Telecommunications engineers design, build and maintain the telephone network. They work with computer scientists, programmers, and other engineers to ensure that networks function efficiently and are cost-effective. Telecommunications engineers must understand how electrical signals travel through fiber-optic cables, copper wires, and radio waves. They test prototypes of new technologies and make sure that they work properly before putting them into production. They also study old or obsolete networks to help ensure that they meet new standards before they are decommissioned.
Telecommunications engineering is a growing field due to the increasing use of mobile phones, tablets, PCs, video game consoles, digital cameras, digital televisions, and other communications devices. Moreover, the demand for faster data processing has created an industry for telecommunications engineers who specialize in creating supercomputers to handle massive amounts of information quickly. Although telecommunications engineering requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering in most cases it is possible to enter this career without a four-year degree by becoming a qualified technician first and then upgrading your knowledge through continuing education courses after working as an engineer for several years.
What Do Telecommunications Engineers Do?
Telecommunications engineers design, build and maintain the telephone network. They work with computer scientists, programmers, and other engineers to ensure that networks function efficiently and are cost-effective. Telecommunications engineers must understand how electrical signals travel through fiber-optic cables, copper wires, and radio waves. They test prototypes of new technologies and make sure that they work properly before putting them into production. They also study old or obsolete networks to help ensure that they meet new standards before they are decommissioned.
Telecommunications engineers also design and manage advanced telecommunications systems that include fiber optic networks, telecommunications satellites, wireless networks, and internet and cable networks. The 4th and 5th generations of mobile networks, including 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, and the Internet of Things require a broad understanding of networking and systems. As the demand for faster data processing has created an industry for telecommunications engineers who specialize in creating supercomputers to handle massive amounts of information quickly.
Telecommunications Engineering Career Paths
After earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering, you can further your career by earning a master’s degree in engineering and then a doctorate degree in engineering. You can also enter the field as a technician and start your career as an engineer. There are many opportunities in telecommunications engineering, including designing new networks, upgrading existing networks, designing satellite systems, designing wireless networks, designing fiber optic systems, designing and managing computer and internet networks, and managing computer systems.
Bachelor’s in Engineering (BE)
Telecommunications engineers and computer engineers often have the same undergraduate curriculum, but telecommunications engineers specialize in telecommunications systems, computer systems, and engineering. In addition to the core science, math, and engineering requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering, some colleges and universities have additional requirements for telecommunications engineering. Typical requirements include a research project, a laboratory science course, a course in communication, a course in computer systems, and a course in electrical engineering.
Master’s in Engineering (ME)
After earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering, you can further your career by earning a master’s degree in engineering and then a doctorate degree in engineering. You can also enter the field as a technician and start your career as an engineer. There are many opportunities in telecommunications engineering, including designing new networks, upgrading existing networks, designing satellite systems, designing wireless networks, designing fiber optic systems, designing and managing computer and internet networks, and managing computer systems.
PhD in Engineering
Telecommunications engineers and computer engineers often have the same undergraduate curriculum, but telecommunications engineers specialize in telecommunications systems, computer systems, and engineering. In addition to the core science, math, and engineering requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering, some colleges and universities have additional requirements for telecommunications engineering. Typical requirements include a research project, a laboratory science course, a course in communication, a course in computer systems, and a course in electrical engineering.
Electronics Engineer
Telecommunications engineers design and build wired and wireless systems that transmit data over cable, radio, and optical fiber networks. They analyze and design electronic systems, including computer boards, telecommunications networks, and satellite dishes. They also test and troubleshoot electronic devices such as computers, telecommunications systems, and satellite dishes. Electronics engineers must have knowledge of computer systems and a working familiarity with electronics and engineering principles.
Networking and System Administrator
Telecommunications engineers design and build wired and wireless systems that transmit data over cable, radio, and optical fiber networks. They analyze and design electronic systems, including computer boards, telecommunications networks, and satellite dishes. They also test and troubleshoot electronic devices such as computers, telecommunications systems, and satellite dishes. Network administrators manage and maintain networks that connect computers, servers, and other electronic devices. They ensure that systems are connected, running smoothly, and secure enough to protect sensitive data.
Bottom line
Telecommunications engineers design, build and maintain the telephone network. They work with computer scientists, programmers, and other engineers to ensure that networks function efficiently and are cost-effective. Telecommunications engineers must understand how electrical signals travel through fiber-optic cables, copper wires, and radio waves. They test prototypes of new technologies and make sure that they work properly before putting them into production. They also study old or obsolete networks to help ensure that they meet new standards before they are decommissioned. Telecommunications engineers also design and manage advanced telecommunications systems that include fiber optic networks, telecommunications satellites, wireless networks, and internet and cable networks.