How to become a Telecommunications Engineer

Telecommunication engineering is a speciality engineering field that is associated with the transmission of information or data across channels via wired or wireless means. A Telecommunication engineer is basically an electrical or an electronics engineer that has chosen to concentrate on a particular type of technology, say, telephone network or broadband telecommunication. Telecommunication engineering also overlaps with broadcast engineering. These individuals are responsible for the design and implementation of data transmission equipment for wired phones, cable, cellular, and broadband networks.

The telecommunication engineering course is comprehensive as it empowers aspirants with informed knowledge and understanding of concepts ranging from basic circuit design to strategic mass developments. Telecommunication engineering subjects are Digital Systems, Fuzzy logic and neural networks, Digital Communication, Digital Signal Processing, Microprocessors and microcontrollers and microwaves, VHDL and VLSI, among others.Telecommunication engineering jobs are generally abundant in wired and wireless communication companies, government agencies, and engineering consulting firms. System integrators such as Wipro, Accenture, IBM, Telecom equipment manufacturers like Samsung, Motorola, Telecom service providers such as Jio, Vodafone and research laboratories are also major employers of Telecommunication engineers.

The role of a telecommunication engineer is multifaceted but typically depends on the area of specialization. Generally,  it comprises of the following tasks:

• Prepare budgets and discuss proposals with clients
• Improvise details of equipment design and recommend modifications
• Perform inspections of electronic equipment, devices and systems to ensure they meet the safety standards and regulations
• Maintain and develop testing procedures for telecommunication systems 
• Design electronic and electrical components, products and software according to the requirements

A Telecommunication engineer needs to have a set of hard skills and soft skills along with a relevant educational background in order to excel in the field. Telecommunication engineers must have leadership skills, team working skills, the ability to work well under pressure, great communication skills and a sharp, analytic mind along with problem-solving skills. Telecommunication engineer jobs require an eye for detail, innovation, adaptability, especially with new technology and dexterous application of logical concepts and thus, aspirants must exhibit these traits to at least some extent. In order to give justice to the role of a telecommunication engineer, aspirants must also have commercial awareness about the sector she/he wishes to work in.

In order to enroll into a Bachelor’s program at an esteemed university, aspirants are expected to clear the JEE main and subsequently, the JEE Advance exam which makes the aspirant eligible to apply anywhere in India. It is a very difficult and challenging exam to crack that requires hard work as well as rigorous and consistent preparation. Some states have their own entrance exams that are admissible in their respective universities. Many educational institutes conduct their own entrance tests.

Depending on one’s educational background, experience, and skillsets, aspirants may apply for the following telecommunication engineering jobs:

• Service Maintenance Engineer
• Test engineer
• Network Planning Engineer
• Electronics and Communications Consultant
• Telecommunication Technician
• Product designer
• Technical Director
• Project Manager - Production & Maintenance