Want a Career in Business Architecture? Start Here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the perspectives of IIBA.
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Contrary to popular belief, building a successful career isn’t just about training—and business architecture is no exception. If you’re mulling a career in business architecture, three steps will set you up for success.
Most people believe they will obtain certification and then find work. This is more likely to get you nowhere than help you succeed. What you actually want to be is a knowledge worker!
Why Consider a Business Architecture Career?
Business architects are in high demand in industry, as businesses are recognizing the value that business architecture brings to the table. Business architects help organizations align their business strategy with their IT strategy, which leads to better alignment and execution of both. They also help organizations optimize their resources and make better decisions about where to allocate their funds.
As businesses are looking to improve their performance and become more agile, they are turning to business architects for help. Business architects have the skills and knowledge necessary to help businesses achieve their goals. They understand how businesses work and how to translate business needs into IT solutions.
What Do Business Architects Do?
Business architects are responsible for the design and stewardship of business strategies and transformations using business blueprints and scenarios. They work with senior management to identify and assess opportunities, and then develop plans and initiatives to achieve them.Business architects also work with teams across the company to ensure that all aspects of the business are aligned with the strategy. Business architecture is a critical function in any organization. Likewise, certification validates your knowledge and expertise in this area.
What Is a Knowledge Worker?
Knowledge workers are people whose jobs require them to apply their knowledge to create value. They may work in a variety of fields, but they all have one thing in common: the ability to think critically and apply their knowledge to solve problems.Doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, and scientists are some of the most common examples of knowledge workers. These experts use their knowledge to solve problems and improve the world around them.
- Doctors use their knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to diagnose and treat patients
- Lawyers use their legal knowledge to advise clients on their rights and represent them in court
- Accountants use their accounting skills to keep track of a company's financials
- Engineers use their engineering knowledge to design and build things
- Scientists use their scientific knowledge to conduct research and develop new technologies
Likewise, if you want to be a business architect, you must first develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies of a knowledge worker. There are three simple steps you can take.
Join a Community
There are a great number of communities, both globally and locally, that are devoted to business architecture. This is a fantastic opportunity to network with people working in the industry, gain insight from the experiences of others, and get the attention of prospective employers. Immerse yourself, keep an open mind, and understand!My advice is to join communities on LinkedIn and seek out local IIBA chapters and other organizations specializing in the area of business architecture.
Get Training
Because business architecture is such a complicated subject, getting the appropriate training before looking for work in the field is essential. You have several different options available to you, and you must investigate all of them.Keep in mind that while this will equip you with the vocabulary, theory, and insight necessary to "talk business architecture," you’ll still need additional resources. Seek training that’s structured to help you learn all about business architecture and succeed in exams. Also consider webinars, free resources, and team mentoring as well.
I don’t recommend that students solely focus on passing exams. Instead, ensure that you truly understand what you’re certified in!
Share Your Knowledge and Ask Questions
When you've reached the point where you have a solid understanding of business architecture, start passing on what you've learned to others.Write blog posts, give presentations, ask questions, and explore alternatives. This will allow you to demonstrate a level of authority in the field. It’ll also indicate to potential employers that you’re a knowledge worker in the field.
Take the Leap
If you’re interested in making a career move into business architecture, don’t think you can just apply for a job and be done with it. Immerse yourself in the world of business architecture so that you can become a knowledge worker. Then, take active steps to grow your career and job opportunities.If you’re looking to become a business architect or want to improve your skills in this area, consider professional development or a learning path toward earning a credential. By doing so, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the field, enhance your problem-solving skills, unlock career advancement opportunities, receive industry recognition, and position yourself for success.
To expand your skill set and optimize your business analysis job opportunities, consider earning the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification. The CBAP designation is a professional certification for individuals with extensive business analysis experience.
A version of this article appeared on agorainsights.com on February 19, 2024.
About the Author
As the Founder and Director of Agora Insights Ltd., Deirdre Caren brings more than 25 years of comprehensive, hands-on business delivery experience. Her rich knowledge base extends across business architectural design, strategic analysis, requirements, integrated systems, processes, learning methodologies, and a spectrum of related fields. Throughout her tenure, she’s had the privilege of empowering thousands of business professionals, architects, and analysts in over 90 countries. She’s aided them in their professional progression through a robust blend of tailored training programmes, personalized mentoring, and incisive consulting solutions.
