When you see that title, the first thing that you are going to think about is why does a business need someone in charge of architecture in their company? It makes perfect sense when you think of what the word 'architecture' means.
Architecture is basically the art of building something. When you bring that into the business world, what is it that you need to create, or engineer? In the corporate world there are teams of people running the actual day do day business, and completing various projects. All those teams need someone in charge of keeping them all running smoothly. More than that, a person is needed to create a system where teams can thrive. The Chief Architecture Officer is the person who engineers a system where each team is on the same page as far as communication, vision, and completion of projects.
Getting Started
A person who is seeking out a career as a Chief Architecture Officer is someone who is very skilled at organization, planning, and creating systems. A CAO is the person whose sole responsibility is to make sure the systems that are running the business are operating smoothly and in order. Being able to see problems before they arrive is a great way to keep those systems running. The person needs to be a strong decision maker and should be able to make decisions quickly.
Another big personal asset would be the ability to lead others through your planning and being able to convey your visions to them with little difficulty. Businesses that run smoothly do so because every person has the same vision for the company. This vision was created by one person and handed down through their ability to sell it. A CAO, the one who creates the systems for teams, personnel, communication, and the overall business structure, is the one who most likely is creating that vision.
Education
While there are no specific courses for a person seeking to be a Chief Architecture Officer, a degree in Business Administration would be a great start. Team building, business structure, leading principles, communication strategies, psychology, and even specific topics like managing are all topics, or classes, you should be taking.
Formal teaching at a college or university should not be the only education. A Chief Architecture Officer should always be learning new means, and principles or teams, business, and managing. Seminars, books, courses, and networking with other professionals is a great way to continue your education.
Once you have completed your education and have some solid business experience, then you begin looking for openings in your local area for a Chief Architecture Officer positions. If none exist, even in your own company, write a proposal with why this position, and yourself, should be considered for their company. You may get lucky and a new position is opened or made just for you.
