Telecommunication Jobs

Career Guide to Telecommunication

Is the Technical Evolution the driving force behind your aspirations for the future?

Technological evolution, the driving force behind the growth of the telecommunications industry, continues to change the way we communicate. Entry level candidates seeking a fresh challenge, as well as experienced professionals seeking to advance their telecommunication career should familiarize themselves with the latest technologies in order to successfully thrive in this rapidly growing industry. Enhanced data transmission capabilities and faster communication services in the future will continue to reveal whole new worlds for the innovative and the tech savvy.

The impetus is irrevocable. One must therefore, furiously build and sell their technical skills to compete effectively for the best telecommunication jobs available.

Telecommunication jobs are distributed in several employment sectors within the industry: wired and wireless telecommunications, resellers, satellite, cable and other telecom providers, for example. The increased use of wireless communication in the past decade has made wireless telecommunications carriers the largest employment sector in the industry, followed by wired telecom. Professionals are employed from all occupations. 17% are engaged in technical positions of computer software engineering, computer programming, network systems and data communications analysis. As significant growth in wireless, cable and satellite technology, high-speed voice, video, graphics and other data services mark the future of the industry, many new telecommunication job opportunities will avail themselves to aspiring engineers and computer professionals.

For those in pursuit of up to date technical skills, college education/certifications, online technical programs or ongoing professional development/information seminars are worthwhile options to consider. Telecommunication programs equip students with basic, as well as advanced technical knowledge and skills to help expand their career opportunities. While Bachelor of Science degree programs focus on the fundamentals of telecommunications, Master’s degree programs allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest. Online programs and distance learning opportunities enable full time professionals to pursue continued training without compromising their present career commitments.

All in all, investing in continued technical education, while preparing for a future telecommunications career will surely reap long term benefits - it is going to take much coveted knowledge, background and skills in wireless technology, laser and fiber optic technology, telephony, data compression, programming and/or software design to impress the next generation of telecom employers.

 If this sounds like something you’re interested in, then a career in telecommunications might be for you!

Telecommunications carriers are expanding their bandwidth by replacing copper wires with fiber optic cable. Fiber optic cable, which transmits light signals along glass strands, permits faster, higher capacity transmissions than traditional copper wire lines. In some areas, carriers are extending fiber optic cable to residential customers, enabling them to offer cable television, video-on-demand, very high-speed Internet, and conventional telephone communications over a single line. However, the high cost of extending fiber to homes has slowed deployment. In most areas, wired carriers are instead leveraging existing copper lines that connect most residential customers with a central office, to provide digital subscriber lines (DSL) Internet service. Technologies in development will further boost the speeds and services available through a DSL connection.

The telecommunications industry offers steady, year-round employment. Workers in this industry are sometimes required to work overtime, especially during emergencies such as floods or hurricanes when employees may need to report to work with little notice.

Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations account for 1 in 4 telecommunications jobs. One of the largest occupations is telecommunications line installers and repairers, who work in a variety of places, both indoors and outdoors, and in all kinds of weather. Their work involves lifting, climbing, reaching, stooping, crouching, and crawling. They must work in high places such as rooftops and telephone poles, or below ground when working with buried lines. Their jobs bring them into proximity with electrical wires and circuits, so they must take precautions to avoid shocks. These workers must wear safety equipment when entering manholes, and test for the presence of gas before going underground.

What Education/Certifications do you need for:

Telecommunication Jobs

Training is a key component in the careers of most who work in the telecommunications industry. Due to the rapid introduction of new technologies and services, the telecommunications industry is among the most rapidly changing in the economy. This means workers must keep their job skills up to date. From managers to communications equipment operators, increased knowledge of both computer hardware and software is of paramount importance. Telecommunications industry employers now look for workers with knowledge of and skills in computer programming and software design; voice telephone technology, known as telephony; laser and fiber optic technology; wireless technology; and data compression. Several major companies and the telecommunications unions have created a Web site that provides free training for employees, enabling them to keep their knowledge current and helping them to advance.

 Other qualifications. A bachelor’s degree in engineering usually is required for entry-level jobs as electrical and electronics engineers. Continuing education is important for these engineers; those who fail to keep up with the rapid changes in technology risk technological obsolescence, which makes them more susceptible to layoffs or, at a minimum, more likely to be passed over for advancement.

While there is no universally accepted way to prepare for a job as a computer professional, most employers place a premium on some formal college education. Computer software engineers usually hold a degree in computer science or in software engineering. For systems analyst, computer scientist, or database administrator positions, many employers seek applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems.

Current & Future Job Outlook for:
Telecommunication Jobs

 Job prospects. With a growing number of retirements and the continuing need for skilled workers, good job opportunities will be available for individuals with up-to-date technical skills. Jobs prospects will be best for those with 2 or 4-year degrees.

 Employment change. Employment in the telecommunications industry is expected to increase by 5 percent over the 2006-16 period, compared with 11 percent growth for all industries combined. The building of more advanced communications networks, such as fiber optic lines, faster wireless networks, and advanced switching equipment, will increase employment, particularly in the near term. In the long-term, employment gains will be partially offset by the improved reliability of these advanced networks which is expected to reduce maintenance requirements.