To become an infrastructure architect, you’ll need a lot of experience in IT and computer science, as well as a good understanding of business telecommunications requirements. A university degree in computer engineering or network management, as well as a certificate in infrastructure architecture from a reputable computer industry leader, are usually required to get this job. This job’s “architecture” refers to systems architecture, which is the interconnection of computers and information technology systems. Although it is frequently associated with structural architecture, an infrastructure architect does not typically require a regular architectural degree.
Infrastructure architect education is almost exclusively found in the field of computer science. In these fields, most universities, as well as a variety of community colleges and technical schools, offer coursework and degree programs. However, strict infrastructure architecture courses are uncommon. To become an infrastructure architect, most computer-savvy individuals apply the more general teaching of any information technology program.
The responsibilities of a core infrastructure architect cover the majority of aspects of assisting businesses and organizations in maximizing their technological capabilities. Technical specifications, such as laying the groundwork for wires, outlets, and ports, as well as actual network setup and management, are included. Architects manage network security, optimize data transfers, and engineer web systems to run at peak efficiency on a daily basis.
Because a lot of infrastructure architect training happens on the job, there are several different ways to gain experience in infrastructure architecture. Although this is most common in large companies, many larger companies or design firms will hire computer scientists directly out of school to join architecture teams. New architects are frequently able to take new recruits under their wing and train them from the ground up.
Another good way to get the hands-on training needed to become an infrastructure architect is to get certified. Infrastructure architect certification courses are available from a variety of IT organizations. These are typically not university courses, but rather industry-specific training courses that result in a credential that many employers value. Earning certification is a good way to become an infrastructure architect, as it allows you to demonstrate that not only do you have knowledge, but also have demonstrated the core competencies of networking in a corporate context. Architects are required to maintain certification a number of companies in order to stay current with technology and industry practices.
Making a decision about the type of work you want to do is also an important step in the process of becoming an information architect. Infrastructure architecture jobs aren’t all the same. Some work for a single company, designing and maintaining network structures already in place. Others work for contracting firms, where they are frequently responsible for multiple clients at the same time. These architects almost exclusively focus on setup, though they may be called in to perform maintenance or troubleshoot if necessary.
It’s also possible to work as an infrastructure architect, collaborating with building architects to plan for efficient network infrastructure hardware in new construction projects. Working as a freelancer on a project-by-project basis is also an option, especially for professionals with prior experience. Choosing a career path usually necessitates a candid assessment of what you enjoy doing and how you see your future unfolding.