I was inspired to write this by Lucy from Tech with Lucy, who got me thinking about the journey to becoming an IT Architect. The truth is, there isn’t just one path. IT architecture is a broad field with many specializations, and everyone’s journey looks different.
There are cloud architects, IT architects, solutions architects, entreprise architects, security architects (with different focus areas), software architects, and many more. The way you start and grow into these roles depends on your background, interests, and skills. Some people come from a deep technical background, while others transition from different fields.
I didn’t start in IT myself—I began in finance. My interest in IT grew while working with financial and stock exchange analysis. Eventually, I made the switch to IT, focusing on automation scripting for end-user devices and servers. This led me toward system architecture.
But my path isn’t the only one. No matter where you begin, what matters is how you develop your skills and gain experience. Every background brings a unique perspective, and no single starting point is better than another. Your journey shapes the skills and insights you bring to the table as an architect.
What Makes a Great IT Architect?
An IT Architect’s role is multifaceted, requiring a mix of technical knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to design effective solutions. As I mentioned in a previous article (What Do You Need to Start with Cloud Architecture? – CyNe.pl), being an IT Architect means acting as a bridge between the technical and business sides. You need to ensure both sides understand the solution at the right level of detail.
To build a strong foundation, focus on:
- Understanding the technology – Know the tools and systems you’ll be working with.
- Communication skills – Clearly convey ideas to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Simplification and problem-solving – Break down complex solutions into understandable parts.
- Business acumen – Understand how technology aligns with business needs.
Learning Paths
If you’re looking to grow into an IT Architect role, there are great learning resources available. Below is a categorized list of training resources, divided into free and paid options, along with content types (videos, reading materials, or both):
| Platform | Resource | Type | Free/Paid | Description |
| Microsoft Learn | Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) | Reading + Interactive | Free | Covers designing cloud and hybrid solutions. |
| Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals | Reading + Interactive | Free | Useful for those interested in security architecture. | |
| Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps Solutions (AZ-400) | Reading + Interactive | Free | Enhances skills in automation and DevOps-related architecture. | |
| AWS Training | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | Reading + Video | Free/Paid | A foundational certification for aspiring cloud architects. |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional | Reading + Video | Paid | Provides advanced knowledge for complex architectural designs. | |
| AWS Certified Security – Specialty | Reading + Video | Paid | Tailored for those focusing on security within AWS environments. | |
| Other Platforms | TOGAF Certification | Reading + Exam | Paid | Covers enterprise architecture methodologies. |
| Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect | Reading + Video | Paid | Certification for designing solutions on Google Cloud Platform. | |
| Coursera | Video + Reading | Paid | Courses from top universities on IT architecture, cloud computing, and design principles. | |
| Udemy | Video + Reading | Paid | Wide range of courses, including preparation for certifications like AZ-305 and AWS SA. | |
| A Cloud Guru | Video + Hands-on | Paid | Specializes in cloud computing training for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. | |
| Pluralsight | Video + Reading | Paid | Offers courses on various IT topics, including architecture and cloud computing. | |
| edX | Video + Reading | Paid | Features courses from leading institutions on IT architecture. | |
| Cloud Academy | Video + Hands-on | Paid | Provides training programs and hands-on labs for cloud computing and architecture. | |
| Qwiklabs | Hands-on Labs | Paid | Offers hands-on labs and quests for practical experience, especially with GCP. |
Final Thoughts
Becoming an IT Architect isn’t about following a strict checklist—it’s about continuous learning, experience, and adapting to new challenges. Whether you’re coming from finance, development, networking, or any other field, your background is valuable. What matters is how you leverage your skills, gain technical expertise, and improve your ability to communicate and design solutions.
Stay curious, keep learning, and enjoy the journey!
Further Reading & Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about cloud computing and common mistakes to avoid, check out my book:
„Mind the Gap: Most Common Cloud Mistakes”
🔗 Available on Gumroad
🔗 Available on Amazon
🌍 Visit the official book website
