Are you an aspiring architect, hoping to forge your own career in this dynamic and growing industry? Here's how I jumpstarted my architecture career – and how you can too.
I studied commerce at university, majoring in accounting and finance. Then after graduating, I moved into a software support role, followed by roles in software implementation.
I really liked the workshopping and design element of the architecture work I did in software implementation – meeting and discussing with people how they want to use technology. I wanted to spend more time doing this work, but I knew given my limited experience I wouldn’t be able to find a 'traditional' solution architecture role.
Then by chance I spotted a job ad for a role at Cyma. Cyma prides itself on not being a 'traditional' consultancy. They believe in hiring their team based on the way they think and their approach to solving problems – rather than their previous job title. And in what was perfect timing for me, Cyma had just launched its Immersion Programme and I was accepted.
The Cyma Immersion Programme is designed for people with a background in technology who want to jumpstart their career in architecture. It's a two-year programme where you are allocated rotations in different business areas of Cyma, based on your interests – including IT and Business Architecture, Delivery, Sales and Finance/Operations. The goal of the programme is to help people like me get experience in a supportive environment and develop into an innovative and creative architect.
The best part of working at Cyma is the variety of working on different projects across multiple departments.
So far, I have completed two rotations. In Delivery I learned stakeholder management, a better understanding of the commercials behind agreements, and an understanding of resourcing and project management. In IT architecture I learned the Archimate language and how to undertake technology discoveries and what insights are valuable to clients.
Right now, I am facilitating service delivery for two projects and architecture consulting on three other projects. I am regularly challenged to step out of my comfort zone – but there is no better way to grow!
What I love about Cyma is the amount of knowledge available to tap into in the room and how driven, switched-on and motivated everyone is. My colleagues at Cyma are all valuable sources of information – both in terms of technology knowledge and how to work.
With 18 months left in the Immersion Programme, I am excited to be continuously exposed to new types of engagements, departments, and being the first to graduate the programme. My hope is that I can help create a great pathway for other aspiring architects to join Cyma and get a jumpstart on their career.
If you're looking to jumpstart your career and think Cyma could be a good fit, we'd love to hear from you. Apply for our Cyma Immersion Programme, read more about our opportunities for aspiring architects or have a chat with our Recruitment Manager Marie-Claire Lucas.
Jordan (5th from left) and some of the Cyma team.
