Careers in telecommunications include any job involving communication via voice, video or the Internet. There are a wide range of jobs available for those interested in telecom employment. Workers are needed for the creation of products, installation and service of equipment and processes, customer support and sales.

Choosing a career in telecommunications currently suggests a strong and successful employment future because of constantly emerging technology and the need to accommodate progress. The Internet, cable and satellite technologies and wireless communication are all racing for new and better products. To proceed into a career in telecommunications, ask yourself these questions first:

1. Which jobs in telecom would be a good fit for you?

2. Do you have the education you need to be hired into a telecom industry job?

3. Is the posted salary range for your desired telecommunications career in line with your financial expectations?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide which of the many telecommunications jobs is right for you

You love the telecommunications industry but are not sure what job would be best for you. What jobs are available? What jobs meet your current level of training and experience? What duties would you fulfill at that job?

I recommend: The Vocational Information Center offers a list of current telecom careers with extensive information on each job. For each job you are interested in, you will discover working conditions, salary information and education or experience requirements. For other work conditions and job specific information that will assist in confirming your interest in the job or not, AnalyzeMyCareer.com provides details on each job.

Decide if you agree with all the jobs specs for your chosen telecom industry job

Make sure you are up for the duties of the position you want. Working conditions, salary and necessary training can quickly lead to discontentment if they do not meet your expectations. What are the requirements for the job you are interested in? Do you have the education you need for the position you want? Some jobs will require a college degree. Many industry associations offer courses as refreshers or training for jobs where a degree is not necessary.

I recommend: As the number of telecom jobs increases, salary numbers will also increase. Salary.com answers one of the first questions people have when considering a job. How much can you expect to get paid? As with any other field, those with appropriate schooling will be in the position to make better money. For online education, the International Engineering Consortium has a variety of printable, podcast and other online trainings. The Yale University Library suppplies a list of other telecommunications associations that may offer training.

Stay current on the latest technology for the best telecommunications employment

In such a fast-paced industry, the most valuable employees will be the ones who keep up with the most recent technology advancement. Staying on top of technology and current trends is imperative for all those employed in telecommunications careers, not just engineers.

I recommend: The Federal Communications Commission is an industry source for the newest telecom information. The site shares current industry headlines and an Initiatives section that introduces the areas that the FCC assists in regulating but also shares current happenings on each subject. The Center for Public Integrity will fill you in on the latest telecom news and also keeps you up-to-date with the top companies to work for in the industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can work and get training for telecom careers simultaneously by getting a degree online from one of the many institutions that offer telecommunications, IT or engineering degrees.

Experts agree that even in a shaky economy, careers in telecommunications are still a hot spot for anyone seeking sustainable employment. A wide variety of telecom careers are available to suit most any skill level or area of interest.

With such a wide field from which to choose, the key to finding that perfect telecommunication career is to narrow your area of interest without limiting yourself to one specific telecom industry job. When reviewing telecommunication job listings, consider the following:

1. What aspect of a career in telecommunications interests you most? Is it pay, job portability, the technical aspects?

2. Do you have any experience which makes you a better candidate for any particular telecommunications jobs?

3. Is there a specific employer that offers a variety of telecommunications careers that appeal to you? More telecom industry jobs with a particular company means greater opportunities for advancement or diversification.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get job descriptions for a variety of telecom careers

The field of telecommunications contains such an enormous variety of telecom jobs. Reviewing telecom industry job descriptions will help you decide if a specific career is right for you, or it may spark an interest in a telecom career you may not have considered.

I recommend: The Telecommunications Careers Guide at the Vocational Information Center is a fantastic resource containing dozens of career descriptions to help in your decision making process. A general idea of what the telecommunication industry is all about can be found at Career Explorer.

Find the right school for training in telecommunications career jobs

If you don't have quite the level of expertise needed for the telecommunications industry job that interests you most, there are plenty of traditional campus and online schools that can speed you on your way.

I recommend: For an accredited on line degree program including a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology/Telecommunications, the University of Phoenix is an obvious choice. The Penn Foster Career School offers a Telecommunications Technician program that can get you started in your telecommunications training right away.

Search telecommunication job listings for your ideal telecom job

Finding a telecommunications career has never been easier. Armed with job descriptions and sources of training, it's time to get an idea of telecom job openings right now.

I recommend: Telecom Careers is an excellent search starting page. Telecom jobs has over 1000 offerings of telecommunication jobs. Telecommunication industry jobs listed by state are on FlipDog.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There is almost no limit to the type and amount of careers in telecommunications. To get true insight into the ups and downs of this career choice, interview someone employed in the telecommunications industry. Check with friends and family to see if someone they know works in this field.

Whether you’re interested in embarking on a career in telecommunications or simply need some continuing education to further your current job, seek careers in telecommunications education and training to expand your knowledge base.

Careers in communications are plentiful—-everything from broadcast media and engineering to information technology and telecommunications analysis. The key to landing jobs in telecom industries is having the proper degree, certification or specialized training. Receive the necessary skills for your telecommunications employment by doing the following:

1. Find a local college or technical school where you can take courses and earn a degree for telecommunications careers.
2. Enroll in online courses to learn marketable skills for telecommunications jobs at your own pace.
3. Sign up for seminars and workshops aimed at careers in telecommunications to receive training tailored to a specific talent needed for telecom employment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Earn a degree or certificate that will qualify you for telecom job openings

Most telecom careers require a degree or reward employees with the top tier of a salary range if they earn an advanced degree. Research the schools in your area that offer courses to make your education more convenient and economical.

I recommend: Find local schools that offer degrees and classes to qualify you for an assortment of telecom jobs through the directory at Search 4 Career Colleges. The site covers both on-campus locations and schools that offer online degrees. All Computer Schools offers information on different telecommunications career jobs and the resources to find schools that offer related degrees and certificates.

Get online education to enhance your skills for a telecom industry job

If you want to train for jobs in telecom industries while you're working in another field, for example, online education is the way to go. You'll be able to train for your new position without forfeiting your current salary until you're ready to make the career transition.

I recommend: Further your telecommunications career with a Master of Science in Telecommunications Networks degree from the Polytechnic Institute of NYU. The institute also has certificate programs for subjects like telecommunications networks and wireless innovations. Online Education offers information on telecommunications degrees and programs for services including voice, graphics, video, data and Internet communication.

Attend seminars to brush up on skills necessary for telecom jobs

With the variety of telecom careers, gaining expertise in different niches will not only make you a more valuable employee, but also give you options if you want to apply for a new job title. Workshops that allow you to gain additional knowledge in just a few days are well worth the investment.

I recommend: Take seminars to learn more about technology and fundamentals to assist with current telecommunications industry jobs or to explore new careers through Teracom Training Institute. The company offers on-site training seminars, as well as self-study courses and study guides. The Resource Center offers training workshops on such topics as data communications, networking, computer telephony and the Internet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When browsing for employment opportunities in telecommunication job listings, make note of special skills, certificates or qualifications that will make you a more desirable candidate to employers. You can then tailor the education and training you receive to attain those qualifications.

Telecommunications is a broad industry that refers to technology that sends information. Information can be sent by cables, satellite or wirelessly through networks and radio frequencies. Careers in telecommunications cover a wide range within this industry from maintaining and installing telecoms equipment, selling, managing, or designing and analyzing telecoms. Many other industries also rely on information technology and telecommunications to help them run their business efficiently. While job descriptions for telecom careers can vary from company to company, here are some terms and general categories of careers in the telecommunications industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Network systems analysts, data communication analysts

Network systems analysts are those who can design, evaluate and implement networks within companies. This job includes monitoring performance of the network and interfacing between hardware and software on the network.

I recommend: O-net Online provides a job summary of network systems analysts, including skills, abilities, knowledge and roles.

Telecommunications technician

A telecommunications technician is one who installs, repairs or maintains telecommunications equipment. An example of a telecommunications technician would be a cable installer. A cable installer can provide troubleshooting advice and can work on an on-call basis for emergency repairs.

I recommend: Job profiles provides a description of telecommunications technician.

IT manager

An IT manager is the person responsible for all the aspects of information technology in a company, which includes telecommunications and hardware/equipment needs. Such persons often have high technical knowledge, but temper this with an understanding of business models in order to manage effectively and be a liaison with customers and business.

I recommend: Marios Alexandrou, a web strategist and project manager, provides a sample job description of an IT manager.

Network administrator

A network administrator is the person who oversees and controls access to a network. The network administrator manages data back-up and security for the network and configures the network to meet business needs.

I recommend: State University.com provides an overview of network administrator jobs.

Convergence technologies professional (CTP)

A convergence technologies professional is a professional designation in the telecommunications field, based on standards and knowledge in all types of communications technology. After completing a high-stakes exam based on core knowledge about standards and protocols of convergent technologies, the designation of CTP is given.

I recommend: For more information, visit the website for the Convergence Technologies Professional program.

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

The Telecommunications Industry Association is the association for the regulation and standards set for the telecommunications field. It represents the telecommunications industry in government and global affairs and also provides the Convergence Technologies Professional (CTP) certification and Certified in Convergent Network Technologies (CCNT) program.

I recommend: Go to TIA for more information about this association.