How to Get Started as
an Applications Architect
Refine Your Skills and Remain Relevant
In construction, an architect is someone who designs a scalable and functional structure. They provide different solutions to get the desired result. An applications architect, also known as an AA, does the same job with web and mobile apps.
Applications architecture is a high-paying and leading profession in the IT industry. It is also a crucial part of software architecture. If you’re interested in learning how to become an applications architect, read our comprehensive guide below.
What Is an Applications Architect?
An applications architect is an app expert. They define the relationship between applications, explore how they interact with each other, and analyze how the user behaves. They study the interaction between databases and app packages.
An applications architect must also make sure a company’s application system is heading towards its goals. An AA must be familiar with business and application modeling, finances, and patterns.
How Does Applications Architecture Relate to Data Science?
Applications architecture relates to data science in that it involves databases and data analytics. Architects complete tasks such as extracting information from applications to perform business research. They must be familiar with cloud services and computing storage techniques.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Applications Architect?
Because applications architecture is a senior position, you should have two to five years of experience in the field. Most companies will require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree, which could take up to four years.
To have more possibilities of getting a high-paying job, you should also aim for a master’s degree. This can add at least two years more to your education path. In total, it might take you six to ten years before you can work in an applications architect position.
Where to Study Applications Architecture
To study applications architecture, you should obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, or another related field. However, you can also study the core elements of application architecture through a coding boot camp. This depends on your financial status and preferences.
Applications Architecture Community Colleges
To get the skills you need to become an applications architect, you can attend community college. There are many institutions, such as Central Community College, that offer Associate Degrees in Information Technology. You will learn all the skills you need like software engineering and computer network support.
Applications Architecture Universities
If you prefer traditional education, you can obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field. Many companies that hire application architects actually require a bachelor’s or equivalent experience in the field. However, you must consider other important factors, including professional certifications and additional skills.
Applications Architecture Coding Bootcamps
There aren’t any specific application architecture boot camps. However, to become an applications architect, you need to have software engineering and data science skills. Therefore, a coding or data science boot camp can help you learn the skills you need.
Applications Architecture Online Courses
If you want to advance your career and complement your education, you can take a data science or coding online course. Most of these courses have flexible payment options and schedules in case you currently have a full-time job. This is a good option if you want to learn one skill at a time.
How to Become an Applications Architect A Step-by-Step Guide
An applications architect must have specific technical skills to become a practitioner in the field. Read below to learn some of the most important steps you need to become an applications architect.
Get an education
The first step to becoming an applications architect is to develop your technical skills. You can do that by earning a bachelor’s degree or attending one of the best data science boot camps.
Get an entry-level job
Because applications architecture is a higher-level job, you should start with an entry-level position. This can help you get experience in the field and learn more about data science and application development.
Obtain a certification
Although there aren’t many application architect certifications, Salesforce offers a Data Architecture and Management Designer credential. This can validate your application’s architecture skills and help you advance your career.
Network
Networking is one of the best ways to find higher-level jobs. To secure a spot in the tech industry, you should attend tech-related events and meetups to get to know people that could open doors for you.
Apply for applications architect jobs
Once that you have the skills and experience, you can start building and submitting your technical resume. Include personal projects, work experience, and any other relevant information.
Entry-Level Applications Architect Job Requirements
Even though there are no entry-level application architect jobs, you can still enter the field and move up. Applications architecture is a leading position that requires a software engineering background. You should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or any other related subject.
Applications Architect Salary and Job Outlook
Applications architects usually have a high compensation compared to other professionals in the field. According to Glassdoor’s salary reports, the average salary of an applications architect is about $124,000.
PayScale, on the other hand, estimates that the median salary of an applications architect is about $116,000. This includes base salary and annual incentives that can vary depending on the company.
Example Applications Architect Job Interview Questions
- How do you use your data modeling skills?
- What is your most recent computer science project?
- What position have you held that is most similar to applications architecture?
- How do you manage to improve the performance of application systems?
- Why did you decide to become an applications architect?
- Describe an experience where you had to solve a problem in the workplace.
What Does an Applications Architect Do?
An applications architect works with the entire app development team to help improve application systems. They design and apply app architecture, test code, and collaborate with the team to enhance productivity.
Develops and Implements Application Architecture
The most crucial responsibility of an applications architect is to design software architecture. Applications architects design components like middleware, user interfaces, and other elements of the app system.
Aligns the Architecture With Business Requirements
An applications architect orchestrates every aspect of an application. Therefore, they must ensure that the design and functions of each element are aligned with the company’s standards. That is why this is a leadership position. Applications architects oversee the development team make sure everyone works towards the company’s vision.
Performs Code Reviews
Everyone in the development department must perform code reviews to make sure the code has no problems. However, it is important for application architects to do this task as well. They must make sure everyone is going in the right direction without any mistakes or bugs.
Essential Applications Architect Skills and Certifications
Application architects are both leaders and technicians. They must understand the fundamentals of computer science and have other skills such as teamwork and risk management. Below you will see some of the most important applications of architect skills and certifications.
Applications Architect Skills
Application Integration
Application integration is the way that software products interact with each other. Applications architects connect several apps based on their services and data. This is a great way to streamline processes in an organization or business.
Programming Languages
Most application architects don’t write code very often. However, they will have to understand code in order to work with the team and understand the process. As an applications architect, you must be proficient at coding languages like JavaScript, Swift, CSS, HTML, Python, C#, and others.
Database Management
To ensure the efficiency of the application system, you must be able to work with database management. Some apps need data storage integration or cloud services. This is when your database management skills become relevant.
Applications Architect Certifications
Unlike other professions, you don’t need to have a certification to start working as an applications architect. However, this type of credential can potentially advance your career. The Salesforce certification outlined below can help you get a great job in applications architecture.
Data Architecture and Management Designer
This Salesforce certification proves that you are qualified to build, maintain, and optimize application systems. It also validates that you can provide high-quality solutions by working with the Salesforce platform.
To earn this certification, you must pass the certification exam. You will also need to maintain your certification and complete extra modules as you progress through your career.
Reasons to Become an Applications Architect in 2021
Applications architecture is a high-paying senior position in the IT field. With new technological advancements, the demand for AAs has increased. Many companies are seeking application architects to optimize their app integration systems.
You should consider becoming an applications architect if you are interested in software development, data science, and IT management. However, you should keep in mind that this is a highly technical profession that requires several years of experience and study. You will need to commit to becoming an applications architect.
Applications Architect FAQ
What is the difference between an applications architect and a solution architect?
A solution architect works with the entire system, while an applications architect is in charge of a set of integrated apps. However, they can both be in the same discipline of software architecture.
What are the components of applications architecture?
Applications architecture covers several indispensable components such as reliability, availability, scalability, and technological risks.
How much do applications architects make per hour?
According to ZipRecruiter’s compensation data, the average applications architect makes around $68 per hour. However, that number can vary depending on the professional background and expertise. Top earners can make up to $90 per hour.
Do you need to write code as an applications architect?
You won’t constantly be writing code because this is a leading role. However, it might be necessary if the company doesn’t have that many developers or you need to solve a problem by yourself.
