Software Architect
Career overview
Knowledge of software programming languages to design, develop, document, test, implement and support software applications according to accredited development methodologies and standards. Software architects also contribute to the organisation's software strategy and are able to adapt to varying operating systems and environments, databases and platforms.
Average salary
$75,325, based on 3-5 years of relevant IT experience
Case study: Malcolm, early 30s
What do you do?
We oversee the IT infrastructure for Ericsson from a strategic and project management point of view. We do the specifications for projects, outsource the delivery and make sure that projects come in on time and on budget. Managing our infrastructure, like the links between our buildings, can also involve liaison with the telecommunications carriers - Telstra, Vodafone, Optus and AAPT. Our team is quite small - there are two architects and our boss who is the business solutions and design manager. A major project we have been working on aims to boost efficiency and make savings by replacing some travel with video- conferencing. There are five sites - three in Australia and two in New Zealand - providing an efficient, reliable video conferencing solution. This project includes gaining user acceptance, rolling out training and making sure the infrastructure is reliable.
Describe an average day?
I start by checking my email and voicemail to see if any new issues have come up. Emergencies are dealt with first and then I get on with my ongoing projects. One of our ongoing projects is the rollout of the 3G networks that Ericsson is doing in partnership with Hutchison. There are offices throughout Australia with both Ericsson and Hutchison staff so we have to set up the supporting IT infrastructure.
What technology skills are necessary in your job?
Before this role, I was in a data networks role. Working with Cisco products, Extreme products, HP network equipment et cetera, has stood me in good stead for this role because now when I advise the people whom we outsource to, I know exactly what they need. It's also important to have a broad knowledge of server infrastructure, Windows 2000 servers and so forth.
How did you get to where you are today?
I thought I wanted to be an accountant in Year 10 and now I can't think of anything worse. I did a commerce and IT degree at Ballarat University. I started with Ericsson on the help desk straight after that. After about 12 months there I moved into the data network area. I have done a lot of short, one or two week courses learning about data communications. Some of the Cisco products - Introduction to Cisco and Advanced Cisco and Troubleshooting - are some of the skills that I need. It's also good to learn from people who have more expertise than me, including their mistakes - I think that can be more beneficial than reading a book.
What made you decide on a career in ICT?
The scope of what can be done in the ICT arena - you can be a project manager or a programmer or a data network person. There are opportunities to move up into management as well.
What do you like about your job?
The variety. Different projects. I get to meet and deal with a range of people from throughout the organisation. Also, I can see the business benefit in what I'm doing.
Is there anything you would change?
Probably more involvement strategically and maybe some more involvement with the business units.
Where do you see your career going next?
This year I completed an MBA so I guess I would like to develop further and move up the organisation.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in IT?
You need to have a passion for what you're doing and be prepared to come in at the entry level. Listen, learn, do courses and utilise what you have learned.
Skills listing
The ideal candidate possesses a combination of skills and experience in a variety of areas. Below is a list of the most commonly sought after skills, with highly sought after examples listed in brackets. This list is meant as a guide only.
Technical skills
- Knowledge of object oriented programming languages (eg. C++, Java)
- Knowledge of object oriented design (eg. UML)
- Knowledge of procedural programming languages (eg. C)
- Knowledge of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Knowledge of web services (eg. XML)
- Ability to match software to business requirements
- Ability to document software application requirements
- Ability to integrate software systems
Non-Technical skills
- Analytical skills
- Customer interaction skills
- Use initiative
- Attention to detail
- Creative approach
- Problem solving skills
- Strategic thinking
- Lateral and conceptual thinking
- Project management skills
