1. Telecommunications System Design Engineer

2.  Telecommunications are all around us –  At home  At work  At school  At Hospitals  At Airports  At banks  Etc…  Telephones, internet and computers, television, medical equipment, and air traffic control  Telecommunications Networks connect us to the world in many different ways and greatly increase our ability to learn and share information.

3.  A Telecommunications System Design Engineer works with customers/clients to best design efficient networks (public or private) to support future telecommunications and IP services.  The job is performed in various places depending on project.  In this career you normally work cooperatively with the customers input and an engineering design team. As internet Broadband expands demand for this type of career is growing.

4.  As offshore oil expansion happens; more shore support facilities will be required.  A Telecommunications System Design Engineer would look at the communications requirements and put together a design which most efficiently meets the customers needs.  How many telephone lines?  Regular or VoIP phones?  How many computers?  Internet access? Remote Servers? Private Network or Public?  Connections to a National Headquarters?  Fiber Optic connections or Copper lines?  Wireless Networking requirements?

5.  The minimum education requirement is college or university. Some programs offered that can lead to employment in this field: 1. Telecommunications engineering technology – 3 year diploma program offered at College of the North Atlantic – Cost $7,000 to $10,000 2. Network and communications management – 4 year degree offered at Devry University in Calgary, Alberta. – Cost $52,800. 3. Communications engineering – 4 year degree offered at Carlton University in Ottawa, Ontario – Cost $67,000 to $78,000

6.  In this sector there are many opportunities –  Telephone companies  Bell Aliant  Cable Companies  Rogers  Eastlink  Wireless Companies  Koodo  Telecom Solutions and Equipment Manufacturers  Alcatel/Lucent  Tii Network Technologies  Universities  Government  Private Contractors

7.  In this career you can expect a salary range of $55,000 to $85,000 per year.  Some companies offer bonuses or share plans as well

8.  As internet access expands industry and cultures are changing.  Connecting the world via Broadband will bring significant improvements around the world.  This technology will enable many remote areas to access the same services as densely populated areas through distance medicine, distance education, web based commerce.  Scientific research in remote locations could quickly share detailed findings with other scientists, as well as many other benefits in many fields of study.

9. In conclusion I believe that this would be a great career for anyone who is interested in the internet or telecommunications. As the and it’s reach expands around the Globe, Telecommunications System Design Engineers will be in high demand in the future.