Solutions Architects Onboarding

Onboarding Program for Solutions Architects (SA).

View the SA Handbook homepage for additional SA-related handbook pages.

Overview

The SA onboarding program is designed to get new Solutions Architects (SAs), Associate SAs (ASAs), and SA Managers up to speed quickly and confidently. Onboarding combines self-paced learning, live virtual sessions, and on-the-job support from your manager and SA buddy.

Questions? Join #sa-onboarding-hub in Slack.

Who This Program Is For

  • New Solutions Architects — full onboarding program
  • New Associate Solutions Architects (ASAs) — onboarding track mirrors the SA program
  • New SA Managers — manager-specific onboarding track in development; see your manager for interim guidance

Program Components

GitLab Academy

All new SAs participate in GitLab Academy — GitLab’s GTM onboarding program. GitLab Academy includes a self-paced learning paths, virtual role-based workshops (SA Bootcamp), and a mandatory in-person certification that culminates in a graduation ceremony.

SA-Specific Courses

New SAs complete two role-based courses in LevelUp covering the SA role, GitLab’s sales methodology, how SAs work day to day, and the GitLab platform and key use cases.

SA Role-Based Certification

A certification completed as part of onboarding that validates readiness to engage with customers independently.

For full details, see the GitLab Academy handbook page.

Supporting Resources

Your manager and the SA Enablement team will share onboarding guides, playbooks, and buddy resources at the start of your onboarding. Reach out in #sa-onboarding-hub if you need access to any of these materials.

Role Expectations

SA Manager

During onboarding, the SA manager is responsible for setting context, making introductions, and ensuring the new SA has what they need to progress through the program. This includes assigning an SA buddy, checking in regularly during the first 60 days, and being the primary escalation point for any blockers.

SA Buddy

The SA buddy is a peer resource for the new SA during their first 30-60 days. The buddy helps the new SA navigate day-to-day questions, understand how the team operates, and feel connected to the broader SA organization. This is a coaching and support role, not a training role.

For detailed guidance on both roles, refer to the SA Onboarding Guide shared by the SA Enablement team.

Getting Started

Your onboarding issue will walk you through the sequencing of all required activities. Your manager and SA buddy are your primary points of contact for questions during your onboarding period.

Last modified April 15, 2026: Update SA Onboarding Handbook Page (a2e49040)
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