Careers 101: Texas Telecommunications Jobs

Published on 2008-05-08

Schools:

Telecommunications is the general term used for voice communications (wired and wireless), Internet, cable/satellite television, and other forms of data or graphics transmission. Telecommunications industry professionals are grouped into two general categories: those who design, install, maintain and repair computer and electronic equipment and related infrastructure, and those who use that technology to communicate information. A telecommunications program will provide a different focus depending on whether you're studying for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. At Texas A&M University, for example, a B.A. in Telecommunications stresses content design, implementation and use of telecom media. The B.S. degree program emphasizes technology applications and maintenance and telecommunication media systems. A computer science or electronics or telecommunications engineering degree is a standard requirement for high-tech Texas telecommunications jobs. However, only about 1/5 of all employees in the telecom industry are "professional workers," according to the U.S. Department of Labor. On-the-job training or related experience is often sufficient for maintenance and installation jobs or administrative jobs, which together account for more than half of all telecom employment.

Employers:

Telecom jobs in Texas can be found at Internet service providers, information technology companies, engineering firms, media and communications companies, etc.