Additional Information
If challenging work in a high-tech field appeals to you, here are some
tips from the experts to help you get started as a telecommunications engineer.
First, get to know what goes on in telecommunications before you jump into
training. Visit a company where this kind of work is going on. After all,
school can be radically different than the working world.
Another way to find out about the industry is to talk to an engineer and
ask about their job. You can do this by contacting an engineering company,
or even a phone company, in your area.
To work as an engineer in the telecommunications industry, you'll need
at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. This typically takes at least
four years to complete. Try to find a program that places an emphasis on telecommunication.
"For people who want to get a good basic understanding of this stuff, some
kind of an engineering degree would be almost essential," says telecom engineer
and consultant Jim O'Gorman. "Also, some kind of industry training in either
Microsoft or Cisco would be great. If you've got other supplemental training
in security or cellular or wireless, that would be great too."
Many of the most successful telecommunications engineers have gone on to
graduate study in this field. This allows them to move into higher paying
positions with private companies and into teaching positions at colleges and
universities.
"A lot of the students who do two years (completing an associate's degree)
go ahead and finish the four-year degree once they get employed," says Sharon
Black, an engineering professor. "Many of the employers will pay for the extra
two years."
If you're still in school, experts recommend getting as much experience
as you can. Black says it's "absolutely critical" to participate in internship
programs. "It makes a huge difference," she says.
When choosing a school, Black suggests trying to find one with a well-equipped,
modern lab. Also, find out how long the program has been around, how many
students they take each year and their success rate in getting jobs.