How I Became a Solutions Architect

Today, I’m going to share how I became a solutions architect. It’s not a definitive guide, but if you’re thinking about pursuing this career, you might pick up a few tips along the way. Of course, I’ll talk about the ups and downs, because like every profession, it’s not all glamorous.

The Beginning

I started out as a software developer, dealing with a bit of everything. I worked with legacy systems (those 30-year-old beauties) and also on fresh projects using the latest technologies. Working for a smaller company meant I had to be the famous “jack of all trades.” Yep, like that guy from the comedy show who does everything: front-end, back-end, databases, and even mobile apps! It was at that point that I realized that being a solutions architect means, above all, being a bit of a “jack of all trades” yourself.

I gained this experience in a small company, but if you don’t have that chance, no worries! You can take an idea off the paper and build a project from scratch, or even pick up some freelance work that challenges you to think about the entire development process. The key is learning how to make things happen.

This blend of experiences helped me build a solid foundation. It was then that I decided to specialize in back-end, because let’s be honest, that’s where the magic happens. As a solutions architect, you need to master scalability, resilience, and security. It sounds fancy, but in the end, it’s all about ensuring that the system doesn’t crash at the first sign of trouble (or a tsunami).

The Transition

I was deep into back-end development when I hit a point where coding started to feel... let’s say, monotonous. I couldn’t take the “copy and paste” routine anymore, even though I tried to make the code look like a piece of art with design patterns and all that. What really excited me was thinking about new architectures, creating different solutions, and, of course, playing with the latest tech. That’s when I thought: “Why not become an architect?”

And that’s how it went. Since I had already worked in several areas of development and had a solid footing in back-end, the transition to architect was pretty smooth. But here’s the thing: I didn’t stand out because I knew everything; I stood out because I could see the big picture. And that’s what an architect does: connects the dots between technologies and the problems that need to be solved.

The Truth About Being an Architect

Now, let me share a little secret: being a solutions architect isn’t just sitting in a chair, drawing a nice diagram, and calling it a day. The responsibility is heavy. If you design a flawed solution, the problems don’t show up until the team starts implementing it—or worse, when the system is in production! That’s when you’re dealing with rework, extra costs, and a ton of headaches. Ever heard the saying, “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”? Yeah, that.

Moreover, as an architect, you need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. You know that developer who can coast on the basics for years? That’s not going to work here. If you don’t keep learning, you’ll end up proposing solutions that are outdated before they’re even built. And no one wants to be the person who builds a medieval castle in the middle of a futuristic city, right? So, you’ve got to love learning and stay on top of new trends all the time.

Conclusion

Being a solutions architect is a job that allows you to create, innovate, and, most importantly, learn every day. The cool part is that you’re constantly solving new problems and bringing ideas to life. The less glamorous side is the responsibility that comes with it and the never-ending need to stay updated.

That’s my story of how I became an architect, with its doses of sweat, coffee, and lines of code. If you’re thinking of following this path, be ready for the challenges—but also for the rewards that come with them.