A communication engineer is responsible for designing and implementing communications systems that are used to transfer information over long distances. Recently, communication engineering has emerged as an attractive field for careers among the younger generation.

Generally, communication engineering is a field that has to deal with multiple sectors. Therefore, communications engineers are required to have and maintain a strong background in electrical engineering, computer science, and telecommunications. 

Because you get to be involved in research and development of new products and services, it poses a challenge and a great learning opportunity. Meanwhile, you will get to work closely with other engineers to ensure that their designs meet specific requirements.

Communication Engineers are capable of solving complex problems and also earn a lucrative salary. The average salary of the communication engineer is estimated to be around US $79,754/year on an average (in a $51,000 - $118,000 range). This range can go beyond the specified margin as per the relevant experience and specialisation.

So, if you want to enter one of the most deeming and rewarding career lines and wonder “ how to become a Communication Engineer?”, this is the right read for you. 

What is a Communication Engineer?

Can you imagine your life without any communication channel? Of Course not! 

A communication engineer is one who designs and implements systems that allow us to communicate efficiently and effectively. This includes everything from telephone networks to computer networks and radio communications. 

Communication Engineers work with computers, networks, routers, modems, switches, satellites, and other communication devices. Therefore, they work in close coordination with multi-sectoral engineers and scientists to design and build equipment that allows information to travel over long distances.

This field of profession includes designing hardware, software, firmware, and networking protocols. Additionally, it also demands a proficiency skill set in radio frequency (RF) and microwave technologies, fibre optics, wireless networking, and digital signal processing.

To become a communication engineer, you will have to earn a minimum of four years (8 semesters) Bachelor of Communication Engineering degrees. A Bachelor of Communication Engineering normally is offered as a Bachelor of Electronics and Communication Engineering. 

What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Communication Engineer? 

• Communicate effectively and efficiently with people from various backgrounds
• Design and implement effective communication systems that meet the needs of their users
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Understand the needs of customers and clients
• Use appropriate technology to solve problems and communicate effectively
• Demonstrate knowledge of current developments in communications technologies
• Understand the importance of good documentation
• Stay organised and have a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities
• Have good problem-solving skills
• Troubleshoot problems with existing systems
•  Develop new technologies that improve the quality of the designated services

Qualification Required to Be a Communication Engineer

1. Knowledge of the field

Communication Engineering is a vast field that covers many different areas of study. A communication engineer could work in fields ranging from media and telecommunications to computer networks. 

In order to become a successful communications engineer, you need to have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. You need to know what your job entails and how to do it effectively.

2. Problem-solving skills

Communications engineers should be capable of solving problems. They should be able to identify and solve issues ranging from troubleshooting to designing and building systems. 

Also, they should know what type of equipment they would use to build their system and how to apply those skills in real-life situations.

3. Ability to think critically

Communication engineers need to be able to think critically about the information that they receive from others. A critical thinker can analyse information and determine its validity. He or she is then able to use this data to make decisions based on facts rather than emotions.

5. Ability to work independently

A communication engineer needs to be able to work independently. He or she should not rely solely on others to do his or her job. Instead, he or she should be willing to take initiative and complete tasks without assistance  in his own supervision.

6. Passionate 

Passion is something most essential in every field of work. Communication engineers should as well be passionate about their field. They need to have a strong desire to work professionally and make sure that their work makes a difference. Lack of enthusiasm for the field may make the profession seem dull and boring. 

7. Time-management skills

Time management skills are the most important for communication engineers. As someone who works with deadlines, they will have to make sure to schedule time for everything especially when they have multiple projects going at once.

The process to Become Communication Engineer

•  Get a Degree

The general time period of the bachelor's degree program in communication engineering is of  4  years and 1-2 years for the master’s programs. If you really have a passion for this discipline it will be best to enrol in one of the university’s degree programs. 

Degree Programs for a Communication Engineer

• Internship

After you have earned your communication degree or amidst your curriculum, you should consider completing an internship. An internship is simply a job placement where you can apply your knowledge and gain hands-on experience. 

Internship opportunities for communication engineers are crucial as it allows you to learn about the work patterns of a prospective employer. 

More important is that during internship, you get a chance to practice and self examine your skills. Some employers will offer their trainees paid positions at the end of their internships, but remember - you might not be offered but you ought to ask.

• Take a Test

In order to become a communication engineer, you may require to complete additional requirements. One of those requirements is that you will have to pass the professional exams offered by CEI (Communication Equipment Institute). Once you have passed these exams, you will officially become a certified communication engineer. 

Keep in mind that there’s no end to learning any technical skills. As long as you continue to earn certifications, you keep earning recognition in the field.

How much does a Communication Engineer Earn?

At this stage, you might be wondering with a communication engineering degree, how much one earns?

The salary of a communication engineer depends upon many factors like experience, education, location, and skillset. To determine the exact Salary, you need to consider these factors to evaluate yourself. 

Here are the general salary margins of Communication Engineers in different countries on a global scale. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a Communication Engineer

Advantages 

• Plenty of opportunities to learn something new and keep yourself intellectually stimulated
• Job security and monetary benefits
• Need not get bound to any particular area of specialisation and have the flexibility to move from one job to another
• Career advancement opportunities
• Flexibility in working hours
• Opportunity to travel a lot compared to other engineering disciplines
• High-paying, long-term career paths

Disadvantages 

• Elongated working hours
• Stressful and pressurised working environments
• Hard to balance work-life
• Field requires more labour force compared to other degrees

Career as a Communication Engineer

Communication Engineers are employed in many different sectors, they may design, build, test, install, maintain, repair, troubleshoot, train, or manage communications systems. Some common jobs for communication engineers in the field include:

Sectors:

• Telecommunications
• Broadcasting
• Entertainment
• Information Technology
• Internet and Computing Technologies.
• Networking

Job Titles:

• Communication Engineer
• Service Engineer
• Network Planning Engineer
• Telecom Engineer
• Analog Applications Engineer
• Desktop Support Engineer
• R&D Software Engineer
• Electronic Design Engineer
• Network Support Engineer
• Software Engineer
• ECE Engineering Consultant
• Technical Director
• Quality Analyst

FAQ Related to ‘How to Become Communication Engineer’?

• Is Communication Engineering hard?

Communication engineering is one of the toughest branches of engineering, however, if you have got passion and determination for the field, it will also make you stand out among the other disciplines. Afterall, hard work pays off!

• How can I become a good Communication Engineer?

Besides the knowledge of the field, you will also need additional skill sets like critical thinking, problem-solving, time-management, and organisational skills including adaptability to succeed in the field.

• What does a Communication Engineer do?

A communication engineer is someone who designs and implements systems that allow people to communicate efficiently and effectively. This includes everything from telephone networks to computer networks to radio communications.

•  What are job opportunities for Communication Engineers?

Communication Engineers are employed in different sectors including Telecommunications, Broadcasting, Entertainment, Information Technology, Internet & Computing Technologies, and Networking sectors.