Software Architect Profession Duties Required Skills aur Training

A software architect, or application architect, is an IT professional who manages the entire design process, from the foundational elements of a software application to the core elements. Like an architect, they are a developer responsible for the design, planning, and methodologies used to create a new product or system. They therefore play a crucial role in the early stages of developing complex IT systems. Looking to learn more about this profession? The ESIEA engineering school invites you to discover the various responsibilities and skills of a software architect, as well as the training programs that lead to this career path.

What is a software architect, and what is their role?

The profession of software architect is listed under the ROME code M1805. Their role is to verify and certify that the designed software architecture model remains compliant with user needs.

To achieve this, they must work with software developers and other stakeholders within the company (users and customers, among others). Software architects, therefore, naturally integrate into corporate IT teams, but they can also work within companies specializing in software development.

Companies are seeking software architects to ensure consistency across their digital architecture projects. In addition to being a sought-after profession, it’s a role that can evolve and offer exciting career opportunities.

What are the main responsibilities of a software architect?

As an engineer with a certain level of experience, the software architect performs several tasks. They analyze and conduct audits with users to anticipate risks, and they design a software architecture that is both functional and technical, based on the identified needs.

Beyond that, the software architect is also responsible for ensuring the consistency of implemented solutions with the desired architectural model. They therefore play an advisory and support role in decision-making. Finally, the application architect must also engage in ongoing technological monitoring to avoid missing out on promising opportunities.

What are the qualities and skills of a software architect?

Ideally, a software architect should be able to work on certain soft skills:

Good communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. This skill helps him to explain technical concepts in a way that is as simple as possible, but also to identify needs more reliably.
Unwavering adaptability to be able to react in case of a problem.
An analytical mind, but also a creative mind. These two qualities allow the software architect to design solutions that are truly tailored to the client.
A good ability to work in a team, which is essential for collaborating with different stakeholders in IT development.

This IT professional must also be able to master essential professional skills:

Mastery of operating systems, as well as network protocols and security standards;
proficiency in programming languages, frameworks, and database modeling tools: C++, Java, Python, SQL, PHP, R, SOA, LDAP, Web Services, AJAX, .NET, etc.;
good command of English, including technical English;
skills in technical project management.

What studies are required to become a software architect?

To become a software architect, students must attend an engineering school or obtain a master’s degree in computer science or information systems. This type of position is difficult for recent graduates (those with a bachelor’s degree or a two-year technical diploma, etc.) to access, as they do not hold a five-year post-secondary degree. In addition to a master ‘qualification years of experience are often required before applying for a software or application architect position.

The courses available at ESIEA allow you to embark on this path with peace of mind:

The engineering degree is a five-year program. This initial training prepares future engineers in the fields of digital science and technology. It is based on a highly professional curriculum, including periods of internships or work-study programs.
The Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity is a continuing education program that provides a solid foundation and skills in computer science, and more specifically in cybersecurity. It is equivalent to a three-year undergraduate degree (bac +3) and can be followed by a Master’s degree through the engineering program.
The ESIEA computer science master’s program is a continuing education course that is entirely completed through work-study, allowing students to become true computer experts from the start of their studies and to gain valuable initial professional experience for entering the job market.

What is the salary of a software architect?

On average, a junior software architect in France earns around €4,500 gross per month. A software architect with only 2 to 5 years of experience can expect a salary between €54,000 and €70,000 gross per year. With 5 to 15 years of experience, a software architect’s salary can reach approximately €110,000 gross.

However, salary depends on many factors:

accumulated experience
quality of the diploma
company location
company size
level of responsibility, etc.

What are the career prospects for a software architect?

This is one of the biggest advantages of a software architect career. Because they possess a wide range of highly sought-after skills, they hold the key to opening many more doors. This profession, therefore, offers numerous career opportunities.

For example, after a few years of experience, a software architect can aspire to progress to technical management positions (CTO, Chief Information Officer).

He can choose to stay on his path by embarking on consulting and independence through freelance status.

Finally, the software architect can choose to turn to teaching and training in academic or professional institutions.

Software architect is a little-known profession that can be a perfect fit for someone with a computer engineering background. Graduates from ESIEA are particularly easy to employ, as they generally possess solid practical experience and a comprehensive skill set. Contact us to learn more about our training programs that will help you become a future software architect.