The widespread acceptance of cloud computing has opened many new opportunities and career choices. This article focuses on one such promising vocation, that of a solutions architect, specifically regarding one of today’s most popular cloud platforms, Amazon Web Services or AWS.
This article covers all aspects of an AWS solutions architect, including definition, job role, who can become one, needed skills, and an online cloud computing program you can take to boost your career. Enterprising readers interested in a more cloud platform-agnostic solutions architecture career can also glean plenty of valuable insights here.
But before we focus on the how and whys of becoming an AWS solutions architect professional, let’s define the position.
What is an AWS Solutions Architect, and What Do They Do?
AWS solutions architects develop, deploy and maintain the needed digital infrastructure and business applications that use the AWS cloud platform. These solutions architects work closely with business leaders to understand the organization’s objectives and create effective cloud-based solutions and strategies to meet these objectives. AWS solutions architects plan, scale, and design the appropriate cloud implementation tasks using Amazon’s best practices, connecting the organization’s objectives to technology-empowered outcomes to produce the best results.
Additionally, AWS cloud architects find creative, cloud-based solutions and move heavy workloads to the cloud. Lastly, they also protect the organization against online breaches, circulation errors, and software or application-related downtime risks.
In summary, here’s a convenient, bulleted breakdown of what architecting on AWS entails:
- Construct cloud systems. AWS solutions architects work directly with the client to identify the business objectives and develop supporting cloud-based solutions. Additionally, they design, recommend and propose the organization’s most efficient network systems and hardware and software.
- Troubleshoot cloud systems. AWS cloud architects maintain and troubleshoot the cloud system, possibly needing to reassess and redesign it to address problems and ensure they don’t occur again.
- Modernize obsolete systems. AWS cloud solutions architects migrate the client’s existing data and applications to the new cloud-based system. AWS solutions architects also help customers with digital transformation and migration processes.
- Promote cloud system security. AWS solutions architects promote cloud environment security, minimizing the effects of data leaks, preventing data breaches and reducing downtime stemming from system errors. Additionally, AWS solutions architects evaluate possible risks and assess their severity.
Who Is Eligible to Become an AWS Solutions Architect?
Theoretically, anyone can become an AWS solutions architect professional, provided they gain certification. Aspiring AWS cloud architects get certified once they pass the AWS Solutions Architect- Associate Level Exam.
Of course, it’s no secret that people with a strong IT background have a better shot of becoming an AWS-certified solutions architect with minimal fuss. That’s not to say it’s impossible to do if you lack an IT background; it’s just a more challenging road.
So, if you have your heart set on architecting on AWS, what skills should you have mastered? Let’s take a look.
The Skills You Need to Become an AWS Solutions Architect
Every organization has its unique skill requirements for its AWS solutions architects. However, the following skills are the most commonly sought-after in AWS architecture candidates, regardless of industry or company. Note that these necessary skills don’t mention degrees or formal education. That’s a whole different matter, which we’ll address later.
- Technical skills. AWS cloud architects should understand how the cloud works and its components. They should be familiar with creating, maintaining, and monitoring cloud networks.
- Problem-solving skills. AWS solutions architects are, first and foremost, problem solvers. AWS architects must provide customers with viable solutions to complex problems, assess client needs, create an appropriate network, and troubleshoot and maintain existing cloud systems. Thus, AWS-certified solutions architects need good critical thinking, observation and reasoning skills.
- Communication skills. AWS solutions architects must understand the client’s problems and offer them creative solutions, so they must perfect their communication skills, including verbal and non-verbal interpersonal skills.
- Time management skills. AWS solutions architects usually have a lot on their plates, so they need good time management skills to juggle all these demands and prioritize them accordingly.
- Adaptability skills. A fully involved AWS-certified solutions architect has many demands placed on them, including meetings, troubleshooting, and performing the expected design, implementation and maintenance duties of a solutions architect. A good solutions architect is adaptable and can handle sudden changes or unexpected intrusions.
Now that we’ve reviewed the kinds of skills a successful AWS solutions architect should have let’s list the steps you must take to make those aspirations a reality.
What Steps Do You Need to Take to Become an AWS Solutions Architect?
If you want to become an AWS solutions architect professional, consider the following steps:
Consider beginning with a degree
Although a degree isn’t mandatory, many recruiters favor candidates with a college degree. Ideally, your degree should be in a relevant field like computer science or cloud computing. If you supplement this degree with a master’s degree in a similarly related field, so much the better!
Gain experience in cloud-based skills
Before attempting a certification exam, you need to boost your cloud-related skills. There are many resources online that make independent study easy. There are also many online courses and bootcamps to familiarize you with the fundamentals.
Earn your AWS certifications
There are two AWS certifications. The first is the AWS certified solutions architect associate, a popular foundational certification. You earn this certification, valid for three years, by passing the 65 multiple-choice and multiple-response exam questions. Next, go for the AWS-certified solutions architect professional certification, which builds on the associate’s certification. You must pass the exam, consisting of 75 multiple-choice and free-response questions.
Tackle some self-assigned projects
Many online resources can help you set up cloud-based projects, showing recruiters you know the topic. Build up your cloud solution portfolio and present it to potential employers as proof of your skill and experience.
Don’t forget to network
The Internet has made it easier to create contacts and communities. Seek out AWS cloud solutions architects and develop a working relationship with a handful. These contacts are valuable for helping you find projects to participate in, job leads, and opportunities to learn more.
Is Coding Knowledge Required to Get a Job as an AWS Solutions Architect?
In the face of our rapidly digitizing world, coding is a critical skill for anyone seeking an IT-related job. So, does an AWS solutions architect need to know how to code? The short answer is “No.” However, the long answer is “No, but coding knowledge is indeed a valuable skill required in many IT positions. It couldn’t hurt to learn coding.”
Also, there’s no such thing as having too many skills and talents listed on your resume or CV. You don’t even have to shoot for one of the more complex coding languages; the IT community acknowledges that Python is the most accessible language to learn. Learn Python, and you will probably find more career opportunities open to you. Besides, suppose you’re planning a career path that eventually takes you out of solutions architect and into a different IT-related position. In that case, it is best to secure the coding knowledge!
How to Schedule the AWS Exam
So, you’re ready to take the AWS Solutions Architect exam. How do you do it? Here’s how:
- Go to the aws.amazon.com/certification/ web page.
- Scroll down the page and click “Architect.”
- Click “Register Now.”
- Click “AWS Certification Account.”
- Sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one if you still need to create one.
- Once you sign in, click on “Schedule Examination.”
- Scroll down until you find “AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.” Click on “Schedule Exam.”
- Click “Continue.”
- Choose your language and pick your region.
- Choose the month of the examination, then click “Search” for the exam center.
- Choose the location from the list of exam centers that’s most convenient for you. Once you’ve chosen, choose the date and an available exam slot, then press “Continue.”
- You will now be required to pay for your examination. Once your payment is processed, it’s official: your registration is complete!
Details About the Exam
Here are some facts about the AWS certified solutions architect associate exam.
- Exam scores range from 100 to 1000 marks, with a minimum passing score of 720. Passing marks are calculated through statistical analysis, which can be adjusted depending on the exam’s difficulty.
- As of this writing, the exam fee for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate is $150. You can also take a practice exam for $20. The fee for the AWS Solutions Architect Professional certification exam is $300.
- The AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification exam lasts 130 minutes and includes multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions.
- Candidates can choose their exam language, including English, Chinese (Simplified), Japanese and Korean.
- If you fail the exam, you must wait 14 days before you can make another try at it. However, there is no limit on exam attempts, although you must pay the full fee for each exam attempt. Once you pass the exam, you cannot take the same exam for two years. You can take the new version if the associate’s exam has been updated with a new examination guide and series code.
Typical Solutions Architect Job Opportunities and Career Paths
Historically, AWS professionals have had more job opportunities than competing cloud providers such as Azure or Google Cloud Platform. Furthermore, research shows that there is a noticeable lack of experienced IT professionals working in Amazon Web Services, which means this is the ideal time to get certified, craft a compelling resume or CV, brush up on AWS interview questions, and start your new career in the cloud computing industry.
Here is a typical career progression for an AWS solutions architect.
- Junior Solution Architect.
- Solution Architect.
- Senior Solution Architect.
- Principal Solution Architect.
- Chief Solution Architect.
Here is a sample of possible solutions architect career tracks:
- Operational Solution Architect.
- Strategic Solution Architect.
- Risk Management Solution Architect.
- Transformational Solution Architect.
- Startup Solution Architect.
- Compliance-focused Solution Architect.
Why Should You Consider a Career as an AWS Solutions Architect?
Here are some compelling reasons to consider a career as AWS-certified solutions architect:
- It’s a stable career. Technology’s essential nature of technology guarantees a high degree of job stability in every business, regardless of the sector. Although market fluctuations could impact on some sectors, the need for technical understanding remains constant. This reason feeds into the next point.
- More industries are migrating to the cloud every day. Every industry sector, IT, healthcare, manufacturing, government or retail, needs a solutions architect. The demand is continually growing, with organizations constantly seeking the most skilled technical professionals.
- There are many opportunities for advancement. Solutions architects have tremendous growth potential within the corporate structure, offering the candidate greater visibility, responsibilities and strategic roles.
- You have plenty of chances to develop your skills. The tech landscape is constantly changing. Solutions architects must keep up with every new technological change, industry trend and innovative solution. This dynamic evolution guarantees that solutions architects constantly learn and refine their skills.
- There are lots of networking opportunities. As top-tier, valuable professionals, solution architects interact with investors, industry leaders and other influential figures, providing outstanding opportunities for networking and collaborating.
- It’s a flexible career. Although the solutions architect role involves considerable critical responsibilities, it also offers candidates flexibility regarding strategic decision-making and the potential for working remotely, especially in modern, forward-thinking companies.
- The salaries and benefits are outstanding. According to the Glassdoor.com job site, AWS solutions cloud architects in the United States earn an annual average of $122,790, with additional possible cash benefits pushing that total to $134,130.
Are You Interested in a Solutions Architect Career?
If you want to become an AWS solutions cloud architect, you must get those skills and certifications squared away. Consider enrolling in an immersive cloud computing bootcamp that will give you the training you need to work with cloud computing and DevOps.
The role of an AWS solutions architect is an excellent career choice. Secure your place in this industry by getting the necessary training and certification to begin this new, rewarding journey.
