Q&A on EA: What is the future of enterprise architecture? Is it good to become an enterprise architect now?

Here are a couple of questions that came to me via an online forum. My responses follow

Do you believe that demand for Enterprise Architects will keep growing over the next years?

It is well understood that the practice of EA is much broader than IS Architecture. Taking a simplistic definition from Wikipedia

“Enterprise architecture (EA) is "a well-defined practice for conducting enterprise analysis, design, planning, and implementation, using a comprehensive approach at all times, for the successful development and execution of strategy….”

What does this mean? People who can bridge the gap between strategy definition and execution will continue to be in demand. In many large organizations, these folks fill the dedicated role of “Enterprise Architects.” In smaller organization, it may not be a dedicated role but rather a senior executive or manager also taking on the role of Enterprise Architect. Some organizations may supplement the role by engaging external consultants.

Regardless of how organizations approach the role, the need for Enterprise Architects will continue to grow.

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In which field should I do masters if my long term goal is to become an enterprise architect?

A very interesting question. Enterprise Architects that I have worked with come from a variety of technical, business and functional backgrounds. A few had masters degrees and some even had PhDs: An EA I worked with had a PhD in Physics and had worked an CERN before he came to the corporate world.

So, to answer you question: a strong educational background will certainly help you get your foot in the door to gain technical or functional expertise. Such experiences gained in the corporate world are going to be more valued as you try to become an EA.