Now considered an integral part of the telecommunications careers due to the computerization of communications and business systems, computer software engineers, usually working in teams, design, develop and maintain computer programs which are now the core of telecommunications companies’ computer network systems and services. They normally work in well-lit computer laboratories, 8 hours per day but may also have to work overtime to meet deadlines. The demand for this line of work promises to increase as more and more businesses become ‘computerized’. Only individuals with strong problem solving ability have the capability to be software engineers and, employers usually prefer college degree holders. There is rapid technological change in this line of work so computer software engineers must constantly train and study so that they will not be left behind in capability.
Electronics engineers design, evaluate and build electronic systems, circuits and components used telecommunications. They are usually employed by government agencies, Telecom carriers, Semiconductor and electronic instrument and component manufacture. Over the period 2008 to 2018 employment in this field will decline by about 19 percent due mostly to outsourcing. Employers usually hire electronics engineers with at least associate degrees.
In telecommunications careers there will always be the need for installers, repairmen and maintenance personnel. They are the ones who do the manual work on the cables and telecommunications systems. They install the communications equipment, terminals, posts and cables that connect the customers’ homes to the services provided by their companies. They are also called upon if repairs or maintenance are needed. To qualify for these jobs employers require at least a high school education. Usually they learn on the job but are also given some classroom training. Physical fitness is also given much importance since these jobs involve a lot of heavy lifting and climbing.
The income generating component of telecommunications careers are the Sales representatives and related occupations. They are the front line personnel who present and promote the product to the customer and give basic guidance if needed. They bring in patrons thru various methods such as telemarketing over the phone; they do promotional campaigns, spread infomercials as well as direct selling. To qualify for a sales position, a high school diploma is usually sufficient. What is more important is excellent interpersonal skills and selling ability.
The telecommunications careers also include telephone and switchboard operators who relay incoming and outgoing, as well as interoffice calls. They also assist customers with directory service, billing requests, emergency calls and also perform clerical duties. Telephone and switchboard operator jobs generally don’t require more than a high school diploma to qualify and usually have on the job training. The number of telephone and switchboard operators is actually declining in the U.S. due mostly to outsourcing, growing widespread use of mobile devices and the internet.
Employment outlook in telecommunications careers is predicted to go down by about 9 percent in the period 2008 to 2018, this despite the ever increasing demand for mobile phones, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and the internet. This is mostly due to improvements in reliability and productivity of systems.
Average annual wages for telecommunications jobs are as follows:
• Software engineers - $92,000.00
• Electronics engineers - $88,000.00
• Sales representatives - $72,000.00
• Installers, repairmen and maintenance - $50,000.00
• Telephone/switchboard operators - $30,000.00
Requirements for this type of career vary depending on the type of position you are applying for but a high school diploma is needed or a bachelor’s degree in engineering and computer administration position. If you want to pursue a career in telecommunication, you have to decide what job you want to do and prepare for it by attending technical school that will provide the training then pursue a college degree in engineering. Keep your skills current because it will look good on your resume.
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