The progressing leap of wireless communication and the expectation for instant communication modes worldwide has made telecom and telecommunication engineering one of the most intriguing degree programs for the current generation. 

If you are interested in riding this popular tide that also offers lucrative and rewarding career choices, telecom and telecommunication can be a future-oriented and fascinating degree program. 

This article discusses what a telecom and telecommunication engineer is, their roles and responsibilities, necessary qualifications, degree programs, and career prospects. 

What is Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer?

A telecom and telecommunications engineer is someone who oversees data management over different modes of communication. They identify the business's communication needs and work on that end to meet the organization's goals, which range from designing, monitoring, and commissioning different telecommunication tools. 

Telecom and telecommunication engineers also perform a wide range of other functions like inspecting the functionality of new network technologies, offering suggestions for the new integrations, ensuring network availability, and optimizing the system cost, including maintenance and support to the clients. 

The engineers get degrees in telecommunications, network security, wireless& network engineering, cloud computing, computer information technology, sales engineering, and other related fields to start their careers in telecom and telecommunications. 

What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer?  

• Install or coordinate the installation of new telecommunication hardware or software.
• Planning, designing, monitoring, and commissioning different communication tools and technologies.
• Manage different telecommunication projects, ensuring their timely accomplishment.
• Creating and maintaining different documentation related to projects, security, requirements, and support.
• Review and evaluate the request and reports from the team working on different projects. 
• Preparing system activity and performance reports.
• Supervise and monitor the maintenance of different telecommunications tools. 
• Review the customer’s documentation and requirements.
• Optimize the system prioritizing minimal cost and simplification, complying with the specified performance.
• Preparing telecom and telecommunications equipment and tools datasheet.
• Prepare specifications for the system. 
• Manage user access to the system as an administrator.
• Working closely with clients to address their issues and suggestions.
• Other related assigned tasks.

Qualifications Required to Be Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer

1. Effective Communication Skills

As many of the employment lines in communication engineering are related to direct interaction with the consumer, it is a necessary skill to succeed in the profession. As a telecom and telecommunications engineer, you must regularly deal with consumers, management, and other professionals, taking notes for improvement, acknowledging issues, and confidently relaying/suggesting improvements and solutions. 

2. Technological Skills

The telecom and telecommunications sector is ever-changing, and the tools and technologies practised in the present might be outdated within the next few years. As a professional in the industry, you must be tech-savvy, continuously updating yourself and adapting to the changes. 

Especially if you are in any management role that requires direct dealing with the consumers, you should be well-educated about your products and able to respond to consumers’ queries related to functions, issues, and needs.

3. Analytical Skills

Telecom and telecommunications engineer should possess analytical skills to interpret and analyze data. Analytical skills aren’t just essential when dealing with a problem but also l when working on a new project or revitalizing the existing one. Analytical skills help in your professional life to draw an efficient conclusion to deal with an issue or meet the goals set by an organization by properly utilizing its resources.

4. Multitasking

In the telecommunication line of work, the profession might require you to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, keep reporting and updating development teams, or attain many customers appropriately. As a professional, you should be able to allocate a rational timetable to manage your on-hand projects, deal with customers, and attend to customers’ issues/queries.

5. Adaptability 

The telecom and telecommunications sector projects may sometimes require you to work with multiple teams or individually at times. You must adapt well to any circumstances and give your best to meet business goals. Your adaptability and flexibility in the goals set by the organization can be critical determinants for your success. 

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The Process to Become Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer

• Get a degree in Telecom and Telecommunications Engineering

To start your career as a professional practitioner in the telecom and telecommunication field, you will need at least an undergraduate degree. You could enrol in any degree program like computer engineering, networking, design & automation, electronic media, information theory, fibre-optic, etc. 

You will be able to work in an entry-level job position after completing your undergraduate degree; however, if you are serious about making a career in the telecom and telecommunication sector, get higher degrees, graduate or post-graduate. The professional line in this field demands higher-level education for higher-up job positions. 

Degree Programs for Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer

• Get Certifications

The telecom and telecommunication sector requires different certifications and licenses depending on the specialization field. You can prepare yourself for certification programs that will add credibility to your portfolio while commencing as a field professional.

There is a diverse range of recognized certification and licensing programs in telecom and telecommunications engineering:

• Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers(SCTE)
• International Association for Radion, Telecommunication, and Electromagnetics(iNARTE)
• Federal Communication Commission(FCC)
• Maritime Radio Operator Permit(MROP)
• General Radiotelephone Operators License(GROL)
• Registered Communication Distribution Designer(RCDD)
• Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist(CTNS)
• Sisco Certified Network Associate(CCNA)

• Get an entry-level job, gain experience 

Compared to other professional lines, the engineering sector demands professionals with relevant experience in their focus of study. Employers tend to look out for experienced engineers handling different tools and technologies required in the work line. 

So, start looking for entry-level jobs in your chosen area of specialization, do internships, build your professional network, sign up for co-op programs, accumulate experience, and gradually move forward, aiming for the top. 

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Salary of Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer

The general salary margin of a telecom and telecommunications engineer in the USA is around $79,741/ year. However, it is just a base margin that doesn’t determine the exact payout. The annual salary of a telecom and telecommunications engineer may range between the base average of $52k - $116k.

Listed among the high-paying profession, an average telecom and telecommunication engineer can make up to $66,458 on an entry-level title with less than 1 year of experience. 

Note: These salaries are the median of the accumulated salary ranges of professionals in the field and can differ depending upon the specialization field and country.

Here is a detailed salary view of telecom and telecommunications engineers on a global scale:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer

Advantages

• Base salary margin above average compared to other professions.
• Financial stability, high-paying job opportunities.
• Opportunity to make a difference in the present time communication tools and techniques. 
• A growing sector with new job openings every year. 
• Diverse specialization fields to choose a professional career from. 
• Employment opportunities on a global scale.
• Stable work and competitive working environment with financial security.
• Perks of working with the latest tools and technologies.
• Competitive working environment and intellectual development opportunities.
• Prestige, well-respected work line.

Disadvantages

• Requirement of licensing in many specialization fields for professional practice. 
• Need for higher education degrees to land higher job titles.
• Need for physical labour in some specialization fields.
• A sluggish growth rate compared to other professions, just 0.61% per year. 

Career as Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer

Typically, telecom and telecommunications find employment opportunities in telecommunication, broadcasting, satellite communications, telephone and internet services, system manager/security, data analysis, and development positions. But they can also choose management roles like operator, manager, customer service, and sales. 

Here are some job positions you can fill after your degree in telecom and telecommunication engineering: 

Sectors: 

• Telecommunications
• SMEs
• Broadcasting
• Research and Development
• Software and Application Development 
• Equipment Installment and Management
• Banks
• Sales
• Teaching/Lecturer

Job Titles:

• Telecommunication Engineer
• Network and Cloud Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Telecommunication Technician
• Telecommunication Specialist
• Equipment Technicians and Installers
• Software Developer
• Telecommunication System Manager
• Information System Security Manager
• Site Reliability Engineer
• Mobile Application Developer
• Telecommunication Manager
• System Manager
• Telecommunication Operator
• Customer Service Representative(CSR)
• Telecom Project Managers
• Public Relation Officer
• Data Architect
• Sales Engineer
• Subject Teacher/Lecturer

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FAQ Related to ‘How to Become Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer’?

• What is the best degree for Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer?

To work in the telecom and telecommunications industry, it will be best for you to get a degree in a field related to telecommunications, network security, wireless and network engineering, cloud computing, computer information and technology, and sales engineering. 

• Which country is best professionally for Telecom and Telecommunications Engineer?

As India and China have the most subscriber base, both countries are best for building a professional network if you want to work outside your country. Even between these top two choices, India has more carrier and outsourced telecom jobs. 

• What do you learn in Telecom and Telecommunication Engineering?

The telecom and telecommunications engineering degree covers various course materials from computer engineering, networking, design & automation, electronic media, information theory, and fibre-optic to mobile communications, media broadcasting, voice & statistics networks, history, etc. 

• Are Telecom and Telecommunications Engineers in demand?

Considered one of the most lucrative and growing professional sectors, the telecom and telecommunication sector is expected to see annual employment growth of 0.61 %/year and a new job opening of 8,750 by 2029.