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Communications Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Communications Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people who want broad career flexibility across media, marketing, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. Use the tools below to see which communications roles fit your background and goals.

This is a highly flexible major whose value comes from transferable skills (writing, persuasion, media literacy) rather than one fixed job title. Use the tools below to explore Communications-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Communications Assistant, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Communications Director or Marketing Director. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Communications careers/jobs, (2) Find Communications job listings, (3) Prepare for Communications careers, and (4) Provide Communications career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Communications careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Communications Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Communications careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Communications, so relevant Communications jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Communications Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Communications Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Communications careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 39 Communications Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

14 Communications careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Communications-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Communications-Related Jobs

Audio and Video Technicians 26.2% Audio Visual Communications Systems Technician
Occupation: Audio and Video Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 26.2% Communications-Related Jobs: Audio Visual Communications Systems Technician
Public Relations Specialists 11.4% Corporate Communications Specialist; Digital Communications Specialist; Environmental Communications Specialist; Information and Communications Specialist; Internal Communications Specialist; Marketing Communications Coordinator; Marketing Communications Specialist
Occupation: Public Relations Specialists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 11.4% Communications-Related Jobs: Corporate Communications Specialist; Digital Communications Specialist; Environmental Communications Specialist; Information and Communications Specialist; Internal Communications Specialist; Marketing Communications Coordinator; Marketing Communications Specialist
Marketing Managers 10% Marketing Communications Manager
Occupation: Marketing Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10% Communications-Related Jobs: Marketing Communications Manager
Public Safety Telecommunicators 8.2% Emergency Communications Dispatcher; Emergency Communications Officer (ECO); Emergency Communications Operator (ECO); Police Communications Dispatcher; Police Communications Operator
Occupation: Public Safety Telecommunicators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.2% Communications-Related Jobs: Emergency Communications Dispatcher; Emergency Communications Officer (ECO); Emergency Communications Operator (ECO); Police Communications Dispatcher; Police Communications Operator
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 7.3% Adjunct Communications Faculty Member; Adjunct Communications Instructor; Interpersonal Communications Professor; Mass Communications Professor; Speech Communication Professor
Occupation: Communications Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.3% Communications-Related Jobs: Adjunct Communications Faculty Member; Adjunct Communications Instructor; Interpersonal Communications Professor; Mass Communications Professor; Speech Communication Professor
Electrical Engineers 6.8% Wire Communications Engineer
Occupation: Electrical Engineers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.8% Communications-Related Jobs: Wire Communications Engineer
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 6.8% Identification and Communications Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.8% Communications-Related Jobs: Identification and Communications Supervisor
Emergency Management Directors 6.2% 911 Communications Manager
Occupation: Emergency Management Directors U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.2% Communications-Related Jobs: 911 Communications Manager
Signal and Track Switch Repairers 5.6% Signal and Communications Maintainer
Occupation: Signal and Track Switch Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.6% Communications-Related Jobs: Signal and Communications Maintainer
Computer Network Architects 5.5% Data Communications Analyst
Occupation: Computer Network Architects U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.5% Communications-Related Jobs: Data Communications Analyst
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers 3.9% Radio Communications Tech (Radio Communications Technician)
Occupation: Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.9% Communications-Related Jobs: Radio Communications Tech (Radio Communications Technician)
Air Traffic Controllers 3.8% Flight Communications Officer
Occupation: Air Traffic Controllers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.8% Communications-Related Jobs: Flight Communications Officer
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers -1.1% Data Communications Technician; Satellite Communications Antenna Installer; Satellite Communications Operator
Occupation: Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -1.1% Communications-Related Jobs: Data Communications Technician; Satellite Communications Antenna Installer; Satellite Communications Operator
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service -22.7% Central Communications Specialist; Police Communications Operator
Occupation: Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -22.7% Communications-Related Jobs: Central Communications Specialist; Police Communications Operator

19 Communications careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Communications-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Communications-Related Jobs

Marketing Managers $ 157,620 Marketing Communications Manager
Occupation: Marketing Managers National Median Salary: $ 157,620 Communications-Related Jobs: Marketing Communications Manager
Air Traffic Controllers $ 137,380 Flight Communications Officer
Occupation: Air Traffic Controllers National Median Salary: $ 137,380 Communications-Related Jobs: Flight Communications Officer
Public Relations Managers $ 134,760 Marketing and Communications Manager; Marketing Communications Manager
Occupation: Public Relations Managers National Median Salary: $ 134,760 Communications-Related Jobs: Marketing and Communications Manager; Marketing Communications Manager
Computer Network Architects $ 129,840 Data Communications Analyst
Occupation: Computer Network Architects National Median Salary: $ 129,840 Communications-Related Jobs: Data Communications Analyst
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists $ 129,840 Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD); Unified Communications Engineer
Occupation: Telecommunications Engineering Specialists National Median Salary: $ 129,840 Communications-Related Jobs: Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD); Unified Communications Engineer
Electrical Engineers $ 106,950 Wire Communications Engineer
Occupation: Electrical Engineers National Median Salary: $ 106,950 Communications-Related Jobs: Wire Communications Engineer
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $ 101,750 Identification and Communications Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives National Median Salary: $ 101,750 Communications-Related Jobs: Identification and Communications Supervisor
Database Administrators $ 101,510 Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Administrator (PACS Administrator)
Occupation: Database Administrators National Median Salary: $ 101,510 Communications-Related Jobs: Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Administrator (PACS Administrator)
Project Management Specialists $ 98,580 Project Communications Officer
Occupation: Project Management Specialists National Median Salary: $ 98,580 Communications-Related Jobs: Project Communications Officer
Emergency Management Directors $ 83,960 911 Communications Manager
Occupation: Emergency Management Directors National Median Salary: $ 83,960 Communications-Related Jobs: 911 Communications Manager
Signal and Track Switch Repairers $ 82,710 Signal and Communications Maintainer
Occupation: Signal and Track Switch Repairers National Median Salary: $ 82,710 Communications-Related Jobs: Signal and Communications Maintainer
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $ 79,910 Adjunct Communications Faculty Member; Adjunct Communications Instructor; Interpersonal Communications Professor; Mass Communications Professor; Speech Communication Professor
Occupation: Communications Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 79,910 Communications-Related Jobs: Adjunct Communications Faculty Member; Adjunct Communications Instructor; Interpersonal Communications Professor; Mass Communications Professor; Speech Communication Professor
Search Marketing Strategists $ 74,680 Marketing Communications Specialist
Occupation: Search Marketing Strategists National Median Salary: $ 74,680 Communications-Related Jobs: Marketing Communications Specialist
Public Relations Specialists $ 66,750 Corporate Communications Specialist; Digital Communications Specialist; Environmental Communications Specialist; Information and Communications Specialist; Internal Communications Specialist; Marketing Communications Coordinator; Marketing Communications Specialist
Occupation: Public Relations Specialists National Median Salary: $ 66,750 Communications-Related Jobs: Corporate Communications Specialist; Digital Communications Specialist; Environmental Communications Specialist; Information and Communications Specialist; Internal Communications Specialist; Marketing Communications Coordinator; Marketing Communications Specialist
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $ 61,310 Radio Communications Tech (Radio Communications Technician)
Occupation: Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers National Median Salary: $ 61,310 Communications-Related Jobs: Radio Communications Tech (Radio Communications Technician)
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $ 61,270 Data Communications Technician; Satellite Communications Antenna Installer; Satellite Communications Operator
Occupation: Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers National Median Salary: $ 61,270 Communications-Related Jobs: Data Communications Technician; Satellite Communications Antenna Installer; Satellite Communications Operator
Audio and Video Technicians $ 51,640 Audio Visual Communications Systems Technician
Occupation: Audio and Video Technicians National Median Salary: $ 51,640 Communications-Related Jobs: Audio Visual Communications Systems Technician
Public Safety Telecommunicators $ 48,890 Emergency Communications Dispatcher; Emergency Communications Officer (ECO); Emergency Communications Operator (ECO); Police Communications Dispatcher; Police Communications Operator
Occupation: Public Safety Telecommunicators National Median Salary: $ 48,890 Communications-Related Jobs: Emergency Communications Dispatcher; Emergency Communications Officer (ECO); Emergency Communications Operator (ECO); Police Communications Dispatcher; Police Communications Operator
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $ 36,750 Central Communications Specialist; Police Communications Operator
Occupation: Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service National Median Salary: $ 36,750 Communications-Related Jobs: Central Communications Specialist; Police Communications Operator

19 Communications careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Communications-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Communications-Related Jobs

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Adjunct Communications Faculty Member; Adjunct Communications Instructor; Interpersonal Communications Professor; Mass Communications Professor; Speech Communication Professor
Occupation: Communications Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Communications-Related Jobs: Adjunct Communications Faculty Member; Adjunct Communications Instructor; Interpersonal Communications Professor; Mass Communications Professor; Speech Communication Professor
Computer Network Architects 4 Data Communications Analyst
Occupation: Computer Network Architects Education/Preparation: 4 Communications-Related Jobs: Data Communications Analyst
Database Administrators 4 Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Administrator (PACS Administrator)
Occupation: Database Administrators Education/Preparation: 4 Communications-Related Jobs: Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Administrator (PACS Administrator)
Electrical Engineers 4 Wire Communications Engineer
Occupation: Electrical Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Communications-Related Jobs: Wire Communications Engineer
Emergency Management Directors 4 911 Communications Manager
Occupation: Emergency Management Directors Education/Preparation: 4 Communications-Related Jobs: 911 Communications Manager
Marketing Managers 4 Marketing Communications Manager
Occupation: Marketing Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Communications-Related Jobs: Marketing Communications Manager
Project Management Specialists 4 Project Communications Officer
Occupation: Project Management Specialists Education/Preparation: 4 Communications-Related Jobs: Project Communications Officer
Public Relations Managers 4 Marketing and Communications Manager; Marketing Communications Manager
Occupation: Public Relations Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Communications-Related Jobs: Marketing and Communications Manager; Marketing Communications Manager
Public Relations Specialists 4 Corporate Communications Specialist; Digital Communications Specialist; Environmental Communications Specialist; Information and Communications Specialist; Internal Communications Specialist; Marketing Communications Coordinator; Marketing Communications Specialist
Occupation: Public Relations Specialists Education/Preparation: 4 Communications-Related Jobs: Corporate Communications Specialist; Digital Communications Specialist; Environmental Communications Specialist; Information and Communications Specialist; Internal Communications Specialist; Marketing Communications Coordinator; Marketing Communications Specialist
Search Marketing Strategists 4 Marketing Communications Specialist
Occupation: Search Marketing Strategists Education/Preparation: 4 Communications-Related Jobs: Marketing Communications Specialist
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers 3 Data Communications Technician; Satellite Communications Antenna Installer; Satellite Communications Operator
Occupation: Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers Education/Preparation: 3 Communications-Related Jobs: Data Communications Technician; Satellite Communications Antenna Installer; Satellite Communications Operator
Air Traffic Controllers 3 Flight Communications Officer
Occupation: Air Traffic Controllers Education/Preparation: 3 Communications-Related Jobs: Flight Communications Officer
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists 3 Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD); Unified Communications Engineer
Occupation: Telecommunications Engineering Specialists Education/Preparation: 3 Communications-Related Jobs: Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD); Unified Communications Engineer
Signal and Track Switch Repairers 3 Signal and Communications Maintainer
Occupation: Signal and Track Switch Repairers Education/Preparation: 3 Communications-Related Jobs: Signal and Communications Maintainer
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers 3 Radio Communications Tech (Radio Communications Technician)
Occupation: Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers Education/Preparation: 3 Communications-Related Jobs: Radio Communications Tech (Radio Communications Technician)
Audio and Video Technicians 3 Audio Visual Communications Systems Technician
Occupation: Audio and Video Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Communications-Related Jobs: Audio Visual Communications Systems Technician
Public Safety Telecommunicators 2 Emergency Communications Dispatcher; Emergency Communications Officer (ECO); Emergency Communications Operator (ECO); Police Communications Dispatcher; Police Communications Operator
Occupation: Public Safety Telecommunicators Education/Preparation: 2 Communications-Related Jobs: Emergency Communications Dispatcher; Emergency Communications Officer (ECO); Emergency Communications Operator (ECO); Police Communications Dispatcher; Police Communications Operator
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service 2 Central Communications Specialist; Police Communications Operator
Occupation: Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service Education/Preparation: 2 Communications-Related Jobs: Central Communications Specialist; Police Communications Operator
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 2 Identification and Communications Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Education/Preparation: 2 Communications-Related Jobs: Identification and Communications Supervisor

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 39 specific Communications job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

911 Communications Manager
Adjunct Communications Faculty Member
Adjunct Communications Instructor
Air Defense Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Tactical Operations Center Enhanced Operator/Maintainer
Audio Visual Communications Systems Technician
Central Communications Specialist
Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Officer
Corporate Communications Specialist
Data Communications Analyst
Data Communications Technician
Digital Communications Specialist
Emergency Communications Dispatcher
Emergency Communications Officer (ECO)
Emergency Communications Operator (ECO)
Environmental Communications Specialist
Flight Communications Officer
Flight Communications Operator
Identification and Communications Supervisor
Information and Communications Specialist
Internal Communications Specialist
Interpersonal Communications Professor
Marketing and Communications Manager
Marketing Communications Coordinator
Marketing Communications Manager
Marketing Communications Specialist
Mass Communications Professor
Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Administrator (PACS Administrator)
Police Communications Dispatcher
Police Communications Operator
Project Communications Officer
Radio Communications Tech (Radio Communications Technician)
Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)
Satellite Communications Antenna Installer
Satellite Communications Operator
Signal and Communications Maintainer
Special Forces Communications Sergeant
Speech Communication Professor
Unified Communications Engineer
Wire Communications Engineer


Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Telecommunications Engineering Specialists.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Description: Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Telecommunications Engineering Specialists":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Keep abreast of changes in industry practices and emerging telecommunications technology by reviewing current literature, talking with colleagues, participating in educational programs, attending meetings or workshops, or participating in professional organizations or conferences.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Review and evaluate requests from engineers, managers, and technicians for system modifications.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Assess existing facilities' needs for new or modified telecommunications systems.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Communicate with telecommunications vendors to obtain pricing and technical specifications for available hardware, software, or services.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Inspect sites to determine physical configuration, such as device locations and conduit pathways.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Work with personnel and facilities management staff to install, remove, or relocate user connectivity equipment and devices.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Estimate costs for system or component implementation and operation.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Implement system renovation projects in collaboration with technical staff, engineering consultants, installers, and vendors.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Develop, maintain, or implement telecommunications disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Install, or coordinate installation of, new or modified hardware, software, or programming modules of telecommunications systems.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Consult with users, administrators, and engineers to identify business and technical requirements for proposed system modifications or technology purchases.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Provide user support by diagnosing network and device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Order or maintain inventory of telecommunications equipment for customer premises equipment (CPE), facilities, access networks, or backbone networks.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Prepare purchase requisitions for computer hardware and software, networking and telecommunications equipment, test equipment, cabling, or tools.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Document procedures for hardware and software installation and use.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Document technical specifications and operating standards for telecommunications equipment.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Document user support activity, such as system problems, corrective actions, resolution status, and completed equipment installations.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Instruct in use of voice, video, and data communications systems.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Implement or perform preventive maintenance, backup, or recovery procedures.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to prepare or evaluate network diagrams, floor plans, or site configurations for existing facilities, renovations, or new systems.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Prepare system activity and performance reports.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Implement controls to provide security for operating systems, software, and data.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Test and evaluate hardware and software to determine efficiency, reliability, or compatibility with existing systems.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Monitor and analyze system performance, such as network traffic, security, and capacity.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Supervise maintenance of telecommunications equipment.
Importance: 57 (%) Description: Manage user access to systems and equipment through account management and password administration.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements.
Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
Coordinate software or hardware installation.
Create electronic data backup to prevent loss of information.
Develop models of information or communications systems.
Document network-related activities or tasks.
Document operational activities.
Document operational procedures.
Document technical specifications or requirements.
Estimate time or monetary resources needed to complete projects.
Evaluate new technologies or methods.
Evaluate project designs to determine adequacy or feasibility.
Identify information technology project resource requirements.
Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
Install computer hardware.
Install computer software.
Maintain computer hardware.
Maintain contingency plans for disaster recovery.
Maintain the inventory of equipment.
Monitor the performance of computer networks.
Provide technical support for computer network issues.
Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
Test computer hardware performance.
Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems.
Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on the design or use of technologies.
Activity: Analyze performance of systems or equipment.
Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details.
Activity: Determine resource needs of projects or operations.
Activity: Develop contingency or emergency response plans.
Activity: Develop models of systems, processes, or products.
Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures.
Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities.
Activity: Document technical designs, procedures, or activities.
Activity: Estimate project development or operational costs.
Activity: Evaluate designs, specifications, or other technical data.
Activity: Evaluate project feasibility.
Activity: Evaluate the characteristics, usefulness, or performance of products or technologies.
Activity: Implement security measures for computer or information systems.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Monitor operation of computer or information technologies.
Activity: Replenish inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Activity: Research technology designs or applications.
Activity: Resolve computer problems.
Activity: Set up computer systems, networks, or other information systems.
Activity: Test performance of computer or information systems.
Activity: Train others to use equipment or products.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk Revit
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
Widely Used Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk Navisworks
NavisWorks Jetstream
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software:
Firewall software
Emerging Tech Skills
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft SQL Server
Structured query language SQL
Development environment software:
Apache Kafka
Microsoft PowerShell
Object or component oriented development software:
Oracle Java
Perl
Python
Operating system software (scroll table below):
Linux
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows Server
Shell script
UNIX
Project management software:
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Teams
General Software Tools
Access software:
2AB iLock Security Services
Access management software
Avaya Identity Engines
Administration software:
Network management software
Backup or archival software:
NovaStor NovaBACKUP
Zmanda Amanda
Communications server software:
IBM Domino
Data base user interface and query software:
SiteMaster SiteSmart
Development environment software:
Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
Electronic mail software:
IBM Notes
Microsoft Exchange
Helpdesk or call center software:
Call accounting software
Industrial control software:
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Internet protocol IP multimedia subsystem software:
Voice over internet protocol VoIP system software
Network monitoring software:
Cisco Systems Cisco Traffic Analyzer
Nagios
Wireshark
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software:
Virtual private networking VPN software
Operating system software:
KornShell
Project management software:
Project scheduling software
Requirements analysis and system architecture software:
IBM Rational Requirements Composer
Requirements analysis software
Spreadsheet software:
IBM Lotus 1-2-3
Transaction security and virus protection software:
Antivirus software
McAfee
NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
Web page creation and editing software:
Web design software
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 23.8 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Frequency of Attainment: 19.1 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 14.3 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 14.3 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Frequency of Attainment: 14.3 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Frequency of Attainment: 4.8 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 4.8 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 4.8 (%) Level of Education: First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 23.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 19.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 19.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 14.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 14.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 9.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Professional Associations
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Telecommunications Engineering Specialists". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Telecommunications Engineering Specialists". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Telecommunications Engineering Specialists". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Telecommunications Engineering Specialists


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Telecommunications Engineering Specialists" occupation.






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