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Career Exploration

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Also called: Information Technology Architect (IT Architect), Solutions Architect, Systems Consultant, Systems Engineer

What they do:

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

On the job, you would:
  • Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
  • Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
  • Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics
  • product and service development

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Communications

  • telecommunications

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Verbal

  • communicate by writing
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • create new and original ideas

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Investigative

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Innovation
  • Persistence
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Dependability

Web platform development software

  • React
  • Spring Framework

Project management software

  • Atlassian Confluence
  • Microsoft Teams

Development environment software

  • Apache Maven
  • Oracle Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition J2EE

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $98,740

Education

Bachelor's degree or master's degree is usually needed.