Enterprise Architecture

Term from Government Services industry explained for recruiters

Enterprise Architecture is like creating a blueprint for how an entire organization's technology, processes, and information systems work together. Think of it as planning a city - you need to know where to put the roads (information flow), buildings (systems), and utilities (infrastructure) so everything works smoothly together. Enterprise Architects help government agencies and large organizations plan their technology future, make sure money is spent wisely on IT projects, and ensure different departments' systems can talk to each other. They create long-term plans that help organizations move from old systems to modern ones while keeping daily operations running smoothly.

Examples in Resumes

Led development of Enterprise Architecture framework for state government agency

Created Enterprise Architecture roadmap resulting in $2M cost savings

Implemented Enterprise Architecture standards across 5 federal departments

Developed EA strategy for digital transformation initiative

Typical job title: "Enterprise Architects"

Also try searching for:

Chief Enterprise Architect Enterprise Solutions Architect Solutions Architect IT Architect Technical Architect Digital Architect Strategic IT Planner

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle resistance to enterprise-wide changes from department leaders?

Expected Answer: Should discuss stakeholder management, communication strategies, showing ROI, and ability to build consensus across different departments while acknowledging their unique needs.

Q: How do you ensure your Enterprise Architecture plans align with agency mission and goals?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they connect technology decisions to organizational objectives, involve stakeholders in planning, and measure success through mission-focused metrics.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you document current vs. future state architecture?

Expected Answer: Should describe methods for mapping current systems and processes, creating clear documentation of desired future state, and developing practical transition plans.

Q: How do you handle integration between legacy and new systems?

Expected Answer: Should discuss practical approaches to managing system transitions, ensuring data consistency, and maintaining services while upgrading technology.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the purpose of Enterprise Architecture?

Expected Answer: Should explain how EA helps organizations plan and manage their technology and processes to achieve business goals efficiently.

Q: What are the basic components of Enterprise Architecture?

Expected Answer: Should mention business processes, applications, data, and technology infrastructure as key elements that need to work together.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-3 years)

  • Understanding of basic architecture concepts
  • Documentation of existing systems
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Basic project management

Mid (3-7 years)

  • Development of architecture roadmaps
  • System integration planning
  • Technology standards development
  • Change management

Senior (7+ years)

  • Strategic planning
  • Budget management
  • Leadership and mentoring
  • Complex program management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with government or large organizations
  • Lack of stakeholder management skills
  • No strategic planning experience
  • Poor communication abilities
  • No experience with organizational change management