A career as a telecommunications engineer is a good career choice worth considering. It has long-term benefits and a promising future with the extraordinary era of connectivity, innovation and transformation.

A Telecommunications engineer is a specialist who designs voice, video, and data communications systems to keep users connected. They are generally responsible for installing, testing, and repairing communications systems. Venturing into a career as a telecommunications engineer will allow you to work in a fascinating field of engineering and communications.

However, you need to have certain requirements and skills in other to pursue this career path.

In this piece, I will guide you through the steps to take to pursue a career as a telecommunications engineer.

Steps to Start a Career as a Telecommunications Engineer

1. Obtain an O’level Degree:

   In other to pursue a career as a telecommunications engineer, you need to be a science student. You should have a minimum of five(5) credit passes in subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Economics and any other science subject.

2. Write the JAMB Examination and Post UME:

   You must score 200 and above in your JAMB results. The compulsory subjects you should register for are Use of English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Additionally, the score of your Post UME will also be a factor for your admission into the University.

3. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree:

   You should apply to Universities that are accredited to study Telecommunications engineering. After five years of theoretical and experimental study, you will obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (B.Eng).

4. Gain Practical Experience:

   You must gain relevant experience in telecommunications engineering. You can apply for internships and entry-level positions. This can improve your knowledge and be an addition to your resume.

5. Develop Technical and Soft Skills:

   This is a necessity to thrive in this career path. You should take programming courses, cloud computing courses and CCNA security courses. Additionally, you should also develop soft skills that can enable you to handle opportunities that come your way.

6. Join Professional Associations:

   The importance of belonging to a professional association cannot be overemphasized. This will give you access to opportunities in your field, access to senior colleagues, and growth opportunities. You can register with the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering and The Association of Telecommunication Engineers of Nigeria

Branches of Telecommunication Engineering

1. Network Architect: The engineers in this field are responsible for designing or deploying computer data communication networks. They design all kinds of data from the local area networks(LANs) to extensive networks (WANs).
2. Wireless Communication Engineering: This field of telecommunication engineering is in charge of designing, and the application of wireless technologies.
3. Optical Communication Engineering: These engineers focus on designing and building optical fibre systems and devices. They focus on using light and optical technology to solve problems.
4. Telecommunication Software Engineering: A telecom software engineer is responsible for overseeing the installation of telecommunication equipment. They create basic circuit design networks and wireless networks.
5. Data Communication Engineering: The engineers in this field design, implement, configure and manage VPN devices and connectivity.
6. Satellite Communication Engineering: They design technical support to aid the direct satellite orbiting and enable it to function properly.
7. Mobile Communication Engineering: The engineers in this field focus on improving and developing mobile technologies to boost the convenience of communicating over distances.

Universities in Nigeria to Study Telecommunications Engineering

1. Abu (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State)
2. Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State
3. Baze University, Abuja, FCT
4. Bayero University, Kano, Kano State
5. Bells University Of Technology, Ota, Ogun State
6. Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Niger State
7. Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State

Career Opportunities in Telecommunications Engineering Discipline

1. Telephone network providers
2. Mobile phone Companies
3. Telecommunication Industries
4. Electronics Designer
5. Satellite Communications Industries
6. Radio Communications Industries
7. Network Manager
8. Computer Software Engineers
9. Aviation Sectors

Salary of Telecommunication Engineers

The average salary of telecommunication engineers in Nigeria ranges from N100,000 to N300,000 monthly. This may be higher or lower depending on their level of experience and the industry being worked under.

A career as a Telecommunication engineer can be an excellent career choice. Additionally, it is one of the careers that have potentially high annual income for engineers. The best thing to do is to familiarise yourself with the knowledge and skills needed and have a good network of professionals. With this, you are sure to enjoy an excelling career.

Good luck.

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