becoming a varchitectEight percent of the U.S. population holds master’s degrees. That’s the same percentage that held bachelor’s degrees in the 1960s, a phenomenon known as “credential inflation,” according to American Interest magazine. Not only does a master’s degree lead to a higher income, it’s often used as a screening tool for potential employers. They simply put the candidates with higher education resumes on the top of the pile, even if they did not indicate that an advanced degree was needed for the job posted.

If you want to develop the communication skills needed for working at the upper management tier, research The Master’s in Information Systems from A-Z for valuable information. A Master of Science in Information Systems can lead to a number of well-paying, interesting careers, but what it indicates to your employer or management team is that you are a “Solutions Architect,” a title that encompasses several job descriptions, including vArchitect. Other job titles may include:

  • Cloud Administrator
  • Desktop Application Developer
  • Security Administrator
  • Web or Mobile Application Developer

As you know, today’s systems hardware still runs as a single operating system, which leaves most computers underutilized. VMware used by vArchitects expands the hardware with virtual servers. At the end user level, there’s no noticeable difference between the physical servers and the virtual servers. Most leadership positions in vArchitecture require advanced education.

1. What degree do I need to be a vArchitect?

The basic degree for most software engineering positions is a bachelor’s degree, especially if you want to work at a technician level. A master’s degree in any technological discipline, especially a Master of Science in Information Systems, is usually required to attain a management position in most companies. It’s definitely worth your time to research this discipline, especially if you’re interested in IT team lead and management positions. Your bachelor’s degree is all you need for the technical and theoretical knowledge required for an interesting job with many employment opportunities.  But a master’s takes you beyond basic technical into database management, project management, and security policies and practices. The courses include the strategy development and managerial concepts you’ll need to move up the career ladder of success!

2. How much money do vArchitects make?

Computer and Information Systems Managers salaryOf course, wages depend on your location in the U.S. and the type of company with which you are employed, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), normally extremely conservative in its wage information, reports the most recent median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $127,640 in May 2014, and half of the workers in this field earned more. In fact, the lowest wages were $78,470; ten percent earned nearly $200,000, and it was indicated that almost half of these jobs would include overtime. The 2014 wages based on industry were:

  • $143,680 – Information
  • $135,190 – Computer systems design and service
  • $132,580 – Finance and insurance
  • $130,790 – Management, companies and enterprises
  • $130,970 – Manufacturing

3. How long will the degree program take?

Students in a master’s degree program are often balancing work and family as well, so the length of time needed to obtain your degree depends on your lifestyle. That being said, you could complete a master’s degree program is just 15 months!

4. Can a vArchitect take on the role of Project Integration Manager?

Yes, you should be able to qualify for several management roles as a vArchitect. No doubt you have great technological skills, but for a management position, you also need to work on additional skills and qualities to obtain a leadership position. Those skills include:

  • Advanced analytical and business competency
  • Decision-making
  • Motivational competency to lead teams toward better efficiency
  • Organizational expertise
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication

5. Where should I go to learn more?

ECPI University can help you get the education you need for a employment edge in project integration, management and vArchitecture. We “virtually” specialize in back-to-college students, and understand the challenges they may have. Your career counselor will be happy to tell you about the rewarding career options ahead and work with you to explore financial options for tuition that are within your budget. If you think earning your master’s degree is beyond your grasp, think again! Contact ECPI University today to learn more about earning a Master of Science in Information Systems. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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