Transitioning from developing to architecture
Im currently a senior software engineer at a large, well respected (in our field) software house.

Unfortunately I've hit a ceiling. The next logical step in my career is to move from designing individual components to shat may be described as system engineering/architecture. The problem is that where I work there is a pretty much fixed pool of those positions - they dont need any more, and none of the current incumbents are likely to move soon.

So I look elsewhere, but I'm stymied that my CV doesnt show any direct experience, even though I spend a large part of my time assisting the guys who do the job here...and in many cases practically doing their job for them...

So its the all too common problem - dont have experience, cant get a job, cant get a job, dont get experience. In an entry level situation the answer is simple - learn a load of languages, take on some hobby projects etc etc etc. But how to do this at my level? Are there any industry-wide certifications I could do?

(My core skills are Java, PL/SQL, Oracle)#

Thanks
Transitioning from developing to architecture
===

Im currently a senior software engineer at a large, well respected (in our field) software house.

Unfortunately I've hit a ceiling. The next logical step in my career is to move from designing individual components to shat may be described as system engineering/architecture. The problem is that where I work there is a pretty much fixed pool of those positions - they dont need any more, and none of the current incumbents are likely to move soon.

So I look elsewhere, but I'm stymied that my CV doesnt show any direct experience, even though I spend a large part of my time assisting the guys who do the job here...and in many cases practically doing their job for them...

So its the all too common problem - dont have experience, cant get a job, cant get a job, dont get experience. In an entry level situation the answer is simple - learn a load of languages, take on some hobby projects etc etc etc. But how to do this at my level? Are there any industry-wide certifications I could do?

(My core skills are Java, PL/SQL, Oracle)#

Thanks