Career Suggestion

Solutions architect

Solution architects lead teams that create new computer systems for clients.

Average salary (a year)

£36000.0 to £85000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 39.0 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in computing.

Relevant subjects include:

  • computer science
  • software engineering for business
  • programming
  • software development
  • cloud computing

Courses with industry placements or summer internships can help to develop your skills.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got experience of creating computer software.

It's also useful if you have experience or an understanding of the industry you want to work in, for example banking or retail.

More Information

Career Tips

You'll usually need to know about service design principles, agile project management  and IT industry standards and regulations.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You may find it useful to have a certificate such as the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certificate.

Further Information

You can find out more about working and training in computing from The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • maths knowledge
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of systems analysis and development
  • persistence and determination
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you'll:

  • understand the client's business strategy and needs
  • create solutions to meet your client's needs
  • assess the strengths, weaknesses and costs of different options
  • give advice and suggestions
  • make sure the new solution meets industry regulations
  • manage moving to a new computer system
  • make sure the new solution works with other systems and platforms

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or in an office.

You could progress to senior or lead solutions architect then move on to an enterprise architect role.

You could also take up wider IT project management jobs, strategy planning or become a consultant.

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