Certifications for a Career in Telecommunications Question 2

Certifications for a Career in Telecommunications Question 2

Advantage but No Guarantees

Note that IT certification options should be used in a foundational manner and are not specific or guarantees for any telecom vendor; they are also not necessarily restricted to the telecom environment. In the competitive environment for jobs in telecom, the certification can be an advantage and a sign of initiative. However, there are no guarantees as requirements vary from one organization to another. Having realistic expectations are some of the issues Jidaw stresses in its IT career empowerment programs. Several telecom companies will ask newcomers for CCNA or a relevant certification in addition to formal education, some will not.

In addition you should know that telecommunications covers a wide area. Jidaw keeps emphasizing the need for local human capital in telecom and ICT at various fora. People not infrastructure are the real backbone. Telecom opportunities exist in some of these areas because of poor telecom infrastructure, and the huge demand for telecom access by the public and the growing influx of electronic services (e-payments, e-business, etc).

Planning for the Vast Telecom Space

Rapid growth in the telecom has been a major driver behind the emergence of global digital economy. Telecom comprises many different but often interconnected areas. The convergence of telecommunication and computer communication has further deepened the extent and impact of telecom. The reality is that telecom engineering encompasses the technologies, networks and techniques used to achieve voice, wireless and data communications. Popular standards/technologies of importance include Cable (Fibre optics), cellular, GSM, TDMA, CDMA, Bluetooth, PDH, GPRS, Satellite Communications (VSAT), Wireless, Radio, Towers and Masts, etc.

It is a fast changing field and so interested individuals must have the desire to learn and develop new knowledge on an ongoing basis. Also it requires a resourceful and problem solving attitude. Planning too requires management and organization skills. And don’t rule out travel and the physical. Quite a few opportunities require physical field installation and inspection. And for telecom engineers, especially those who work with customers and are involved in sales, good communications and people skills are a must.

Problem Solving

Because of the significance of telecom infrastructure in all that we do, the work requires analytical thinking as well as the ability to work and solve problems under pressure and respond quickly to issues. As noted above, significant overlaps exist between telecom engineering and computer networking; convergence too has its requirements. The fact that most modern telecom equipment works with computers has also made above average computer skills a necessity for telecom engineers.

Activity is high in telecom. Everybody's talking. Everybody is connecting. But don't get carried away with popularity and the noise of the crowd. The issue is that you need to have a plan and choose options that best fit into your path. Employ options that improve your chances while you market yourself for opportunity. Job search for telecom opportunity can be very competitive so as we stress during Jidaw's FREE ITCareer Seminar - go beyond the technical - position yourself and take marketing yourself and using your personal networks serious.

Just as you have asked Jidaw this question keep digging for information that will you help you make the right choices. Do your research on the various areas and know which area of interests you: Voice, data networks, cabling, Wireless, Mobile telephony, VSAT?

What do Telecom engineers do?

Telecommunications engineers design, implement and manage telecommunications equipment, software and systems to meet communication needs. However, the nature of work varies extensively. Work could be design of cell phones, VSAT installation, fibre installation, tower equipment manufacture, equipment/network maintenance, RF optimization and support, research and development, analyzing customer needs, network planning, project implementation, telecommunications analysis and management, etc. Obviously job requirements will also vary widely.

It’s about being able to manage, maintain and design the systems that transfer and store voice, data and other forms of information for networks and many other uses.

Your desire and commitment are important.  

Use avenues like the seminar for information and direction. The seminar is designed to answer the questions regarding career choices and give you direction so that your efforts and resources are not wasted. Career growth and achievement is more than just a certificate. It is beyond training and certification.

In doing your research talk to those working in these companies and consider their recruitment policies and nature of work. Get involved and network with professional associations that matter like the Nigeria Computer Society. Check out Jobs in Telecom resource. As you must know at Jidaw, we encourage resourcefulness and creativity. More Knowledge! More Power! There is nothing cast in stone. Issues mentioned are purely suggestions based on my opinion. The ball is in your court. Use this information, open your eyes, follow the clues, see the pattern, and create your own path. 

Maintain focus, be committed. You will get there!

Jide Awe

Founder, Jidaw.com

Read more on: Certifications for a Career in Telecommunications Question 1