Scott Higgins

 Scott Higgins works for Deloitte.  Deloitte is a consulting firm with commercial and governments clients.  Scott is an Enterprise Architect (EA).  He designs the blueprint for how businesses should operate, how data information is used, works with the infrastructure, and works with projects and timelines.

10 years ago, Scott got started in the business of information management.  He fell in love with the career after his first job.  Since then he has grown the most working with Deloitte in his current position, working with various customers on a variety of projects.  Scott is consistently growing and learning working with complex & sophisticated infrastructure.  There have been some obstacles Scott has had to overcome along the way.  Some obstacles have been (1) dealing with difficult clients and difficult situations.  (2) finding a right solution for the current situation when the client can be difficult, (3) when an issue arises, the client is quick to blame the contractors instead of taking accountability for themselves, and (4) the higher up the ladder you go the more workload will increase.  Often finding yourself learning how to delegate and trust co workers to do their job and often training other coworkers.

Like every profession you will have pros and cons.  When the task is done right the tool is insightful.  Going from point A to B is huge and seeing the project come full circle and up and running is exciting to see.  However, some of the tasks are easy to push off.  And having the client listen to you regarding a new IT system can be a bit difficult.  Scott has had several internal and external mentors.  Some who he has never met.  Once of his mentors who he hasn’t met is john Zachman, the founder of the Enterprise Architecture model.  Another mentor, who he has looked up is his Sr Manager & Director.  He knows that if he is stumped on a situation, he can always go his director for direction and options for different solutions. 

Scott has offered some advice for those who looking at a career in EA.  If you have a passion and understanding in all components in a business EA would be perfect.  On the other hand, if you are unsure which part of business you would like to get into this is also a good profession as you will get your foot in the door from a starting point.  Having and finding the passion for EA has made Scott successful in his career.  You cannot be successful if you do not have the passion for what you are doing.  He saw that there is a lot of opportunity for this field and a great way to work your way up the corporate ladder.  It is still roughly a new field but a field that will continue to grow.  Having the opportunity to grow has been his biggest motivator.

Scott is grateful for the benefit that Deliotte offers work and personal life balance.  Deloitte tries not to have their employees work long house.  He does make time for himself.  Whether that is his own personal time or time with his family.  When Scott feels like he is getting burnt out he makes a point to step away from his computer and will do something he enjoys.