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Individuals interested in telecommunications careers can complete an accredited telecommunications technician training program, or pursue a telecommunications degree from a college, university or online school. Telecommunications degrees prepare students for a variety of job opportunities in the field voice, video, Internet and telephone communications services and technologies. As the demand for telecommunications services continues to rise at a rapid rate around the globe, many telecommunications specialists and technicians can look forward to promising career prospects.
Training for Telecommunications Careers
Many telecommunications careers involve the installation, repair and maintenance of telecommunications devices, equipment and networks. Some telecommunications technicians are trained by their employer, but most learn basic skills and knowledge by completing a degree or training program at a telecommunications training school.
Students may consider several types of telecommunications careers, including:
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Emergency Communications
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Internet Technology
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Telecommunications Management
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Mobile Broadband Technologies
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Radio and Television Broadcast Technology
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Satellite Communications
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Television Broadcasting
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Wireless Communications
Telecommunications specialists may work in a variety of fields, including the business and financial sector, computer and Internet field, sales, office and administrative support, and installation, maintenance and repair occupations. Training requirements for telecommunications careers in all of these areas vary by occupation, and most jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED in order to obtain an entry-level position. Some employers do offer specialized on-the-job telecommunications training programs, while others will require the candidate to complete formal training at a college or university offering telecommunications degrees or a certificate.
Enrolling in a Telecommunications Technician Training Program
A telecommunications training program at a tech school, college or university gives students the chance to participate in classroom discussions and lectures, and also complete hands-on training requirements so that they can gain the necessary skills they need to succeed in their careers. Some schools also offer online training programs, and may requires students to complete simulations or tutorials on a computer to build their skills.
Students interested in enrolling in a telecommunications technician training program typically need to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Most companies prefer to hire telecommunications technicians, equipment installers who have received some type of hands-on training in electronics and telecommunications. Students who are not enrolled in a formal education program may consider taking a private telecommunications technician training course from the National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning (NACTEL).
Those who successfully complete a telecommunications training program and find work as an equipment installer, repairer or on-call technician, may be able to pursue career advancement opportunities as an equipment technician or in the field of engineering.
Telecommunications Degree Programs
Students interested in completing a telecommunications degree program may be able to enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Networking and Telecommunications from an accredited institution. Some schools also offer master's degree programs that provide in-depth training about telecommunications technologies, installation methodologies, business operations, sales, marketing and administration.
Two-year telecommunications degree programs lead to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and provides enough training for the graduate to pursue an entry-level position in the field.
Common types of courses available through a telecommunications degree program include:
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Analog telecommunications
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Digital telecommunications
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Networking technology
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Voice telecommunications systems
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Local area networks (LAN)
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Information technology
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Fiberoptics
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Information security management
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Data network design
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Telecommunications systems analysis
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Telecommunications project management
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Database management systems
Master's telecommunication degree programs may include advanced coursework and studies in the fields of database management, information systems management, network management, telecommunications policy management and telecommunications project management.
Employment and Salary Potential After Telecommunication Training
Students who successfully complete a telecommunications technician training program, telecommunications degree or other type of telecommunication training program can explore a number of attractive telecommunications careers and career paths. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average weekly earnings of nonsupervisory workers in the telecommunications industry were $1,038 in 2008.
Telecommunications professionals can choose from several telecommunications careers, such as:
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Computer software engineers
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Computer systems software analysts
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Electronics engineers
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Networking technology
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Network systems and data communications analysts
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Business operations specialists
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Network and computer system administrators
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Telecommunications equipment installers
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Telecommunications equipment repairers
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Sales representatives
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Customer service representatives
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Retail sales
Related occupations in this field include communications equipment operators, radio and telecommunications equipment specialists and line installers and repairers.
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