The following diagram depicts the potential career path for future IT architects (we all know it did not apply to us!). For a fuller explanation of this see IT Architecture/Career Path. Part of the problem (and the opportunity) of the current profession is that it is made up of individuals at different points on this personal timeline. For example, Grady Booch is clearly further to the right (into thought-leader or iconic status) than a person with 2 years of IT experience.

However, we must gather under a single banner and recognize that the enterprise architect is still an architect just the same as a Jr. software architect is still an architect. Both are subject to the same fundamental skillset (see IT architect/skillset). The IASA is the vehicle for this in over 30 countries already.

The following sections contain a description of what you may expect to receive by actively participating in the IASA based on where you are in your professional timeline.

Level Aspiring Associate Professional Master
IT Experience variable 3-6 yrs 6-10 yrs 10+
Arch Experience 0 1-4 yrs 5-8yrs 9+ yrs
Needs
  • Architecture Knowledge Base
  • Professional Description
  • Body of Knowledge
  • Education
  • Experience
  • Mentor
  • Continuing Education
  • Best Practicies
  • Advocacy
  • Training
  • Professional Opportunities
  • Industry Recognition
  • Research
  • Professional Opportunities
  • Advocacy
  • Industry Opportunity
Requirements None None
  • Professional Certification
  • Continuing Education
  • Master Certification
  • Continuing Education
  • Industry Impact

* years experience are averages we have determined from member polling