What is a Solutions Architect? | SA Role Explained

[@shawndeggans]

Azure Solution Architect here. My path to get here took me about 20 years. I started in web development, moved into mobile development, and then moved into Enterprise Integration. I made the jump from EI to Azure Cloud about 4 years ago, and I've been helping customers implement solutions ever sense. I think the biggest challenges for SAs is staying up-to-date with technology and keeping some type of focus. In this role, you need to be good with people, good with modern technology, and a great teacher. A lot of what I do is teach teams how to use modern processes and systems to build their solutions. Great video, Trevor!

[@jarelg1]

do you have a video demonstrating these skills

[@shawndeggans]

@@jarelg1 No, I've considered creating videos, but right now most of my focus is on doing the work and writing. I do have a blog. Would you be interested in seeing these types of videos?

[@nickimarie378]

Hey Shawn what’s the best way to keep up-to-date on the most current technology. I’ve been in IT for years and this is my only weakness!

[@shawndeggans]

@@nickimarie378 it’s definitely a constant struggle. I try to focus on what the larger service providers offer, like AWS, Microsoft, Google. They have regular updates you can follow on their websites. But a great source that many people don’t think of are book selling sites. Amazon and Leanpub are excellent resources. If someone is writing a book about, it’s probably worth having some shallow knowledge on the subject. If there are many books, it might be time to research it.

[@nickimarie378]

@@shawndeggans Hey Shawn thank you so much for your response! I am going to be doing solutioning/technical business analysis for a large healthcare system. I'm excited and nervous at the same time!!

[@servitus]

I started as a Junior Solution Architect a couple of months ago. Was a videographer for 6 years before. Feel very lucky to have been taken on to learn.

[@nyimon1010]

How did you learn

[@servitus]

@@nyimon1010 I’m still learning. And I’m at the very beginning. Literally learning how to read JSON kind of beginning. But I’m learning by shadowing other Architects, taking online courses provided by my company and being thrown into the work and doing it every day.

[@shomari169]

@@servitus what’s was your journey like in terms of application , interview

[@servitus]

@@shomari169 My partner worked for the company, she knew i wanted to get into a Career in IT. She found the job, she didn't know exactly what it was but thought it would be good practise for me to apply and interview. I did so and in the first interview the chap was very friendly, i was upfront and explained i had no training and little experience with anything on this scale but he told me they were looking for personalities...they would teach the skills. I impressed upon him my passion and will to learn. That must have done the job as i was given a second interview. I was then interviewed by the man who would be my line manager and the head of the department. We basically had the same conversation and i presented a powerpoint i had made with my proudest achievement in my old position. I got a call the next week telling me my application had been successful so i worked my notice and started the job. I'm learning by doing in the role. I ask questions as the arise and learn how to use relevant tools and skills when i need them. It's a real rollercoaster but i've just passed my probation so i'm doing ok!

[@dadsire-TV]

@@servitus Wow you must have a great personality.

[@turanose]

Thank you, Trevor. I was a stay at home dad for 16 years where I played with computers for fun. Once my kids got to their teenage years I started looking for work and got a Help Desk job. Now I'm learning about aws and have a personal goal to get the aws solutions architect associate certification in a year.

[@nelsongraham108]

Wish you the best of luck!

[@rnreddy6912]

SA role is not for everyone in my opinion, not only it requires years of technical, business and project management experience and skills but also excellent coaching skills ( not teaching). What I mean by that is correcting flaws and addressing pain points in a nutshell. Wonderful video by the way, Trevor, you're awesome👍 I myself a solutions consultant came from a twenty years of Network engineering background.

[@trevspires]

I agree 100% - EVERYONE wants to be an SA, but not everyone will actually enjoy it. And i'm with you - growing up in an engineering discipline is how most people should be thinking about it

[@MP-er3zw]

I have some business and project management experience as a Business Analyst, do you think it will be hard to for me to transition into a SA?

[@tehphoebus]

I'm literally starting my new Solutions Architecture position in two days. I have spent most of the last two decades as IT, Software Engineer, and Integration Engineer. I was recruited and honestly it seems like the next logical step. The benefit of experience of all the issues I've seen crop up and a passion for helping people solve problems via technology are what pointed me in this direction. Great explanation of it.

[@trevspires]

that’s awesome. CONGRATS

[@brandonvidro2883]

How's it been going so far? I'm in the same boat.

[@KaranKumar-jc7zc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIXRoYechtakjrM Does this video explain the role in an easy way

[@shoyebjakwan4465]

how much u earn now?

[@Brutus34100]

Bro, I love your videos. I been a systems engineer for 8 years worked my way up from the helpdesk. I have the Microsoft engineer certs. It’s time for change. I’m currently studying for the solution architect & Linux. It’s a pain in the ass to study both certs and work full time. I can handle them both. Where all built differently. Your videos are inspirational.

[@trevspires]

thanks for the kind words!!! happy you enjoy it. Good luck with the cert!!! Let me know on here or on linkedin when you get the pass 💪💪💪

[@Brutus34100]

@@trevspires No problem buddy

[@thegurunextdoor2083]

I've been an infrastructure engineer for about 12 years now...ready to make that leap to this type of work.

[@wmurray1990]

I've been in traditiinal Enterprise and Data Center Networking for 10yrs, I've seen my career utilizing more and more cloud solutions that I have to develop and a video like this (which is awesome) keeps me wondering if I should lean further into Cloud. Good stuff sir!

[@trevspires]

I'm a bit biased, but I think that... almost everyone doing tech/infra work will learn cloud eventually. Its just a matter of when - and if you do it on your own, or if its a natural progression via your employer(s). I think now is an excellent time to focus on cloud because cloud pays more than on-prem roles today. I regularly talk to mid-level cloud engineers making as much as CCIE's focused on purely networking. - Networking is awesome, but the market simply values the cloud skillset more today. Cloud is fun, high paying, and obviously the future of tech infrastructure - so in my mind, I can't imagine why anyone would not jump in head first and learn it.

[@duranduran47]

I just stumbled on this while looking for decent mainframe infrastructure content. This video kind of answered some questions about how I found myself in a senior SA position. I'm a broad understanding with the ability to dive deep kind of guy but really like seeing the big picture of how the technology solves that business problem.

[@calledThird]

I finally took steps to understand what this job really is and I regret the half dozen recruiters I've shooed away with these positions. This is precisely my skillset and it was just poorly described to me in the past.

[@trevspires]

Not all SA roles are created equal unfortunately. But I can tell you from my experience, it’s a sweet gig

[@yotu9670]

Never saw that role that way. Opened my eyes that people are as important as technology. Nice.

[@openupthecloud]

This was a really great video, loved the intro talking about who can become an architect. Really nice, Trevor! Subbed! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🚀

[@TechwithLucy]

Nice explanation! 👌

[@trevspires]

This means a lot coming from you Lucy!!! 😄

[@KevinNYC1021]

Excellent video you explained well. Certification is also a plus

[@journeytothevoid2899]

What certification did you get ?

[@vincentcheung3845]

Thank you Trevor! Im watching your video over and over again🎉

[@aetchin]

I am starting my new Solution Architect position in a month after spending the last 2 decades as Software Developer, DevOps engineer, and Operations Manager and I am so excited about getting into my new position and actually starting a new SA division as SA #1 and building the department up. Loved your video!!!

[@ketanshah6613]

That’s exciting. How has your experience been? Did you have to take any new education for this?

[@AaronEtchin]

@@ketanshah6613 the experience so far is great. I had to learn the product I am working with and a new programming language I didn't work with before. The people are great and the materials and projects I am dealing with are super interesting.

[@milanoskhothii]

How much does it really pay Cause i saw a article saying they earn about 35k-80k-800k monthly is it true And if its true how so ?

[@misschewah]

Love this! Thank you so much! Switching careers and this is VERY insightful

[@kolyxix]

Thank you so much for explaining and breaking down the solution architect job. I don't think anyone has ever explain this way to me

[@mariyarussakova]

Love your explanation, very straightforward and to the point. Love for your work is the key. Thanks!

[@gilberttiborjakub9890]

The Orange crusher combo amp and the (possible) Ibanez SR5FMDX took my attention so I did not really listened your explanation at the first time, because I have the same setup. :D

[@jayong2370]

SA here. Love the job! Everyday is a challenge and communication is key.

[@StudyTwenty4Seven]

No lie this videos got me forreal hype, I have a business brain and a heart for technology that solves my problems

[@Prince-ol5zk]

I needed to hear these positive words

[@miguelangelbarros5339]

great video Trev , keep going !

[@KatherineOrho]

Thank you for this great video. This has given me a new path to consider. 😊

[@zahid99ful]

before becoming solution architect i have worked on cisco tech stack, vmware tech, server technologies both s/w and h/w and then data centre technology.

[@trevspires]

Nice!! Similar to my background before transitioning to cloud

[@polkampallytirumal1979]

Thanks so much for this video posting, I have made by day and I inspired by seeing your video Thanks Trevor for posting overview of how to become SA and what we need to reach there as SA Thanks one again

[@chunhoochun]

Great video! And well said at the end!

[@Cruzan9]

I rather enjoyed the opening of the "Who should become a solution architect?" segment. The whole video was good but that part was especially cool. 😎

[@vicn7165]

Hi Trevor, Thank you for the honest content in the video! I’m currently working as a Principal Java Engineer(with devops knowledge) and I have a total experience of 13 years. I have basic cloud exposure through my organizations private cloud and I can handle myself in other cloud environments like AWS, GCP, Azure. How can I transition into a Solutions Architect role? There is no natural progression to this role in my current organization.

[@devinvalencia7836]

This is a truly underrated video, the level of detail, clarity and conciseness is spot on.

[@phala_fala]

Hey, I have a Comp Sci degree started as a solution consultant intern... and you are absolutely right. Dealing with non tech stakeholders is a wild ride😂. I was once in a meeting at a client company where their big boss walked in and asked the room where the f**k is his money. Then he told us to leave the building and not to return without it😭. Bruh... anyway, im currently in a dev role but interested in solution architecture

[@reezroycas4939]

Lol can only be a South African 😂🎉

[@joanabosi829]

Thank you Trevor for this video. I want to become a solution and need guidance on where to start 🙏

[@trevspires]

I’d start by learning the tech!

[@joanabosi829]

@@trevspires what tech should I start with exactly!! Cloud? Or ITIL or ??? Please advise! Thank you 🙏

[@OleksandrAndrushchenko]

Very positive and informative video, thank you

[@keccikun]

Because when you're passionate about something, it doesn't have to feel like work or grind.

[@IWillTankThem]

aspiring solutions architect. subscribed!

[@jeanburgos3416]

Trevor, good video. Tons of good knowledge nuggets. Thank you

[@arnavghosh8267]

Super informative video, Trevor!

[@pythonatearubyonrails3541]

I love the middle ground of cloud solution architects between coding/tech and humans/business.

[@JusAllyy]

Thank you! I loved this video! ❤

[@Phemieny7]

Preparing to write my aws solution architect exam, I have been a full stack developer for 6 years, but am really nervous, but this video made me believe am damn overdue for it..... Will share my result.

[@22psi]

how did it go?

[@ashishapar007]

Hi Trevor, I have 7 years of Management Experience in the FMCG industry. Rather than just doing AWS certs and miss out on getting a job because of competitive market, do you recommend taking a masters or diploma course in cloud computing along with AWS certifications. So basically, Diploma or degree + AWS Certifications + Internship would that be the right recipe.

[@saiabhilashbabu6382]

You nailed it, man.

[@jefff6884]

I've been a SysAdmin for the last 3 years a Network Analyst for 4 years prior. Looking to transfer over to Solutions Architect. I have ZERO certs or degrees all experience but I know I will need a cert to move into a SA role. Maybe I can just study and kill the interview.. You know fake it until you make it lol No, I'm a month out from my Azure 104 cert exam. Wish me luck!

[@trevspires]

Right on - We're all figuring just figuring it out as we go. Wishing you the best. And either way - the certs never hurt!

[@br.3250]

I loved your video, you explained it really well

[@riverasanchez]

Great explanation!

[@cseatul]

Solution Architect is all about Solutions and Architecture. You must have problem solving aptitude, they are business problems and not technical problems. Infant sometime solution may not directly involve technology. Then you must be aware of architecture principles endorsed in your organization. You use these principles to create solution. I have provided solutions to complex business problems without mentioning a single technology in it. That's for IT architect to translate into different IT components.

[@boot-strapper]

interviewing tomorrow for a SA role after 8 years in software engineering.

[@Larry21924]

This is a marvel. I read a book with similar content, and it was a marvel to behold. "Mastering AWS: A Software Engineers Guide" by Nathan Vale

[@muralidharan6755]

clear and crisp... thanks

[@kingofcastlechaos]

Nice video. I just "retired" from a major telco where I was responsible for the 911 system for a large chunk of Texas and will be looking for a new career after I take some time off. I did the network, the back room gear, and all the PCs at the various PSAPs. I developed several devices that the customers needed (electronic design/build) as well as did some minor coding and automation. I also had a hand in designing the next 911 system with the vendors. I had to work with several state regulatory agencies as well as dozens of local law enforcement agencies- each with different needs and personalities, all while keeping the system uptime 100%. (911 systems are all 100% uptime or you WILL make the news). Do you think Solutions Architect might be a good fit considering my background? Thank you for sharing.

[@FM-jo1jh]

So well explained!

[@xcode7938]

Solution Architect is not something you could become right away. It's a long term goal and only after working only on Cloud you could become an Architect. It's not a joke, you have an entire companies money with you and you can't just be having fun with them. It's about improving a businees by reducing the money so they could put the hardware money somehere else for the better good.

[@Fred-bv6xm]

Great video, Thanks mate

[@DarienKenning]

Hi! I am currently enrolling on an aws course to be a certified solutions architect in England. I just wondered if you had any advice or areas to really look into, to help grasp things as I learn?

[@DomHoran]

is this with ecareers? I'm here because I was thinking of applying for a similar course!

[@DarienKenning]

@@DomHoran No, I've done it through Optima, specifies in Aws services/Solutions architect. So far it seems they have a lot of patience for people of little experience like me, and theres a lot of resources available so worth taking a look!

[@aadedapo4757]

I’ve spent probably the last 8 years as a business analyst/business systems analyst. I’ve earned AWS SAA and CP and currently studying for an Azure Cloud certification to broaden my knowledge and pallet. What suggestions or advice can you provide that’ll help me transition into a SA opportunity, specially in Cloud?

[@andresragazzoni4101]

Awesome video. What if you have little technical knowledge but have a ton of experience as a product owner/manager and wanted to become a SA? For years I’ve worked with BE, FE, and SAs and I’m just curious as to what it would take for someone like me to become the SA?

[@DevyanshiPathak]

Hey Trevor it's very informative so thanks for it. Can you please suggest some books you mentioned in this video?

[@alwaysquestiongov]

Great video!

[@BeingUndone]

Outstanding video

[@JK-yh2jn]

Informative !

[@salv236]

great video, to become a solution architect do you need to know how to code?

[@journeytothevoid2899]

I would learn bash and python for coding languages.

[@Portuducks]

What's the difference between a SA and a Sales Engineer and a Technical Salesperson? Does a SA also earn commissions? Thanks to anybody who happens to read and answer this.

[@trevspires]

It’s pretty similar honestly Some SAs have no commission, but 70/30 comp plans are also pretty popular. 70% base 30% commission assuming you hit quota.

[@pneupra7100]

Hey , I like to know. How do You structure the information? Do you use a framework or template? Thanks for your inside and time.

[@gilbertsenyonjo963]

Thank you very much

[@jayscruggs8102]

Great video. Are there any resources you recommend for learning the business side of an SA role?

[@trevspires]

I think anything related to business is useful... podcasts, books, etc. Related to markets, business, tech industry, other industry trends... there's A LOT of stuff out there. I listened to a nice podcast called "We the sales engineers" which helped me understand some of the non-technical aspects to roles like this. Many SA's were formerly IT managers of leaders in their past employer, which helps give them that business education. I went to business school for an MBA which has been useful - but certainly not a requirement

[@rajkgoel77]

Great video Trevoy! Could you suggest some good books on people and physcology?

[@trevspires]

Sooo many great reads out there. Influence, how to win friends an influence people, radical transparency, the list goes on and on and on and on Lately I am reading a lot of biographies of inventors, which I find both fun/entertaining and insightful

[@devoidbmx1]

What are the more stressful parts of this job? Do you ever have difficult clients, or run into a project where implementing the solution proves to be much more difficult than anticipated?

[@trevspires]

For me, the most stressful parts are timelines and balancing/prioritizing multiple customers and projects simultaneously. Knowing how to prioritize different relationships, and projects takes a keen understanding of opportunity and risk. I used to get stressed about challenging clients, but eventually that just becomes part of the job and it doesn’t stress me out anymore. Was hard at first tho.

[@joshuaroberts3987]

is solutions architect strictly an AWS title? or is it found in any cloud provider company?

[@trevspires]

Cloud providers, traditional enterprise, resellers - AWS has a lot of SAs but the role isn’t exclusive to AWS

[@MahvishKhan1]

I am a Program Manager in Strategy and Operations consulting with 4 years of experience and am considering becoming a Solutions Architect. I have a Bachelor's in Engineering and am now considering the course "PG Program In Cloud Computing | Caltech CTME" (an online 10 month course) to help with the horizontal shift. Is this the right way or can I choose a more efficient/quicker path?

[@ny8997]

What technology aspects are needed to know before becoming a solutions Archietect?

[@szymonrojek6480]

Hi Trevor, What do you think solution design is, and is it related to what you do? thanks

[@task-hive]

I am a certified project manager and agile/scrum master. I got certified this year. I currently am working for AWS and busy doing my SA certificate. I was told that there is a coloration between a PM and SA. Is that the case?

[@AkBalogun92]

Hi Trevor. I’m a new subscriber and noticed how insightful your videos are. I am currently studying for my CCNA & I came across one of your videos yesterday and AWS Solutions Architect grabbed my attention. I have some knowledge in IT but I was thinking of learning and studying for that AWS Solutions Architect certification as well as my CCNA. Any advise for a person like me?

[@trevspires]

Keep doing what you're doing is my advice :) Set an aggressive goal for certs then go after it!! If you're working in tech already, leverage the certs to land a better job. If you're not working in tech, look for mentors and other people who've cracked their first IT job in the past few months. Good luck!

[@arisingtide863]

Thank you for the video! I'm a recent CCNA and have been working on Enterprise networks for nearly 3 years. I was intending going for this cert next, however from the video - i think it might not be for me. It seems that AWS SA is more customer facing? I think I might be more the sort of 'traditional IT guy' where i just want to do my work and be left alone. Would this make AWS certs not a great option for me? Perhaps i should just go on to CCNP or a specialized CCNA tract?

[@trevspires]

SA can mean a lot of things. But if you want to put your head down, work and not talk to humans, I’d suggest the Sysops/DevOps cert track. They have more emphasis on hands on. That said - SA associate me a still a very technical cert, and is a great first step into AWS for your traditional IT admin

[@arisingtide863]

@@trevspires Thanks for the info. My next two considerations were AWS and DevOps anyways so maybe i'll lean into the latter.

[@trevspires]

@@arisingtide863 check out the Sysops Associste and Dev/DevOps cert from AWS Maybe you can learn both! How to do DevOps AND AWS

[@arisingtide863]

@@trevspires Wow, full of gems thank you sir! I remember seeing that track on the AWS cert list now that you mention it but had completely forgotten it before. BTW would this track be something useful for someone interested in SDWAN? Do you have any Patreon or similar? I'd like to give back to you as you have freely given me some good game, which is rare to find and typically requires some sort of mentor.

[@trevspires]

​@@arisingtide863 - no Patreon, but if you ever want to hang out 1:1 you can book a paid session with me to talk shop. Its a link on the top of my YT page if you wanted to do a paid 1:1 coaching session or something... but for right now, i'm happy to provide help for free! - Its fun for me. SD-WAN, you'd want to learn from a specific SD-WAN vendor like VMware, Palo, Fortinet -- the cloud certs might briefly tough on SD-WAN as a concept, but wouldnt make you an SD-WAN expert

[@tejaswinichowdarythummala8874]

Hi Trevor, thanks a lot for making videos on SA, they are so helpful. I completed Masters in ICT and started my professional career as technical support. Now I'm searching about the right certification for me. I felt like doing aws certifications is more helpful for me instead of network+, CCNA. After watching the videos I found that the solution architect role grabbed my attention. Can I know if it's possible for me to get a job as junior SA or anything like that? Thanks a lot

[@trevspires]

there are some associate SA jobs, but they are very competitive in my experience. I suggest you focus on learning what interests you the most... if you're always learning technology you will find opportunity.

[@tejaswinichowdarythummala8874]

@@trevspires thanks a lot for your suggestion and giving me a positive vibe to start the certifications

[@milanoskhothii]

Does it salary start at: 1. 35k 2. 80k 3. 800k And if so how does it work for you to get to 800k (South Africa)

[@nkengcyrile7169]

Which platform can i be able to take classes on solution architect?

[@denvergevero9646]

I don't have a degree (yet), but I did purchase architect solutions AWS from Udemy, can I get a job for that?

[@TheConnectApplication]

Hey Im a recruiter looking to change into a solutions architech? Any advice on how I can make this happen!

[@aro40]

Hi there. I like your content. How much of that solution would consider the personality of the client? I mean, personality traits could be part of the solutions, and not only Problem + Technology = Solution. You mention the architect's personality but you don't include the client's. For an architect, I'd suggest: know-how: science + data + research provided by psychology, for example. Psychology books don't cover. I'm a Psychology undergraduate aiming to work in partnership with engineers and architects. Cheers

[@trevspires]

I think a great solutions architect would actually strive to minimize personalities effecting a solution Opinions of the client might weight in, skills of the client might weight in also But ideally, you’re presenting the best technical solution to your client And the “personalities” come into play when you start educating/influencing the client to use what you’re recommending I don’t think psychology necessarily has a direct application of working with engineers tho. Unless u want to be their therapist 😂

[@aro40]

@@trevspires Colours, shapes and general structures have an impact on the senses and emotions (nervous system). The idea is not to change or educate the client's perspective but to educate engineers and architects to understand who their clients are; combine strategies and go beyond technical solutions. One good example of that concept is the book The Architecture of Health by Murphy, 2021. Dr. Sam Gosling, with the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin in collaboration with Joel Anderson, Architect and Principal, and Stacey Speck at Cushing Terrell, a multi-disciplinary design firm, along with Tamie Glass, Austin-based interior designer and UT professor, discuss their research to better understand emotions people value in different spaces of the built environment. I understand this is not your field. Cheers

[@user-nw3yn4qw6i]

I have 15+ years of experience as an Oracle Apps and Oracle Cloud Fusion consultant, I work all my end users and implement their financial system and provide them solutions, can I opt for AWS Solutions Achitect role ?

[@thatguy1494]

I currently work as a UCaaS System Administrator and I have 2 AWS certs (Cloud practitioner and Solutions Architect Associate). Not sure where to go from here. Any advice on what I should learn or pursue as my next job to move up and prepare myself to become a solutions architect? My current job requires that I speak with clients on how they want their phone system built for their business, offer better solutions for their business based on what we offer, and support users daily for any issues that clients have with their phone system. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@redman6790]

How does one decide between Azure, AWS or Google course?

[@Wane-maxx]

The description you give sounds more like a functional analyst

[@trevspires]

Never heard of that! But maybe 🤔

[@mav29]

12 mins in totally agree

[@SethJohnson-o2k]

This is such a great video and explanation. But I see some comments that may scare some people away. If you get the right certs and can show that you know what your doing and do it well . I think thats what matters most as far a getting a role in the field . Alot of people working in the field, I believe want to scares noobs away and tell them they cant do it if they dont have 5-10 years of tech experience. My honest opinion is that times have changed. Sure back in the day you had to learn alot of stuff on the job. Half the SA's out there have been in the field of tech for 20 years and merged into the job . Others have college only and others go through online training. I know alot of vetrans tend to frown on that . But there is so many great courses out there today. Especially . A C training. Not going to drop his name . But his courses are extremely thorough and get people job ready if they learn other skills like Bash, Linux , Networking etc.

[@ARJUN-pj6zh]

😍 tq I have a query, I worked as a service advisor in a automobile service center. With a mechanical engineering degree working in an automobile field also wasted some of my years but i am not regretting, because i have developed a good customer interaction skill in these years. Will this benefit for AWS cloud...? Also iam little confused to take which certification CCNA or AWS...... Is it ok to take ccna first and then later switch to AWS

[@HussainAdz5106]

Is this the same as business solutions?

[@newdadz]

I am a Solution Architect - named also a Sales Engineer - at a major ISP for enterprise. [Software engineer studies background] I started as network support engineer (CCNA knowledge) for 3 years. Moved as a Lead technician (same job), for 3 more years and saw an opportunity showing up as Solution Architect. I reached out to the hiring manager showing him how much I was interested into it. This new team being created, the hiring process was a bit tedious as the candidates have been requested to go through a roleplay. A customer needed some bespoke solution, talking generally about his current network & problems, what he intends to do while we had the liberty to choose whatever solution we saw fit. It was very interesting, especially the final presentation part where we presented the design to the customer and they came out with questions. This last part was not something I used to do in the past but I liked this challenge and got the job. I enjoy the contact with the customers as well as my colleagues from sales, it is also a very positive position where you were being seen as the person who guides the customer, in contrast with my past job where something was broken and I had to fix it. I am moving in January as a technical account manager for a software company, where I can also use my software engineering knowledge. Can't be more excited as the "account manager" part will get me closer to sales, which is a position I am definitely willing to check out. If you like to interact with people, definitely go for it! ;)

[@billbunch6762]

Thanks for sharing !

[@YNA64]

Hi Trevor, you mentioned it's better to have SWE experience before jumping over to SA. What about programs such as Early Career Program for Associate Solutions Architect, I think some of the big cloud providers have them. Will joining these be beneficial or would you still recommend to only switch after extensive years of SWE experience? For context, I'm a Junior SWE with 1 YOE interested in switching over to an SA role.

[@trevspires]

If you’re lucky enough to get accepted, those programs are awesome!! I believe they are Very competitive, and still are not how most people get into the role. But they are great especially if they include a job placement program as part of it

[@siddharthjoshi8]

Whenever you design a solution, don't get emotionally attached to it. I've seen people defend their design and architecture even if everyone else in the room can see the obvious flaws. You need to implement the best possible solution, not your favourite solution.

[@trevspires]

I try my best to focus on what best, most pragmatic solution for a given situation But you're right, there's a lot of ego checking needed in corporate life. SA and otherwise

[@elmassiraelmassira]

first of all one more like for you and thank you for this video , and what do you think if I believe that I will be an architect solution agent because I am a fullstack developer, designer, good knowledge of ads (facebook, google . . .) and more tech ...

[@mustafamerza3974]

I just passed my aws architect associate ceriftaction. How and/or where to look for a job for someone with 0 years experience ?

[@miaholland]

Is that an Ibanez bass guitar on the back? A J5 with humbuckers? Long life to bass players. That being said, let's go back to Solution Architecture. Peace!

[@cakedupkevin]

So for someone like me who is 31, is interested in this field, but has no formal education in tech shouldn’t even consider studying for the AWS Solutions Architect Associate Certification?

[@trevspires]

I think its certainly worth studying for the certification! Its top-notch cloud training. It doesn't necessarily mean your first job will be as an SA,but this is still a great entry-level cert

[@jas9249]

What are great books to read?

[@BelovedRebekkah]

Would you say that it’s a sales role also?

[@muuzoleehnicholas7870]

I have certifications in ata science, analyst and also a financial analyst and engineer. I have passed the Practitioner exam..... Will you advise that I take the solutions architect exam.

[@thyadiakhil253]

Hi I work in amazon operations and currently I’m preparing and want to become an solution architect here in amazon. So what things I need to learn to become an solution architect.