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How do I Become a Telecommunications Specialist?

Tess C. Taylor
Tess C. Taylor

Telecommunications specialist jobs are plentiful in many companies because of the need to effectively manage clients by providing responsive live support with their communications products and services. In addition to actively listening to customers and trying to solve their needs, telecommunications agents are responsible for providing ongoing support and guidance to customers for the duration of their relationship with the organization. In order to become a telecommunications specialist, there are a few general requirements that you will need to work in this type of job.

Although having at least a high school diploma is a general educational requirement for telecommunications specialists, many choose to take additional coursework to achieve a two-year college or university degree in business or communications. More important than a college degree in order to become a telecommunications specialist, however, is having the innate ability to effectively listen to others, have a clear speaking telephone voice and a personality that conveys understanding and empathy for customers.

Businessman giving a thumbs-up
Businessman giving a thumbs-up

In addition to having the ability to communicate effectively, telecommunications agents should generally have higher than average sales, math and technology skills in order to beat out the competition when applying for work with telecommunications companies. A career in telecommunications also requires the ability to handle things quickly and efficiently, essentially “thinking on your feet” for a majority of the workday. Having the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, being able to adapt quickly and dealing with difficult clients are key skills to possess in order to be successful in this field.

In order to become a telecommunications specialist, many professionals choose to take an entry level job in customer service in order to receive on-the-job training and support for at least a period of one to three years from more experienced telecommunications agents. Once this level of training is attained, many customer service agents then apply to work as telecommunications specialists or support agents in order to advance within the organization. This new role allows telecommunications specialists the ability to get additional training and provide more in-depth care to customers.

Another way to become a telecommunications specialist is to take specific coursework that is geared towards work in telecommunications companies or networks. This can be achieved through searching telecommunications industry associations and looking for schools and training programs that offer classes either in-house or remotely via the Internet. Doing a search online for telecommunications training can produce many results that will get you started in this exciting career path.

Discussion Comments

SZapper

@Monika - You're right, jobs in customer service aren't for everyone! I once worked in over the phone sales and I hated it.

However, my dad works as a telecommunications specialist and he really loves his job. He always feels satisfied when he is able to help someone with a difficult customer service issue.

My dad has a couple of qualities that I think make him really well suited to this job though. First of all, he loves people! Second of all, nothing can get him upset. I think that's why he does such a great job at his work.

Monika

I've worked providing customer service over the phone, and I have to say, not everyone is cut out to do it. The article is right-you have to have excellent communication skills. Since you're on the phone you can only communicate with your voice and not with gestures or facial expression. This means you have to work hard to keep a pleasant tone of voice.

Also, many times when people have to call customer service, they are already upset. Telecommunications specialists often get yelled at and insulted by customers. It's important that you have a thick skin if you're going to do this kind of a job.

It also helps if you work at a well organized company and have someone that can help you if big issues arise. One place I worked said that if anyone asked for a supervisor, just tell them we didn't have one. You can imagine how upset people got!

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