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: The Designer
Telecommunications designers 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.
Telecommunications Designer 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.
Designer Salaries
The average designers in telecommunications jobs earn between $45,000 and $100,000.
Telecommunications Jobs: The Systems Test Engineer
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.
Test Engineer 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.
Test Engineer Salaries
Average salaries for systems test engineers range from $75,000 to $95,000.
Telecommunications Jobs: The Network Engineer
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.
Network Engineer 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.
Network Engineer Salaries
Average salaries for network engineers range from $45,000 to $100,000.
Telecommunications Jobs: The Network Technician
Telecommunications network technicians are responsible for network and equipment maintenance as well as troubleshooting.
Network Technician 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.
Network Technician Salaries
Average salaries range from $40,000 to $70,000.
Telecommunications Jobs: Network Engineer and Network Planner
Telecommunications network engineers or planners conduct feasibility analysis relating to network solutions (such as data communication network devices and signaling systems). They develop network strategies and provide input to management relating to technical requirements, network infrastructure, viability, costs and product reliability.
Network Engineer and Planner Education and Training
A degree in engineering, computer science, math or telecommunications is required. Knowledge of existing and emerging voice information, wireless, data and video architectures as well as a high level of written, verbal and presentation skills are also required.
Network Engineer and Planner Salaries
Average salaries range from $40,000 to $100,000.
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