Telecommunication is talking to someone or something with the use of technology such as the cell phone, Internet and radio. This industry is one of the fastest-moving industries. The transmission of messages used to take hours or days, but now this can be done with a single click of a button, with the message going from one point to another in seconds. Moreover, the technology used in telecommunications changes constantly. New models or upgrades of cell phones and other telecommunication gadgets come out in the market every couple of weeks or months. The technologies that allow these gadgets to converge with one another such as being able to browse the Internet on your television and cell phone are developed on a day-to-day basis. As such, working in the giant industry of telecommunication is no easy feat. Telecommunication jobs require those that are able to learn, work, and adapt quickly.
There is a large number of jobs that comprise the workforce of this huge industry. These jobs can be fieldwork such as the cable line installer, or it can mean sitting in front of a computer like the computer software engineer. Of all these jobs, however, there are five of which keep the gears of telecommunication turning.
The term engineer is quite broad and comprises a huge chunk of the industry. The Engineers are the creators of the various technologies. They develop solutions to different technological and communication problems, apply theories based on research done, and design systems. They also make sure that every aspect of these developments work and function as intended.
The product manager works hand-in-hand with the engineers to make sure that the product works. They determine the type of products that should be developed by seeking out the end users’ needs, they help develop the product and they come up with strategies on how to market and sell the product to the end user. They are involved in the product from conceptualization to sale.
Those in-charge of public and government relations are tasked with managing how the company and the products it carries are viewed by the public. They also work with the government to ensure good relations between not just the company that they work for and the government, but between the telecommunications industry as a whole and the government. Because this industry is one of the most regulated, there is also a need for those who are in-charge of government relations to lobby government officials and help draft legislation.
Salespeople sell the product or service to the customer. Aside from the ability to persuade the customer of his need of the product or service, they must also be able to learn and adapt quickly to the constantly changing industry and market. They must also have a certain level of technical know-how in order to be effective salespeople.
The customer service and support staff answer phone calls and emails from the customer. They serve as liaisons between the company and the customer, especially when problems with the product arise. They not only help to solve the problem, they also ensure the satisfaction of the customer.
Due to the size of the telecommunication industry, telecommunication jobs are widely-varied and comprise a huge portion of the worldwide workforce. The industry is fast-changing and it is always expanding. Thus, the need for skilled workers is always present.