A communication engineer is responsible for designing and implementing communications systems that 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 must have and maintain a strong background in electrical engineering, computer science, and telecommunications.
Because you get involved in researching and developing new products and services, it poses a challenge and a great learning opportunity. Meanwhile, you will work closely with other engineers to ensure their designs meet specific requirements.
Communication Engineers can solve complex problems and earn a lucrative salary. The average salary of the communication engineer is estimated to be around US $79,754/year (in a $51,000 - $118,000 range). This range can exceed the specified margin 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 correct read for you.
What is a Communication Engineer?
Can you imagine your life without any communication channel? Of Course not!
A communication engineer 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 closely with multi-sectoral engineers and scientists to design and build equipment that allows information to travel long distances.
This field of profession includes designing hardware, software, firmware, and networking protocols. 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 must earn a minimum of four years (8 semesters) Bachelor of Communication Engineering degree. A Bachelor of Communication Engineering is typically 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.
Qualifications Required to Be a Communication Engineer
- Knowledge of the field
Communication Engineering is a vast field that covers many different areas of study. A communication engineer could work in media and telecommunications to computer networks.
To become a successful communications engineer, you must have theoretical and practical knowledge. You need to know what your job entails and how to do it effectively.
- 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 equipment they would use to build their system and how to apply those skills in real-life situations.
- 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 can then use this data to make decisions based on facts rather than emotions.
- 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 the initiative and complete tasks without assistance in his supervision.
- Passionate
Passion is something 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. A lack of enthusiasm for the field may cause the profession to seem dull.
- Time-management skills
Time management skills are the most important for communication engineers. As someone who works with deadlines, they will have to schedule time for everything, especially when they have multiple projects going at once.
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The Process to Become Communication Engineer
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Get a Degree
The bachelor's degree program in communication engineering is 4 years, and 1-2 years for the master’s program. If you really have a passion for this discipline, enrolling in one of the university’s degree programs will be best.
Degree Programs for a Communication Engineer
Bachelor's Degree Programs |
Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunication Engineering with Honours |
Bachelor in Computer, Communications and Electronic Engineering |
BEng Telecommunications Engineering |
Bachelor of Science in Communication Engineering |
BEng Computer & Telecommunications Engineering |
Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering |
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering in Telecommunication Technologies and Services |
Bachelor in Telecommunication Engineering |
BEng. Electronics and Communications |
Bachelor's Degree in Information and Communication Technology |
Telecommunication Systems and Networks, Bachelor |
Bachelor of Electric Engineering and Telecommunications |
Master of Electronics and Communication Engineering
Master’s Degree Programs |
Master of Science in Electronics and Telecommunications with Specialisation in Radio Communication Systems and Networks |
Master in Telecommunication Engineering |
Master in Wireless Communications Engineering |
Master of Science in Communication Networks |
Master in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) |
MSc in Information and Communication Engineering |
MSc in Telecommunications Engineering |
MSc in Aerospace Systems - Navigation and Telecommunications |
MSc 5G and Future Generation Communication Systems |
Master in ICT Innovation |
Master in ICT Innovation (EIT Digital) |
MEng Computer & Telecommunications Engineering |
Master of Science in Internet and Multimedia Engineering |
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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 you get to practice and self-examine your skills during an internship. Some employers will offer their trainees paid positions at the end of their internships, but remember - you might not be offered but ought to ask.
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Take a Test
To become a communication engineer, you may require to complete additional requirements. One of those requirements is passing 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 making recognition in the field.
How much does a Communication Engineer Earn?
At this stage, you might wonder how much one earns with a communication engineering degree.
The salary of a communication engineer depends upon many factors like experience, education, location, and skillset. To determine the exact Salary, consider these factors to evaluate yourself.
Here are the general salary margins of Communication Engineers in different countries globally.
Country |
Average Annual Income of Communication Engineer |
USA |
$79,754 |
United Kingdom |
£27,844 |
Germany |
€52,801 |
Australia |
AU$73,034 |
Canada |
C$72,409 |
India |
₹386,068 |
China |
¥187,000 |
Nepal |
Rs 4,82,685 |
Russia |
1m₽ |
France |
€41,824 |
Poland |
1,48,682 PLN |
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
- The 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 typical 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 complex?
Communication engineering is one of the most rigid branches of engineering; however, if you have passion and determination for the field, it will also make you stand out among the other disciplines. After all, hard work pays off!
- How can I become a good Communication Engineer?
Besides the field knowledge, 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 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 various sectors, including Telecommunications, Broadcasting, Entertainment, Information Technology, Internet & Computing Technologies, and Networking.