This article was originally published on 24 April 2023.
You can read the original article on the 6point6 website here.
6point6's Andy Cooper talks about developing the architect mindset and explains how 6point6’s Technical Architecture Academy helped him transition to a new career.
What I do
I started my career in IT service delivery in the education sector, where I held a number of senior roles. I enjoyed my work, but after 25 years within the sector I wanted a new challenge and an opportunity to work with leading-edge technologies and specialists.
After retraining in AWS and Cloud, what drew me to 6point6 was their willingness to invest in my potential. In January 2022, I joined 6point6’s Technical Architecture Academy, undertaking a structured programme covering core consulting skills, technical accreditations, and application skills. Ultimately, the Academy focuses on accelerating our architecture careers, providing us with the skills and experience to bridge the gap between technology and business.
My role is to undertake a structured analysis of technical issues, translating those into technical designs to provide bespoke solutions that meet our clients’ business needs. A vital component of what I do is finding cost-effective solutions – reviewing business processes and finding holistic solutions with a razor-sharp focus on increasing organisational productivity and efficiency. There is a constant flow of new products and services on the market, so I also need to keep a close watch on the latest developments. Fundamentally I need to be both a problem solver and a solution provider.
A day in my working life
I spend a significant amount of my time researching problems, identifying clients’ needs and designing solutions. Communicating and engaging with technical and non-technical teams on proposed changes and testing these against our robust assurance framework are also part of my daily routine. I develop proof of concepts, so any recommended solutions or pathways go through careful refinement and due diligence.
My day-to-day work also involves working with different teams to oversee key aspects of the implementation. This is a careful balancing act of anticipating and solving problems, listening to and explaining technical concepts to both managerial and technical teams, with a lot of relationship building thrown into the mix! I have the best environment here at 6point6 where I feel supported every step of the way while also working alongside a team of specialists to deliver the best results for my clients.
My career highlights
Creating an optimal IT estate for a sixth-form college facing mounting costs and rising user demand and expectation was no mean feat. It certainly taught me the ethos of value for money and pushed me to think outside the box. The most expensive solution is not always the best. I also get a real sense of satisfaction designing systems and processes that generate savings and build sustainable ecosystems.
But top of my career highlights is my most recent transition from working in the public sector to joining the consultancy world. Having an IT background has helped and I’ve been supported by 6point6’s structured Technical Architecture Academy programme. The specially-designed programme is a great learning path helping me to deliver organisational change and design customer-focused technology and systems. It’s a major investment from 6point6 which is also providing me with a brilliant opportunity to learn and gain qualifications on the job.
Technical Architecture is one the best jobs in the world because…
You can make a real difference by solving technical challenges and seeing solutions implemented in real time, which brings instant wins for clients. That is gratifying and gives me the courage to keep learning and developing. I am continuously exploring new technology to find effective solutions to technical challenges that are quite often multifaceted and complex. You have to be really invested in the success of the project and enjoy the fast-paced environment. You also need supportive, collaborative and helpful colleagues around you – that’s 6point6’s culture in a nutshell.
Andy Cooper, Technical Architect
Having spent over 20 years holding senior roles in IT service delivery, Andy brings expert insight into how the right technology can positively impact an organisation. As an innovation-led technical architect, Andy relishes the challenge that comes with new technologies. In his free time, Andy is an Authorised AWS Instructor, delivering weekend sessions to cohorts of students to support and guide them through their AWS journeys.
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