3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Solutions Architect
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
- Looking to become a Solutions Architect? Or maybe you're already one, but still feeling like you could use some guidance? Look no further, because in this video, I'll be sharing some little random lessons and things that I wish I had known before becoming a Solutions Architect.
Hindsight is always interesting, and while these lessons may seem obvious to me now, a few years ago they weren't. Even though I had heard them from people I followed online or books I read, I didn't fully learn them until I went through the experiences myself.
It's like when we were kids and were told not to touch fire, but we didn't listen until we put our hands in the fire and it hurt. Sometimes, it has to hurt for us to learn.
So, even though some of these lessons might seem obvious to you at first glance, I encourage you to really dig deep and see if you're truly implementing them in your work.
Without further ado, let's jump right into it. My name is iLyas, and I'm a Senior Solutions Architect. Join me in this video as I share my top lessons and insights. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more content like this. Let's do this!
🚀 Top 5 Cloud Computing Careers - Salary Included: • Top 5 Cloud Computing ...
💻 Day in the life at one of the biggest e-commerce companies: • A Day In A Life Of A S...
⚡ Soft skills you need to succeed as an SA: • Train Your Brain to Ad...
💻 Day in the life of an AWS Solutions Architect: • A Day In A Life Of A S...
⚡ How I joined Amazon (And how you can too): • How I joined AWS As A ...
🙋🏻 Wanna be friends?
→ Twitter: link.winthe.cl...
→ LinkedIn: link.winthe.cl...
→ Last Week in Cloud ⛅️ Newsletter: link.winthe.cl...
Thumbnail and post prod by @nivekcreates
Join the ⚔ Guild and get access to Reference architecture, ready-to-deploy solutions, Architecture patterns, and much more: win-the-cloud.circle.so/checkout/guild-member
This is way too much. As a Solutions Architect there are 3 things you must be aware of before thinking about this role. 1. It involves selling. If you don't like to sell then it's not for you. 2. You have to know and learn a lot. Infrastructure, Security, App Design, etc. Jack of all trades, master of none. Gone are the days of being able to specialize in one technology or tier. If you don't like to learn and you are lazy, you won't survive long. 3. It's a customer facing role. You will have to give presentations, speak at meetings, give advice, etc. If you are a true introvert then this is not the role for you. My advice, stop thinking success is defined by some role or position. Find your passion and I guarantee you, you will be great.
@@kylejohnson7206 thank you much
@@kylejohnson7206 This was helpful, thank you so much.
Working backwards from the customer’s desired outcomes is the secret 😉
Sales Engineers/Solution Architects/Solution Engineers and Consultants are the athletes of the business world. If you ask any great athlete, they always work on the boring stuff. Kobe Bryant shot 100s if not 1000s of shots daily. If everything we're doing is exciting or nerve racking, then we are not doing our job right and investing in the boring stuff.
Great Video Ilyas. So many things that resonated.
"The athletes of the business world" I like it 🤔
Thank you for watching, my friend and good luck with your channel !
@@WinTheCloud Thanks Ilyas! I know your channel is doing great, but good luck to you too :)
What about “enterprise architect “ just learned about this title today
Just changed roles to Solutions Consultant (I know it's a bit different from the SA one) , but this video really speaks to me. I was in a purely technical role before , and the first challenge I had in the new one is "communicating" clearly my ideas and resisting the rush to show the technical side of my solution. Great video Ilyas, thanks for sharing !
Thank you, Youssef, for watching and sharing your thoughts on the video. I'm glad to hear that it resonated with you and that you found it helpful. I know it can be quite a transition moving from a purely technical role to one that involves more communication and collaboration, I faced all kind of challenges myself as well when I decide to transition from a Tech Lead to an SA role, although you can argue the Tech Lead position is somehow similar... But, it's great to hear that you're tackling them head-on and working towards becoming a successful Solutions Consultant. Remember, it takes time and practice to develop effective communication skills, but it's definitely worth the effort. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience with us!
TAKEAWAYS
00:00:46 *👫 Communication is crucial for solutions architects; even the best technical solutions need effective presentation to be successful.*
00:02:38 *🎯 Embracing fear can lead to career growth; taking on challenging tasks despite fear can be rewarding.*
00:04:26 *🔄 Consistency in mastering foundational skills is key to growth, even if it seems boring compared to chasing new trends.*
00:06:17 *📚 Reading technical papers, like Amazon's 2007 Dynamo paper, can provide deep insights that set you apart professionally.*
00:08:50 *🏆 Applying learned lessons can prevent past mistakes and accelerate your career progress, encouraging sharing knowledge with peers.*
This is my attempt to answer one of the questions I get asked the most. I split it in two videos, so I don't bore you with a long one.
The next part will be published on March 17th as I get feedback about this one.
Enjoy! 💪🏼
A sincere thank you brother!
You actually taking the time to show through example of understanding a white-paper actually helped me with a breakthrough that I actually CAN tackle aspects of my role where I still feel totally stupid or unequipped for the more technical things!
What are some of the technical things that you are speaking of
i really needed to hear this since i am in that specific boring part of the journey, it can really be overwhelming when you don't have the background knowledge. tky
Iliyas, very well said the core issues that most people will identify with.
Forcing oneself for boring part is most important in my case.
Thanks for being candid in articulating what matters.
Very happy you found the video useful 🙏 thank you for your message!
I thank you very much for the time and effort to share your experience with everyone. All your advice comes to me at the right time.
I think the key issue here is what you so clearly states that is important: to read. To read a paper, an article, without all the distractions you find using the web. People are not willing to spend an hour or two focused on one clear learning activity. That's way although many complain the certification exams are not the real thing, I believe they are important, because people have to stop and read something to be successful on the tests.
I couldn't agree more with you. Being able to take a couple of hours distraction free for reading is a crucial part of the learning process, and that it's often difficult for people to stay focused on one task for an extended period of time. It's easy to get distracted by all the digital noise around us, but taking the time to read deeply and attentively can have a huge impact on our ability to learn and retain information. I also agree that certification exams can be an effective way to encourage people to stop and focus on a particular topic, and to test their understanding of that topic in a meaningful way. Thank you again for your insightful comment, and for watching the video!
I learned a lot in this video particularly the aspect you mentioned about "doing the boring stuff".
We have to be very sincere, it can be very hard doing the boring stuff. Scrolling through Twitter feeds is quite easier than reading white papers
Hi Ilyas, great video, just wanted to say I view your work frequently and have taken on most of your tips to apply to my day to day life. Recently applied to be an SA myself and just finished the loop, a lot of tips came in handy and I am hoping for a positive result, keep doing what you do.
hey! Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm thrilled to hear that you find my videos helpful and that you've been able to apply the tips to your day-to-day life. Also congrats man on completing the interview loop for an SA position, that's a huge accomplishment by itself :D and I'm super happy to hear that my tips were able to assist you in the process. I spend a ton of time talking to the camera so it's always nice to hear that people are watching and it's useful for them 😅
@@WinTheCloud small update. I got the gig :D, now the hard work begins. So again thank you.
This could easily have been surface level borderline clickbait but these are healthy insights and just good life advice in general! You have a great way of carrying yourself and communicating! This made me even more fired up to go for a SA Role, thank you for this video!
Now you got me curious about DynamoDB, guess we’ll have to watch that vid as well haha.
Dynamo is fire my dude 🔥
Thank you for the video. This video confirms that I'd thoroughly hate Solutions Architect roles. I'm an ex-programmer/ Software Engineer and just hated that job.
Btw, I appreciate how you walked us through the whitepaper and made it seem less intimidating.
What do you do now?
I think it’s common in IT world that engineers have problem with communication. That’s because they spent 90% of their time in front of the screen, otherwise they wouldn’t be able do their job.
I don’t agree that solution architect is salesman, SA is what it is - an architect. Someone who designes solution to solve specific problem. Salesman’s job is to convince the customer given solution is right solution for him.
Compare to building a house. Construction workers correspond to engineers, architect designing house correspond to SA and real estate agent or salesman is what corresponds to business/salesman person on IT. Three different roles.
That’s what it your case “soft skills” were difficult part. Simply because that shouldn’t be your job.
I can’t imagine an architect designing house and trying to sell his house design. Architect proposes solution, salesman sells it.
I know that many people think SA is salesman, but SA is designer. Designers don’t sell, they design.
Why not do both? Ultimately sales rules. So it's not a bad skill to add. Growth mindset bud. Don't get stuck
@@seetsamolapo5600 This is because the people you will work with - your customers - won’t understand a thing of what you are saying and you will simply end up in pre-sales role.
Instead of studying architectures, their cost and emerging tech you will become negotiator and you will quickly realize that the people from biz don’t really care about good solution because they operate within the budget. You will end up designing crap unless you put a lot of effort and time to persuade the customers to agree to certain things. Think about the time, 50% you will be negotiating, 30% you will be creating documents and a bit of time will be left to prepare POC and read white papers. Not to mention that soon you will also have to cover the post-sales roles to support your previous projects. At some point you will be pure salesman.
@@danieljust295 maybe I'm being too hopeful but I don't think being a good salesman and architect are mutually exclusive. You can convince people on well architected solution which I think is easier - to convince people in what you truly believe in - rather than being a conman. I mean if they decide to go for compromised solutions, let them if you're getting paid
@@seetsamolapo5600 Right, I’m not saying “soft skills” are bad but focus on sales will impact SA’s expertise. I see AS as consultant rather than salesman, as someone who supports customers rather than sells solutions. Of course, you can be an architect and sell directly to customers your house design but is that really the role for an architect ?
Companies would like to merge SA role with sales role because it’s cost effective. Good for a companion for sure.
Thanks, iLyas, you are right communication is key. Thanks for the informative video, great work.
Great video. I often find myself, chasing the next shiny project. Yet, the real knowledge is gained in the boring and mundane tasks of reading white papers, catching up on training etc.
"Getting good at boring things!" awesome.
Many thanks Ilyas for this video, especially the third item of reading boring documents. I appreciate if you can in future videos add links to references in videos in the description. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, u r doing a great job here :D
As a UI Software Engineer these lessons thought me a lot
Amazing to read ^^ I just published a similar one about misconceptions around tech careers 😉
Hi Ilyas,
I am a web developer with a strong technical background in Java, Angular, React, Docker, Spring Boot, and SQL, totaling 8.4 years of experience. I'm interested in transitioning to a Solution Architect role. After researching online, I became confused about Azure Solution Architecture versus AWS Solution Architecture. Could you please guide me on which field might be better for a good salary? I consider myself an average guy with comprehensive development knowledge, covering everything from the initial stages to the end product.
Your assistance in mapping out my career path would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Also i am confused between Web SA, Enterprise SA and Software SA
Please guid me on this
"I know what I'm doing
*sometimes*"
could be your next merch
iLays, as a solutions architect, how often do you have to do public speaking in conferences? I have no problem talking to clients over zoom, but I have terrible stage fright on a stage setting in front of many people. Is public speaking in front of large audiences a requirement when you are a solutions architect?
I'm here to ask the same question. I came from an architecture background and getting into Tech and I'm considering utilizing my past experience and way of thinking to become SA, but I don't want to face the same problems that made me leave architecture in the first place, especially public speech :/
Don't run away from your fears, face them and overcome them
@@palmerrich8584 what if someone is afraid of being dismembered? Does that still count?
@@zed5129 accept your faith bud
Really often, you travel several times to conferences and do webinars
You should have done a summary of the three points at the end,
Hi Ilyas thanks for making creat content. Just a quick question is it too late to enter Solutions Architect job role at 41 as a beginner?
Not at all. It’s a job that requires many travelling hours though and many weekends at the desk so it might not play well with one’s family duties
Hi! thanks for the video! im a truck driver looking to get out of the truck and into a job that uses my mind instead my body. im in my early 30's with a wife and kid and a second kid on the way. im planning to return to school online(have almost 100 credits from studying criminal justice when I was younger) for a bachelors degree and im curious what bachelors do you think would be the best starting point for a solutions architecture career? online articles seem to all say Computer Science, IT, Computer Programming, and Software Engineer. my buddy with an IT degree who is certified in Anaplan and recently started this type of work said if he did college all over again he would study Supply Chain Mngmnt and then get the Anaplan certification. what's your opinion?
thanks
Amazing words. subscribed.
Hi great Content.Also i live in Switzerland what Provider you recommend?
Thanks, John. Can you tell me more about your use case 🤔 ?
@@WinTheCloud between azure or AWS?
I notice in this video you where more open and was speaking from your inner most original experience , it was not linked together because it was not scripted and was original .
Thank you for noticing :) I would love to speak with no script, but I tend to speak very slowly usually which doesn't work for RUclips, as most people will just get bored 😅
please as a solutions architect , is it necessary to utilise programming languages, even at the senior level? please I would love to know
Hello, I applied for solutions architect on coursera. My question is, are those AWS courses on coursera worth it and can they land me a job?
It is a bit ironic to see so many Solution Architects to talk about how good they know business and are great communicators. When almost no one really is ... take a look at your Key Account Manager and you will realize how far behind you are in those areas.
With that, I think Solution Architects just need to be more realistic about their skills it is a technical job just that you spread your effort and knowledge in more than one area, in order to put multiple pieces together as a top solution. That's it ...
how does one get started in being a solutions architect? I was thinking of doing a cert to get started but otherwise don’t have much background
Have you checked my latest video? I’m sharing two paths to becoming a solutions architect and a cloud infrastructure architect
Very good video! Thanks a lot!
You are welcome!
could you please give me provides to prepare and learns what things to gain solution art, currently i just a software dev java.
Amazing video Ilyas, thanks ^^
Thank you for watching Hamza 🙏🏼
Every place I've been that uses dynamo always has to rip it out eventually due to performance issues.
Dynamo is kind of misunderstood tbh. Loads of people project on it the capabilities that other storage products/services offer and end up being disappointed when their expectations are not met. Also, I believe teams should take enough time to define their access patterns and build a DynamoDB structure that can grow with it
How long does it take to become a senior on average? And what was position before SA?
Hey, so I am not from technical background, but i got interest in AWS, within 3 months I attempted AWS SAA and cleared the exam! Now my question is i dont know what to do further? Any help would be appreciated, what i think is I should do some internship or projects to actually apply my learnings, but i dont know what should i call my role? Solution architect? Or what?? Thank you
Hi, I'm poor in coding.. can I do it, if yes how much struggle will I need to face?
Thanks, it may have changed my mind.
If you can’t talk the talk, you’re not walking the walk.
Thank you for your best advice.
Hey Ilyas, how long did it take you to get you AWS Solutions Architect certificate? I'm using Adrian Cantrill's course and the material is thick it's taking me longer than I thought
I started studying for it after a couple of years working full time on AWS and studied for like 3-4 weeks. I then failed the first attempt at Vegas during Reinvent, went back home, took it again, and passed
@@WinTheCloud thanks and on average how many hours daily?
@@WinTheCloud can you please share what you used to study?
Please dampen the ‘s’ sounds. Not fun to listen to loud.
Thank You!
You're welcome! Thank you for watching!
Haven’t understood what are u trying to say
It happens to me sometimes as well
why are you wearing two watches
I'm not 😅 one is a watch and the other is a whoop band
Bravo
1) girls dont think it's cool 😭😭😭
I do lol