• Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
  • Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!

Solution architect career question

Collapse
X
  •  
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Solution architect career question

    I am a solution architect with good experience of SOA, data architecture and master data management. I have been trying to secure my first contract, and now I have this question: is my skillset really suited for a contracting career?

    The vast majority of contractors I have come across are developers, DBAs and managers. I have known very few solution architects and data architects who are independent contractors. People with these skillsets, if they are not permies in an end-user shop, are almost always from consultancy companies.

    Am I wasting my time looking for a contract role, and should I instead try joining a consultancy company as a permie?

    Thanks in advance.

    #2
    The only good SAs I've come across have been contractors. I'd get yourself known in the industry as well by offering to speak at your conferences, I would imagine it's a fairly small pool and it's good for people to be able to recognise your name.

    Also join LinkedIn and sign up to SOA/SA/TOGAF groups and start contributing to them.

    People will start to notice you and contracts might start appearing.
    "I can put any old tat in my sig, put quotes around it and attribute to someone of whom I've heard, to make it sound true."
    - Voltaire/Benjamin Franklin/Anne Frank...

    Comment


      #3
      I would say yes it is not a good idea for you not to go contracting. After you are running a business and have to go market yourself and win contracts. Your defeatist outlook will certianly hamper that so would leave it to the go getters tbh

      Seriously though there is a contract position out there for every single role and skillset. You just have to weight up wether you have the stomach to go get it and if you are willing to travel and your aversion to risk. Forget the rate and the money and then ask yourself if you are read.
      'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

      Comment


        #4
        I would say yes it is not a good idea for you not to go contracting. After you are running a business and have to go market yourself and win contracts. Your defeatist outlook will certianly hamper that so would leave it to the go getters tbh

        Seriously though there is a contract position out there for every single role and skillset. You just have to weight up wether you have the stomach to go get it and if you are willing to travel and your aversion to risk. Forget the rate and the money and then ask yourself if you are ready.
        'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

        Comment

        Working...
        X