Is telecommunications equipment a good career path? Let’s find out. One of the fastest growing industries across the globe remains the telecommunications industry. Since the invention of technology, the telecommunication industry has consistently witnessed significant growth.
It has also helped shape other industries, of which even the tech industry is part. Well, it is no overstatement to say the telecoms industry will still witness more growth in the coming years.
With the growth and evolution facing the telecoms industry alongside its trillion-dollar worth, the industry is set to become more competitive and, at the same time, provide more opportunities.
However, it is not unusual to hear people ask, “Is telecommunications equipment a good career?” And yes, certain factors determine whether or not telecommunications equipment would make an excellent personal career.
If you have doubts about whether or not telecommunications equipment is a promising career, this article is set to clear your doubts and straighten your thoughts. Let’s go!
A Brief Glance at The Telecom Industry
The telecommunications industry encompasses companies and media through which the art of communication is made possible. This industry also uses mediums such as phones, the internet, airwaves, and wired and wireless cables.
Companies in the telecom industry make provisions for the infrastructure that allows data and information to be sent worldwide.
These days, the telecommunications industry is more focused on video, data, and text as opposed to just voiced forms of communication.
The telecom industry is divided into three subsectors – telecom equipment, telecom services, and wireless communications. Of all three sectors, the telecommunications equipment sector happens to be the largest, after which telecom services come next and then wireless communications.
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The Telecommunication Equipment Industry
Generally, telecommunication equipment refers to every piece of hardware used for telecommunication purposes. Earlier, before the popularity of the internet, the definition of the telecommunications industry would have been limited to just equipment used in the telephone network.
But in these modern days and all thanks to the popularity of the internet and technology, telecommunications equipment and hardware include transmission lines, base transceiver stations, and the likes.
The telecommunications Industry produces technologies, components, and services necessary to aid communication. It also has to do with varieties of communication technologies such as the telephone, computers, and radios.
The major products of the telecoms equipment industry include networking devices such as wireless and landline infrastructure equipment, routers and switches, cable modems, cellphones, and the like.
Owing to the increase and growth of the internet as well as technology as a whole, telecommunications equipment has become increasingly important.
Types Of Telecommunications Equipment
The different kinds of Telecommunications Equipment that exist are as follows:
1. Public switching equipment
This category of telecommunication equipment includes both analog and digital equipment used in public switching systems. Analog equipment refers to traditional telephone switching systems that handle voice calls and analog signals. Digital equipment, on the other hand, involves modern digital switching systems that process voice, data, and multimedia signals using digital technology. Public switching equipment forms the core infrastructure of telecommunication networks and enables the routing and switching of calls between different users and locations.
2. Transmission Equipment
This category encompasses various devices and systems used for transmitting communication signals over long distances. It includes transmission lines, which are physical cables or optical fibers that carry signals from one location to another. Base transceiver stations are used in wireless communication systems to transmit and receive signals between mobile devices and the network. Satellites play a crucial role in long-distance communication by relaying signals between ground-based stations. Multiplexers are devices that combine multiple signals into a single transmission channel, optimizing the use of available bandwidth.
3. Customer Premises Equipment
Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) refers to the telecommunication equipment installed at the customer’s premises or location. These devices enable individuals and businesses to connect to the telecommunication network and access communication services. CPE includes modems, which convert analog or digital signals from the network into a format compatible with the customer’s equipment. Private switches are used to establish and manage private telephone networks within an organization. Routers facilitate the connection between a customer’s local network and the wider internet. Firewalls provide security by monitoring and controlling network traffic. Telephones, both traditional and IP-based, are examples of CPE used for voice communication.
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Job Outlook for the Telecoms Equipment Industry
According to a report by Market Research Future (MRFR), the Telecom Equipment Market Size is expected to grow at an 11.23% CAGR by 2025.
The global adoption rate of the internet and optic cables has directly impacted the global telecom equipment market.
However, the market’s growth might be affected by the rate at which new product development for telecom equipment requires high investment.
Nevertheless, the telecom equipment market will not stop growing soon. The growth of the telecom equipment market hinges on purchases from telephone companies, communications providers, cable companies, Radio and TV broadcasters, and other businesses.
And with the way the communication above providers and companies make necessary purchases and with the rise of more radio, TV broadcasting, and social media channels, the global telecom equipment market is growing at a steady but rapid pace.
The massive development in the telecommunications industry arising from the use of 4G and LTE networks is also one of the essential facilitators of the growth of the telecoms equipment Industry.
Certain factors contribute to the market growth of the telecommunications industry, two of which are the presence of many telecom equipment and service providers and increased investment in network infrastructure within regions of the world.
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Is Telecommunications Equipment a Good Career Path?
Now to the big question that people who seek career diversification might ask; Is telecommunications equipment a good career path?
Without much ado, the telecommunications equipment career is an excellent path! This is because a telecommunications equipment career is among the most rewarding in the communication industry and even in other industries.
The telecommunications equipment industry is constantly expanding and progressing, providing more opportunities for new talents. There are also various works available in the telecommunications equipment career path.
Therefore, if you seek to start a career in the telecommunications equipment path, there is a high possibility that great jobs await you in the industry.
The telecommunications equipment industry is always looking for new talents to join the industry. Various opportunities are available for them, and the industry offers a supportive environment.
Although understandably, the telecommunications equipment industry might not seem appealing to every job seeker as a result of personal choices that come to play, the industry remains one of the most lucrative and rewarding fields.
Businesses and companies are constantly creating and improving on technological advancements, and by 2025, the telecommunications industry will generate approximately $880 billion in revenue.
By this estimation, there is never a better time to start a career path in the telecommunications industry than now.
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What Are the Examples of a Telecommunications Equipment Career?
Some telecommunication equipment careers include the following:
- Customer Service Representative
- Computer Programmer
- Telecommunications Operator
- Telecommunications Technician
- Cable Installer
- Telecommunications Specialist
- Telecommunications Manager
- Systems Manager.
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Data Analyst.
Benefits of Starting a Career in the Telecommunications Equipment Industry.
Is telecommunications equipment a good career path? We cannot answer this question without considering the benefits of working in the industry.
As mentioned earlier, the telecommunications equipment industry is one field that is witnessing steady but rapid growth in market size.
With job opportunities exploding in the industry, job seekers with the right qualifications do not need to worry about getting enough jobs.
Without much ado, the following are the benefits of starting a career in telecommunications equipment:
1. Guaranteed Job Security
With the rate at which jobs are not guaranteed in the recent global employment industry, job security is one of the most significant benefits venturing into the telecommunications equipment career would give job seekers.
As the telecommunications Equipment Industry is one that hardly phases out, job seekers can successfully have good job hunting.
2. Technological Edge
Since the telecommunication equipment industry can hardly do without technology, people who are into the telecommunication equipment industry always have the edge over those who aren’t, as they would constantly updated with the latest trends in the tech industry.
3. Telecom-Sub Sector Mobility
The telecom equipment industry offers a variety of job opportunities and, as a result, offers various job positions for those willing to hop on the ride.
One experience in telecommunication equipment can open doors for more adventures, opportunities, and qualifications.
After gaining enough experience in one telecom equipment industry, one can choose to move to another sector in the industry.
4. Satisfactory Income
Since the telecommunication equipment industry is in high demand, anyone who wants to venture into the telecommunications equipment career path can always be assured that he or she will earn an adequate income.
5. Advancement Opportunities
For anyone wanting to step up the corporate ladder in the telecommunications equipment industry, several opportunities are awaiting them in the telecoms market.
This is one advantage that cannot be overemphasized.
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Cons of a Career in Telecommunications Equipment.
Although several benefits are associated with launching a career in the Telecommunications Equipment Industry, it doesn’t invalidate the fact that there are cons associated with it.
The following are the Cons of starting a career in the Telecommunications Equipment Industry:
1. Having to constantly be on the move.
Some roles in the Telecommunications Industry require constant geographical mobility. And for someone who does not fancy the idea of having to constantly be on the move, this could serve as a disadvantage.
2. Having to manage the Operational costs of companies.
The cost of operating a Telecom company is on the high side. Some roles require the individual to be able to deploy means of cutting down on cost.
Trying to figure this out can sometimes lead to mental exhaustion on the part of the professional.
3. Increased Workload
Some job positions in the Telecoms Industry, albeit boasting of a good income, come with many workloads and tight deadlines.
This is one of the disadvantages of working in the Telecoms Equipment Industry.
4. Work-life balance
Owing to the heavy workloads that some job positions come with, it might not be easy trying to navigate a work-life balance. This could go a long way in affecting one’s social and personal life.
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Skills required to Succeed in a Career in Telecommunications Equipment
To succeed in the Telecommunications Equipment career, one must have some essential skills.
Essential skills necessary for success in the Telecommunication Equipment Career include:
1. Clearance Skills
Some telecom industry jobs would require clearance skills as you might be requested to perform classified duties while maintaining a security clearance. This skill is mostly required of Communication Specialists in the Industry.
2. Communication Skills
Since telecoms professionals would need to work on customers’ requirements and assist them with meeting their needs, possessing communication skills is quite essential to succeed in the Telecoms Industry as you would need to provide network support for the company’s telecommunicatio
3. Management Skills
The management skill of a Telecommunication Equipment Professional enables them to take care of workers and employee needs in the company. It also allows them to manage their workload and see a performance improvement.
Given this, management skill is required of anyone who wants to succeed in a Telecommunication career.
4. Ability to manage Telephone Systems
Sometimes, the duties of telecommunication professionals would require them to come in direct contact with telephone systems.
Therefore, anyone seeking to succeed in the Telecoms Industry must be skilled in installing and managing the telephone system.
5. Administrative Skills
Although this skill is most important to Strategic job positions, it is safe to have basic administrative skills to have a successful career in the Telecoms Industry.
This would enable one to communicate effectively with the management and team members. Depending on the role, it would also help you to be able to coordinate surveys and evaluations.
6. Programming Skills
For any telecom expert, Programming is a must-have skill as networking and data are increasingly dependent on specialized software.
7. IT Support Skills
To succeed in the Telecom Equipment Career, one has to have basic IT skills to attend to customers’ needs and perform efficiently.
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Qualifications Required for Telecommunication Equipment
As telecommunications equipment is one of the most critical industries in the world, telecommunication professionals are expected to be educated.
This is not strange as every profession requires at least some formal education. While some positions in the telecommunications equipment industry require a college degree, some require a postsecondary school degree and certification.
Also, the training requirements for the telecommunication industry differ as while some might require on-the-job training and pre-employment tests for confirmation of capabilities, some might not.
The beautiful thing about the telecommunications equipment industry is that job opportunities exist for every educational level. Job seekers who are trained in telecommunications are likely to land jobs such as technicians or engineers.
And typically, telecom technicians require a higher level of education in either electronics or telecommunications to perform their job to the needed expectations.
Also, job opportunities in the telecom equipment industry offer the initial training needed to ace the job duty. In a nutshell, to start a career in telecommunication equipment, one must have the least of a college degree.
An undergraduate degree in engineering, science or any related telecommunications field would also serve as an advantage for job seekers and help them start a career in telecommunications equipment faster.
It is also an added advantage for job seekers taking programming, networking, and system designing classes.
Salary and Job Outlook for a Career in Telecommunications Equipment
As time passes, more opportunities are expected to be open in the telecommunications equipment industry.
However, a decrease in the need for technicians and repairers is predicted to happen in years to come as there is now an increased dependency on wireless and mobile devices that would not need so much setup and repairs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the job growth rate for telecom equipment installers and repairers is likely to reduce by 3% between 2020 and 2029. At the same time, the job growth for broadcast and sound engineers is set to increase by 9% over the same time frame.
According to the reports of the BLS, the average annual salary for all telecommunications positions is $74,130.
In a nutshell, as technological advances continue to increase, there will be a decreased demand for some of these job positions.
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How Much Can You Make From a Career in Telecommunications Equipment?
Given that the Telecommunications Equipment Career is a lucrative industry, anyone who decides to start a career in it can earn between $70,000 and $140,000.
However, the amount you can make from a career in the Telecommunications Industry depends on your skills, qualifications, and experience.
Therefore, you need to possess traditional skills and qualifications to earn higher. The necessary experience is also a plus, as these factors would ensure you make a good salary.
List of Best Paying Jobs in the Telecommunications Equipment Career.
Is telecommunications a good career path? Let’s consider the best paying jobs to prove that this industry is worth it.
The following are carefully selected best-paying Jobs in the Telecommunications Equipment Career.
- 1. Telecom Project/Equipment Management.
- 2. Computer Programming.
- 3. Telecommunications Management.
- 4. Cyber Security.
- 5. Data Architecture
- 6. Broadband Engineering.
- 7. Antenna Engineering.
- 8. Data Science.
- 9. Instrumentation and Control Design Engineering.
- 10. Dish Network Installation.
- 11. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Engineering.
- 12. Administrative Assistance
- 13. Telecommunication Civil Construction
- 14. Telecommunications Service Technician.
- 15. Telecommunications Equipment Sales Officers
- 16. Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturing.
- 17. System Management.
- 18. Optics Slicing
- 19. Fiber Optics Technician
- 20. Site Reliability Engineering.
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What Companies are in the Telecommunications Equipment Career?
In trying to build a career in the Telecommunications Equipment industry, the following are companies you might want to put in mind.
1. Cisco (CSCO)
This is one of the largest Telecommunications Equipment companies in the Industry. It boasts of a Market cap of $190 billion.
2. Motorola Solutions (MSI)
This is one of the world’s largest and most popular telecommunication companies. It has existed for over fifteen years and is listed as the second largest telecom equipment company on Coin Market Cap. It boasts of a market cap of $42.10 billion.
3. Ericsson (ERIC)
Ranking third in the list of largest telecommunication companies on Coin Market Cap, Ericsson boasts a $26.42 billion Market Cap and is one of the telecom equipment companies to look for.
4. Juniper Networks (JNPR)
Another famous and large telecom equipment company, JNPR ranks fourth on the Coin Market Cap’s list of most giant Telecom Equipment Industries. JNPR boasts of a Market Capitalization price of $9.27 billion.
5. CommScope (COMM)
CommScope is another Telecommunication Company in the Telecom Industry. It ranks fifth on Coin Market Cap’s list of Largest Telecommunication equipment and boasts a market cap price of $2.09 billion.
How to Get Started in a Career in the Telecommunications Equipment Career
To start a career in the Telecommunications Equipment Industry, you must possess the necessary skills, experiences, and educational requirements.
Some of these skills include but are not limited to:
- Computing Skills.
- Programming
- Effective communication skills
- Team playing skills
- Interpersonal relationship skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Multitasking Skills.
- Technological Skills.
- Organizational Skills.
Asides from having these skills, it is also essential that one possesses the necessary certifications needed to fit into some roles in the Telecom equipment career.
While some roles require having a degree in Engineering and likely fields, some might only require high school certifications and some years of experience.
Finding a company to work with is another step in Starting a career in the Telecoms Equipment Industry. With the help of Job sites such as Indeed and Glassdoor, you can conduct personal research on companies to apply to start a career in Telecommunications equipment.
FAQs On Is Telecommunications Equipments A Good Career Path
Is the Telecommunication Equipment Industry Lucrative?
Who can Start a career in the Telecommunications Equipment Industry?
Is Telecommunications Equipment Limited to Just Equipment used in the industry?
Conclusion
Finally, the answer to the question, Is telecommunications equipment a good career path is Yes. In all, telecommunications equipment (and even the telecommunication industry as a whole) is set to keep witnessing rapid growth.
Resultantly, there would be continuous demand for professional and qualified candidates to keep filling the roles that would keep opening up in the industry.
Telecommunication equipment is an excellent career to break into. Venturing into the telecommunication equipment industry would make an interesting and exciting career journey. It remains a perfect career option laced with exciting rewards.
References
- investopedia.com – What is the Telecommunications Sector?
- .techopedia.com – What is Telecommunications Equipment?
- globenewswire.com – Telecom equipment Market size
- .vastlearners.com – Is Telecommunications Equipment a Good Career Path?
- zippia.com – Is Telecommunications Equipment a Good Career path?
- .realmina.com – is Telecommunications Equipment a Good Career Path?
- indeed.com – 11 Careers in Telecommunications.
- companiesmarketcap.com – Largest telecommunications equipment companies by Market cap
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