of expertise, solution architects will often have a Higher National Diploma (HND), a degree or a postgraduate qualification in one of the following subjects:
Information Technology
Software Engineering
Computer Science
Business Information Systems
Employers will consider graduates from non computing subjects if they can show essential technical knowledge. There are also postgraduate IT conversion courses available. These are useful for graduates looking to strengthen their technical skills.
A lot of solution architect jobs look for a high level of skills and extensive experience. But some companies do offer intern positions.
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements they might ask for relevant (usually work based) experience that demonstrates a range of transferable skills.
Membership of industry organisations can also be a valuable way to build contacts within the industry, add to your knowledge and link to opportunities.
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