Telecommunication is said to be the transfer or exchange of information over a distance through the use of electronic gadgets such as radio, telephone, 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. 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. So, if you are looking for how to start a career in telecommunication, this article is for you.
We all rely on telecommunication in one way or the other to communicate with each other and receive information. 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.
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Top 10 Skills Needed to Starting a Career in Telecommunication
Telecommunication deals with so much data and there is a need for telecommunication personnel to acquire these skills for effective communication. Here are outlined some skills needed in the telecommunication industry.
- Computing Skills: this skill is very important in telecommunication as most of the data are processed using the computer. Also, cloud computing skill is important as most of these data are stored in the cloud and employers are always in demand for this software skill.
- Programming: 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.
- Soft Skills: 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.
- IT Support Skills: This involves different types of processes that you need to maintain, support, troubleshoot, and implement communication networks while making use of different types of networks such as WAN, LAN, MAN, and WLAN. Network support engineers create a network infrastructure and this infrastructure is available to a variety of stakeholders which include customers, employees, supply-side staff, and clients.
- 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 have calls from different customers and attend to other things at the same time, you need to then put this skill into practice. Multitasking and team player is a great asset for a telecom expert, you have to learn to bring people together to make work easier and effective. Learn to carry people along while you work.
- Self-Motivation: this is another skill set every telecommunications worker must possess, most especially if they work remotely. You have to be self-motivated and disciplined most of the time to be able to do your job efficiently wherever you find yourself.
- 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 the industry functions. This is a digital age where new things keep happening every day and been in this field, you don’t want to be cast aside using old forms of doing things. In 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 to be one of those.
- Technological Skills: To be a successful telecommunication expert, there are some technical skills which you must possess. This includes knowledge of the products and services of 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 skill comes in to offer and advise the customer on the type of product to go for to suit him or her needs. A telecom expert with this skill would also be able to function properly in the sales and marketing department.
- Organization skills: this skill is important most especially when the telecom worker has to work in different capacities of the company. Without the organization skills, most employees would not be able to function properly because they have little idea of what the company they work for does.
- 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.
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Career Paths in Telecommunication
The telecommunication industry is constantly on the change 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 there are new job opportunities every day. This is in order to keep up with the customer’s demands. Telecommunication is a very exciting industry which deals with software and data management. You will find below some of the job opportunities available in this industry.
- Telecommunication engineers: are analytical, creative, and excellent problem solvers. Their job description includes design 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 analytical mindset and methodical problem-solving skills with excellent concentration and math skills. Other soft skills include; interpersonal skills, good communication, and the ability to carry others along.
- Telecom technicians: Their work duties mainly include; planning network installations, troubleshooting outages, testing circuits and also preparing installation diagrams.
- 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.
- Data analysts and Data scientists: Data scientists crack big data into smaller information. In addition, they identify risks and opportunities in the data.
- 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 ensure the proper functioning of all telecom devices, and optimize telecommunication channels. In addition, they compile reports about the systems they manage. Also, telecom specialists provide technical advice and coordinate various telecommunications activities.
- Marketing specialists: these specialists are in charge of the company’s survey and sales advert. These marketing specialists are always in high demand in the telecom industry. They provide all marketing materials needed for sale and also may write sales adverts when necessary.
- 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 to direct customers and their request to the appropriate channels. Depending on the type of company they work for, their duties may vary.
- Customer service representative: these are major parts of the telecom industry. They often work in the call centers of big companies where their job is to answer calls from customers. In addition, they respond to customer’s needs by proffering solutions when necessary. For example, Telus customer service. These customer service representatives also provide online support to their company’s customers.
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Educational Requirement to Start a Career in Telecommunication
To start a career in telecommunication, you need to at least own a bachelor’s degree in information science, engineering, or other related telecommunications field. Also, it is good advantage if you have completed some telecommunication courses. For example, computer programming, system design, and also networking. The requirements vary according to the career path you want to take on. Some require technology training and some bachelor’s degree and certification.
Also, the duration depends on the 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 fast evolving and also expanding. The industry is in constant need of professionals and skilled experts who want to delve into this field. Starting a career in telecommunication is very exciting and there are more jobs available daily. A career in telecommunication is a great career field with good rewards.
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