How to Start a Career in Telecommunication: A Complete Guide
Telecommunication is said to be the transfer or exchange of information over a distance through the use of electronic gadgets such as radio, telegraph, telephone, fibre optics, Internet, satellites and others. These information transmission can be through data, video or voice transmission. Telecommunication involves two main stations which are; the transmitter and receiver.
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Without telecommunication, the world would probably come to a halt and all the international trade and businesses wouldn’t have a chance to thrive successfully. We all rely on telecommunication in one way or the other to communicate with each other and receive informations. Thanks to the world technology advancement, different modes of communication have evolved through out the years. Gone were the days when there was big telephones with long wires but now every one including young children have a smartphone where they can communicate effectively with each other using the skype and other means the Internet has provided.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Skills Needed to Starting a Career in Telecommunication
Telecommunication deals with so much data and there is a need for telecommunication personnels to acquire these skills for effective communication. Here are outlined some skills needed in the telecommunication industry.
1. Computing Skills:Â
This skill is very important in telecommunication as most of the data is processed using the computer. Also, cloud computing skill is important as most of this data is stored in the cloud and employers are always in demand for this software skill.
2. Programming:Â
This is a very important skill for any telecom expert. Networking and data are increasingly dependent on specialized software. Telecom experts who possess a better understanding of programming will always have an edge in the industry.
3. Soft Skills:Â
In telecommunication, one of the important soft skills required is good communication. As a telecom expert, you will need to communicate effectively with your colleagues and also customers to relate what you know to them with a clear understanding. This communication skill will also enable you to grow and develop new ways of learning on the job. Other necessary soft skills needed include; team player, interpersonal relation, problem-solver amongst others.
4. IT Support Skills:
also referred to as network engineers and this involves different types of processes that are required to maintain, support, troubleshoot, and implement communication networks while making use of different types of networks such as WAN, LAN, MAN, and WLAN. Skilled network support engineers are expected to be able to create a network infrastructure and this infrastructure should be available to a variety of stakeholders which include customers, employees, supply-side staff, and clients.
5. Multitasking:
This is also a very important skill needed in the telecom industry. At times, you may be faced with a situation where you have to take calls from different customers and attend to other things at the same time. You need to then put this skill into practice. Multitasking and being a team player are great assets for a telecom expert. You have to learn to bring people together to make work easier and more effective. Learn to carry people along while you work.
6. Self-Motivation:
This is another skill set needed by every telecommunications worker, especially if the work must be completed when out of the workspace, for instance when working from home. You have to be self-motivated and disciplined most of the time to be able to do your job efficiently wherever you find yourself.
7. Certification:
Certification is very important in telecommunication, and value addition is as important too. You need to constantly update yourself with new methods and ways in which things are done in the industry. This is a digital age where new things keep happening every day and being in this field, you don’t want to be cast aside using old ways of doing things. In addition to upgrading yourself, you can also take up several skill certification courses in related fields to keep you abreast of your job. Employers are always in constant search of updated telecom experts to hire; make yourself one of them.
8. Technological Skills:
To be a successful telecommunications expert, there are some technical skills that you must possess, some of which include knowledge of the products and services being manufactured and sold by the company you work for. A good example is when a customer might have a general idea of the kind of product he or she wants but may not be able to figure it out. This is when a telecom agent with good technological skills comes in to offer and advise the customer on the type of product to go for to suit his or her needs. A telecom expert with this skill would also be able to function properly in the sales and marketing departments.
9. Organization skills:
This skill is important, especially when the telecom worker has to work in different capacities for the company. Without organization skills, most employees would not be able to function properly because they have little idea of what the company they work for does and their work may be restricted to just a particular position.
10. Team player:
This interpersonal skill is necessary for any telecom worker, it helps you carry your colleagues along while at work. No man is an island, therefore it is good to possess this skill as a telecom expert.
Career Paths in Telecommunication
The telecommunications industry is constantly changing as there are often more demands to meet up with the latest technologies. Searching for a career path in telecommunications can be a bit easy because new job opportunities are created every day in order to keep up with the customer’s demands. Telecommunication is a very exciting industry which deals with software and data management. Below are some of the job opportunities available in this industry.
1. Telecommunication engineers:
Technical engineers are generally analytical, creative, and excellent problem-solvers. Their job description includes designing and installing transmission equipment such as cellular cables, broadband data, and so on. They are also in charge of routers and computer networks. Skills required for telecommunication engineers are an analytical mindset, methodical problem-solving skills, excellent concentration and math skills. Other soft skills include interpersonal skills, good communication, and the ability to carry others along.Â
2. Telecom technicians:
These sets of professionals are also referred to as equipment installers and repairers. Their work duties mainly include planning network installations, troubleshooting outages, testing circuits and preparing installation diagrams.
3. Telecom project manager:
These professionals are in charge of handling and developing personnel policies and procedures for their firm, they also direct specific projects, making adjustments and corrections when needed, ensuring timely installations, and implementing network security policies. Project managers are always in charge of handling a variety of projects while ensuring compliance with the estimated timelines and possible costs.
4. Data analysts and Data scientists:
More companies are in need of data scientists or analysts, as there is so much data that needs to be managed and properly stored. Data scientists are known to crack big data into smaller pieces of information and also identify risks and opportunities in the data.
5. Telecommunications specialist:
These professionals are in charge of the various telecommunication networks and systems. Their job description includes maintaining and securing computer systems, detecting and troubleshooting potential issues, implementing innovative networking solutions, and managing procedures. They also ensure the proper functioning of all telecom devices, administrate and optimize telecommunication channels, and compile reports about the systems they manage. Telecom specialists also provide technical advice and coordinate various telecommunications activities.
6. Marketing specialists:
These specialists are in charge of the company’s survey and sales ads. These marketing specialists are always in high demand in the telecom industry because they are in the sales wing of the industry. They provide all marketing materials needed for sale and may also write sales advertisements when necessary.
7. Telephone operators:
These experts may sometimes not be counted as the major workers in the telecommunication industry but they are also professionals in their own right. Their job description mainly involves assisting customers with their telephone request or operation. An example is the 911 emergency call service, these telephone operators are in charge of directing customers and their requests to the appropriate channels. Depending on the type of company they work for, their duties may vary.
8. Customer service representative:
These are major parts of the telecom industry. They are often found in the call centers of big companies where their job is to answer calls from customers and respond to their needs by proffering solutions when necessary. An example is MTN customer service. As part of their job description, these customer service representatives also provide online support to their company’s customers through the use of calls or emails.
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Educational Requirement for a Career in Telecommunications
To start a career in telecommunications, you need to at least own a bachelor’s degree in information science, engineering, or another related telecommunications field. It is also a good advantage that you have completed courses in computer programming, system design, and networking. The requirements vary according to the career path you want to take, some required technology training, and some bachelor’s degrees and other certifications.
Also, the duration needed in starting a career in telecommunication is dependent on the chosen career path you want and the educational implications. For instance, if you wish to become a telecommunication engineer you need at least a bachelor’s degree which may take up to about five years of study and so on.
Finally, the telecommunications industry is rapidly evolving and expanding. The industry is in constant need of professionals and skilled experts who want to delve into this field. Starting a career in telecommunications is very exciting; it creates more jobs daily as the world continues to move digitally. There is more data used, so more hands are needed. A career in telecommunication is a great field with good rewards.
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