Sunday, November 26, 2006

In Pursuit of a Telecommunications Career? How to Move Ahead

Technological evolution, the driving force behind the growth of the telecommunications industry, continues to change the way we communicate. Entry level candidates seeking a fresh challenge, as well as experienced professionals seeking to advance their telecommunication career should familiarize themselves with the latest technologies in order to successfully thrive in this rapidly growing industry. Enhanced data transmission capabilities and faster communication services in the future will continue to reveal whole new worlds for the innovative and the tech savvy.

The impetus is irrevocable. One must therefore, furiously build and sell their technical skills to compete effectively for the best telecommunication jobs available.

Telecommunication jobs are distributed in several employment sectors within the industry: wired and wireless telecommunications, resellers, satellite, cable and other telecom providers, for example. The increased use of wireless communication in the past decade has made wireless telecommunications carriers the largest employment sector in the industry, followed by wired telecom. Professionals are employed from all occupations. 17% are engaged in technical positions of computer software engineering, computer programming, network systems and data communications analysis. As significant growth in wireless, cable and satellite technology, high-speed voice, video, graphics and other data services mark the future of the industry, many new telecommunication job opportunities will avail themselves to aspiring engineers and computer professionals.

For those in pursuit of up to date technical skills, college education/certifications, online technical programs or ongoing professional development/information seminars are worthwhile options to consider. Telecommunication programs equip students with basic, as well as advanced technical knowledge and skills to help expand their career opportunities. While Bachelor of Science degree programs focus on the fundamentals of telecommunications, Master’s degree programs allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest. Online programs and distance learning opportunities enable full time professionals to pursue continued training without compromising their present career commitments.

All in all, investing in continued technical education, while preparing for a future telecommunications career will surely reap long term benefits - it is going to take much coveted knowledge, background and skills in wireless technology, laser and fiber optic technology, telephony, data compression, programming and/or software design to impress the next generation of telecom employers.