Learn about an exciting profession in three informative and fun days with IBM

Do you consider yourself to be a high-flyer? Are you thinking about a career including high-level IT consultancy, helping top companies world-wide to solve complex business problems? Would you like to test the water and learn something about key techniques, guided by international experts?

The IBM eBusiness Architecture workshop will be led and coached by some of IBM’s top IT Architects, practising consultants to many of the world’s most respected companies. Participants will be introduced to life as a technical leader in IBM, learning how to use the reference architectures and methods employed in actual engagements to address business problems with technology solutions. A case study which runs throughout the workshop presents the challenge of working in teams to design a solution to a large department store’s request to sell their goods over the internet. The focus will principally be on handling technical challenges rather than project planning. The case study includes designing the IT architecture and infrastructure for a 'Web selling Scenario’, concluding with the teams presenting their proposals as if to board-level client executives.

Participants should be undergraduates with a track record showing creative and technical strengths, complemented by enthusiasm and proven ability to thrive in a team under pressure. Participants will most likely be studying computing, communications science, engineering or other degrees with significant information technology content.

This prestigious workshop starts early evening Sunday 11th September and finishes on Wednesday 14th September 2005. IBM will arrange and cover the cost of the hotel and all meals. Participants will arrange their own economy class travel; receipted expenses will be reimbursed by IBM. Details of the workshop venue will be confirmed by the end of May.

The preferred participant profile:

Essential:

· A very good, all-round student record

· Basic understanding of system design principles and associated methods

· Appreciation of wider architectural concepts – non-functional aspects such as performance and availability, as well as the functional design

· Analytical and organisational competence

· Very well developed oral and written communication skills

· Team player: a successful workshop requires the ability to work in and contribute to a group working environment

Desirable:

· Conceptual knowledge of e-business and e-commerce

Read on for more information about the role of the IT Architect ……..

What is an IT Architect?

An IT Architect (ITA) defines - architects - solutions to client business problems through the reasoned application of information technology. Those solutions are manifested as architectures and can include systems, applications and process components. They may also involve the application and integration of a broad variety of products, technologies and services, various systems and applications architectures, and diverse hardware and software components.

What does an ITA professional do in IBM?

Like a building architect, much of the IT Architect's work is focused on the front end of the solution life-cycle: listening to clients, understanding their business requirements and systematically forming incrementally more detailed definitions of the structures of an information technology solution - an architecture.

An effective IT Architect will also have some full life-cycle experience which enables them to produce solution designs that are truly viable and that can be successfully constructed, implemented, operated and managed.

The IT Architect uses formal methods and techniques to guide and drive the development of solutions, the management of their work and the production of their deliverables.

Personal Qualities of an ITA

Leadership:
The effective IT Architect is a leader, providing knowledge, technical and team leadership skills in their work, to their clients and for their teams.

Strong communication and professional skills:
The IT Architect must have a high level of communications, consulting and client relationship skills. The IT Architect must be able to clearly communicate complex technical and business concepts, both to clients and to team members, and to negotiate change. Problem solving is a principal role of the IT Architect, and he or she must be capable of effectively identifying and framing problems, leading the collection of elements of information and integrating this information to produce timely and thoughtful decisions.

What about technical skills?

IT Architects require broad skills and experience with many application (functional) and infrastructure products, technologies, and services. While often relying on specialists for the construction, implementation and operation aspects in many of these areas, the IT Architect must have enough skills and experience across them to be able to successfully architect appropriate solutions of heterogeneous components. Effective IT Architects also possess some more detailed skills in one or more technical focus areas.

So what is this event about?

We can’t teach you to be an IT Architect in 3 days, but you will meet some experienced IT Architects who will introduce you to the methods and techniques they use to successfully fulfill their responsibilities. Others who are not so far along the career path will also be on hand to share their experiences of what it is like to make the transition from undergraduate to an IBM Professional.

Further information about IBM can be found at http://www.ibm.com