Preparing for Telecommunications Jobs
Discover the various telecommunications careers available to you.
Telecommunication is the electronic transmission of data, voice, image and video over networks. Many telecommunications jobs are required to design, maintain and repair these evolving networks.
In the 1990s, the telecommunication industry went through tremendous growth and change as a result of technological innovations, the expansion of the Internet and government de-regulation. Currently, the industry offers many different telecommunications career opportunities.
The telecommunications jobs curriculum often includes management of networking systems, computer networking, C++ language, Internet and intranet design, wireless technologies and project management.
Telecommunications Jobs
Telecommunications Design Engineer
What you'll do: Telecommunications design engineers design and plan wireless or “wire line” systems and improve existing communications networks. A system designer may work with an organization's real estate and engineering departments to secure new sites.
Education and Training: A related engineering degree plus experience in the telecom field are optimal. Organizational and analytical skills are essential. Knowledge of radio transmitter and receiver circuits, cellular system principles and two-way land mobile communications are an asset.
Salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for telecommunications design engineers is $68,215. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.
Systems Test Engineer
What you'll do: A systems test engineer creates and executes test plans for all phases of network systems development: integration, systems testing, inter-operability testing, field test planning and customer acceptance test planning.
Education and Training: A degree in engineering or computer science plus knowledge of computer networking and protocol system product testing are necessary to become a systems test engineer. Experience in all areas of telecommunications/data communications and familiarity with scripting languages such as TCL, PERL and HP are optimal. TCP/IP experience is helpful.
Salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for telecommunications design engineers is $68,215. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.
Network Engineer
What you'll do: Telecommunications network engineers perform various system deployments and optimizations. They work with a team to optimize a telecommunications network, expand an existing network, or deploy a new network.
Education and Training: A degree in electrical or computer engineering and experience in the telecommunications industry are crucial. Verbal and written communication skills are an asset, system troubleshooting skills are essential in telecommunications jobs and cellular work experience is a plus.
Salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for network and computer systems administrators is $69,160. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.
Network Technician
What you'll do: Telecommunications network technicians are responsible for network and equipment maintenance as well as troubleshooting.
Education and Training: A diploma in engineering, telecommunications or a related discipline is required. Knowledge and experience in cellular technology and analytical problem-solving are important.
Salary: According to Salary.com, the median national annual salary for a network technician with 2-5 years of experience is $58,453. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.
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