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What are the Different Types of Telecom Jobs?

K. Kinsella
K. Kinsella

The telecommunication industry provides televisions, telephone, Internet and cable access to people all over the world. Telecom jobs include engineers, sales people, customer service representatives, and installers. Each section of the telecommunications industry employs people to develop new products and services, as well individuals who must attract, retain, and service existing customers. There are entry-level telecom jobs as well as highly skilled positions.

Engineers and scientists conduct research to develop new forms of telecommunication and enhance existing products and services. These individuals work on experimental prototypes of data communications systems, and attempt to find new ways to more efficiently transmit information from broadcasters and network providers to consumers. Telecommunication engineers also determine the placement of cellular towers and satellite broadcasting systems. Computer engineers and systems analysts develop software for cell phones and Internet based programs used by both consumer and business customers. System engineers also develop remedies for any problems that arise with existing software or telecommunication systems.

A cellular tower.
A cellular tower.

Many telecom jobs involve travel, and foremost among these positions are installer jobs. Cable installers lay underground cables and connect these cables to people's homes. Satellite installers place satellite dishes on the homes of customers, and have to position the dishes correctly so that the receiver can pick up clear transmissions. Linemen climb cellular towers and telephone poles to rectify problems and perform basic maintenance tasks. Some installers help business and consumer customers activate Internet services and new telephone systems.

Some telecom jobs involve satellite communication.
Some telecom jobs involve satellite communication.

There are numerous telecom jobs that involve customer service. Telephone operators field questions from customers pertaining to service breakdowns and technical issues. Specialist customer service representatives are trained to talk customers through procedures to remedy simple problems with satellite receivers or cable devices. Billing specialists handle questions from customers about charges for the services, and proactively offer related telecommunication services to existing clients. Other phone based telecom jobs include service schedulers who arrange installation times for new customers and organize service visits for existing customers experiencing technical problems.

Telecom workers include engineers, scientists, sales, service and installation personnel.
Telecom workers include engineers, scientists, sales, service and installation personnel.

The individuals employed in telecom jobs that have the most direct contact with the public are the sales people. Cellphone operators often have specialized stores where people can learn about and sign up for cellphone plans. Stores are usually staffed by sales people whose pay is largely based upon commission. Field sales people visit large businesses to try to establish contracts for providing telephone, cable, Internet or satellite television access. These telecom jobs often involve significant amounts of travel, as business sales liaisons usually cover large areas.

Discussion Comments

Azuza

@sunnySkys - Your comment kind of highlighted what I thought when I was reading the article. There are so many different kinds of telecom jobs! If you don't like one, you could simply train and switch to another.

I personally would not want to have to work as a "billing specialist." I know I've been unable to pay my cell phone bill a few times, and I've gotten pretty testy with the billing people. Even though I know it's my own fault, it makes me so mad that they call my phone 15 times a day! By the time I actually decide to pick up, I'm already upset!

sunnySkys

A friend of mine used to work in customer service for a telecom company. He worked in their wireless service division.

At first he liked his job, because he felt like he was helping people. After all, most people rely heavily on their cell phones in their day to day lives.

However, eventually the customer service part of the job really got to him. It seemed like there were about ten rude customers for every nice person he spoke to!

He ended up going back to school for engineering. Now he works in a more "behind the scenes" aspect at the same telecom company. He likes his job much more now than he used to!

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    • A cellular tower.
      By: borissos
      A cellular tower.
    • Some telecom jobs involve satellite communication.
      By: yuriy
      Some telecom jobs involve satellite communication.
    • Telecom workers include engineers, scientists, sales, service and installation personnel.
      By: pedrosala
      Telecom workers include engineers, scientists, sales, service and installation personnel.
    • Linemen often climb telephone poles to rectify problems and perform basic maintenance tasks.
      By: ALCE
      Linemen often climb telephone poles to rectify problems and perform basic maintenance tasks.
    • Satellite installers install and test satellite systems.
      By: bokstaz
      Satellite installers install and test satellite systems.