How do I become a solutions architect, or software architect, etc?

[Nihilmatic]

Hello, I am a sophomore undergrad in architecture. I've been pretty depressed and the thought about changing majors has gone through my head so many times, but honestly I feel I would be miserable in any major I chose, that's why I am still going through with architecture. I'm pretty sure these thoughts would occur in my head no matter what major I chose, unfortunately it's just how I am.

I am going off on a tangent, but what should I do to be a young successful architect?

 

[Cognisant]

If you want to be a web developer or system architect then web development is a good place to start and you can learn a lot of it online, check out stack exchange and places like that for advice on how to get started.

As for being an architectural architect well you can either become an architectural engineer or create a portfolio of sketches/models, present your work to property developers and become one of those artistic architects the engineers despise.

 

[Architect]

I've worn the title of 'software architect' for some 10 years and can verify it's almost meaningless. Being graced as an architect really means advanced engineer. Somebody people go to advice for usually. Now there is, or used to be, a specific set of skills associated with being a real software architect (one that devises software architectures), but few in the industry had/have those skills or inclination.

Software is still an art, trade and a science, so it still gets done by people jumping in and doing it. If you want to get the title of architect then just become a really good engineer for a long bit.

 

[Nihilmatic]

So what do you suggest I do after completing my 4 year university.

 

[Bad Itch]

I've worn the title of 'software architect' for some 10 years and can verify it's almost meaningless. Being graced as an architect really means advanced engineer. Somebody people go to advice for usually. Now there is, or used to be, a specific set of skills associated with being a real software architect (one that devises software architectures), but few in the industry had/have those skills or inclination.

Software is still an art, trade and a science, so it still gets done by people jumping in and doing it. If you want to get the title of architect then just become a really good engineer for a long bit.

This.

 

[Nihilmatic]

I'm only a sophomore at university so I really don't know much. But it appears that software architects and solutions architects are job fields that is rooted with computer science or programming, I don't see being an architecture major leading into become a software or solutions architect. Architect majors seem to only be going into high stressful low paying fields. I have never been a money oriented person my whole life, but I am pretty ambitious, do you suggest I change majors, is can architecture in undergrad lead into software or solutions architect?

 

[Bad Itch]

So you've acknowledged the differences between whatever you learn as an architecture undergrad and what you need to learn to eventually become a software architect or a solutions architect: Basically you need a lot of computer skills and enough experience to start landing you gigs with those job titles.

Heck I know someone who majored in Physics who ended up in a career CompSci majors would jealous of. I don't think I know anyone who studied to be an architect who is now a "software architect" or a "solutions architect", but that's not necessarily relevant. Getting a job which "opens doors" or has a "career path" which could lead in the direction of the desired gig is what counts. If you finish school with a degree or designation as an architect you're not going to get a job as a solutions architect the next day unless you also have a mad stash of relevant knowledge and experience. I know guys with relevant degrees, skilled, who have been bouncing around for years from gig to gig (out and up) for like a decade and still aren't quite where they want to be in that regard. But they're getting there.

Is computing something you think you would be into, or are maybe into already? Ambition is good but once you stop having a good time the ambition will burn out fast.

Edjimication is expensive and it's up to you to figure out how you want to go about it and where you want it to take you. But if your heart is set on being a "solutions architect" or a "software architect" then should absolutely have some relevant training and experience as a start.