When I joined Solita, back in October 2021, I was thrilled. I was excited yet overwhelmed. There was so much knowledge to absorb and so many experts around me. I met professionals from various fields, but I was especially fascinated by those working as Data Architects.
Time passed, I gained experience, and I encountered customers from various industries. When I finally got the courage to talk with my People Lead about my deepest wishes to grow as a Data Architect, I was so nervous. Back in my mind, I was whispering, I might need to improve in many areas first to even share my thoughts! He looked at me seriously and then smiled: “Okay, let’s work on this together!” Hearing his support gave me confidence, and we started mapping out the steps I needed to take to achieve my goal.
Soon, my People Lead mentioned an exciting opportunity: the Connected Data (CoDa) Architect Academy. I decided to apply, eager to deepen my understanding of what it takes to be a Data Architect and develop the necessary skills. In January 2024, I was honoured to be accepted into the academy.
In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences in the CoDa Architect Academy and what I learned. For those considering applying or exploring the path of a Data Architect, I hope this post provides some clarity and inspiration.
What is Solita’s CoDa Architect Academy?
CoDa Architect Academy is a 10-month program designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience for aspiring Architects. The program includes lectures covering a wide range of knowledge areas essential for architects. Alongside customer work, participants also complete assignments to practice the responsibilities of a Data Architect within real projects. The goal is to transfer diverse architectural expertise within Solita while enhancing the participants’ skills and knowledge.
Contrary to what some may assume, the Academy doesn’t focus on highly technical work; participants are expected to already have a solid technical foundation. Instead, the Academy emphasizes human skills, general architectural concepts, and understanding how to build effective solutions that align with business needs.
Our lectures were held on Fridays, which quickly became the highlight of my week. These sessions were refreshing breaks from hectic schedules, offering insights that either supported my current work or introduced entirely new perspectives. Topics ranged from collaboration and communication with customers and project teams to ensuring solution security, preparing for go-live, and addressing complex challenges.
What did I learn?
This journey was incredibly enriching on both personal and professional levels. At the start of the Academy, I was shy and uncertain about my abilities, especially when surrounded by so many experienced professionals. One of my key takeaways has been learning to trust my skills and see myself as a capable expert in my field.
It is easy to be overly self-critical when I don’t know something. It feels like suddenly I don’t know anything! But it is important to keep in mind that mistakes are part of the learning process and are as important as success. As a teenager, I rode horses, and I remember the importance of getting back on the horse after a fall. That lesson applies to life as well: falling doesn’t mean failure—it is an opportunity to try again and grow stronger.
One of the most valuable experiences was working on my Academy assignment. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking to take on a larger responsibility for the first time. Thankfully, I had excellent support from my colleagues, who offered tricks and tips, guidance, and advice. Completing the assignment was a moment of what I remember I was so happy and proud at the same time —it was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding.
Another significant lesson was the importance of communication. As a Data Architect, I often interact with a wide range of stakeholders. Clear communication and ensuring that all team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts are crucial to success. I have also learned how to give and receive feedback effectively, fostering better collaboration within teams.
Being an Architect is about more than just technical expertise. It is about building relationships within the team and with the customer. It is about encouraging others to identify opportunities and challenges and to build trust across all levels of the project. Above all, it’s about believing and trusting good in the people you work with and recognising their strengths. Also, I learned not to underestimate things or people.
This journey would have been much harder without the support of my colleagues, friends, and family. While I am still in the early stages of my Data Architect career, the path ahead feels lighter thanks to the encouragement I have received through the CoDa Architect Academy and the people around me.
I am confident that the expertise I have gained will help me deliver the best solutions for my customers alongside my project team. To anyone considering the CoDa Architect Academy or a career as a Data Architect, I hope my story inspires you to take the first step towards your own aspirations.
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