Telecommunications Engineer - A Career Guide
Do you love to explore phone, video and data networks whenever you get time? Are you really passionate about it? If the answer to these two questions is yes, there is another question for you. It is whether you will like to convert this passion of yours into profession or not. Changing a passion into profession is not easy and it requires contemplation. While indulging in your passion, you have the freedom to carry on your own way; you will not have that much freedom when you are into a profession. On the other hand, it is also a pleasurable feeling that you are doing the job you love to do most.
The telecommunications industry is flourishing once again and employers are on a lookout for competent candidates for the position of telecommunications engineer. If you choose a career in this field, it will be a good decision considering the promise this sector is showing for the aspiring professionals. Also, the fact that this is a well-paid career will work as a motivation to perform well.
Who are telecommunications engineers and what are their responsibilities?
Telecommunications engineers are a type of electronics engineers. They work in the communication systems of an organisation. Such professionals handle a number of tasks that are related to system design. Whether the equipment is up-to-date or not is also the responsibility of a telecommunications engineer. Conducting tests to identify any errors and working on the faults in the systems to resolve them are the additional duties. It is mention-worthy that in large-scale companies, these duties are fulfilled by telecommunications technicians. In small-sized companies, they are assigned to the telecommunications engineers.
The primary responsibilities of a telecommunications engineer are to analyse the requirements of the clients and then, design and develop suitable communications systems. Along with these, other important responsibilities include
- Upgrading and assimilating current communications systems with computer networks
- Overseeing the set-up of new equipment and training staff on how to use it properly
- Creating prototypes for new systems and equipment and testing their functionality
- Staying updated with latest technology
What are the eligibility criteria for telecommunications engineering jobs?
A bachelor’s degree in telecommunications engineering or electronics engineering is the minimum educational qualification to apply for this job. If you want to reach the heights of the profession faster, you must consider enhancing your academic qualifications. After completing the bachelor’s degree, you may pursue a master’s degree in the same discipline. In case you want to be a professor in a university, you need to have a doctoral degree.
License is not needed to work in the private sector as a telecommunications engineer. However, it is mandatory to have license in order to work in the public sector. Licensing examinations are tough and you need to study hard and prepare well to pass the examination. Find out the licensing requirements in your state and start your preparation.
Large-sized companies prefer to employ experienced candidates. They pay well and offer several job benefits like medical insurance and pension.
Numerical ability, technical awareness and sound business knowledge are necessary. Communication, client-management, supervisory, analytical, problem-solving and team-working skills are the innate characteristics required to shine in this career.
Appropriate training and certification will keep you ahead of other candidates. Being certified in a specific area like baseband hardware systems is an advantage. Sometimes Baseband engineer jobs demand candidates who possess high-end skills and excellent credentials.
What is the salary?
The annual average salary for telecommunications engineers at the entry-level is between £20,000 and £25,000. For the experienced professionals, it ranges from £30,000 to £35,000. Those who are chartered can earn up to £50,000.