Telecom Analyst Job Description, Certification and Salary
Communication is an essential factor in every aspect of modern life and modern business. The world is constantly interconnected in the current era but that is something that is only possible thanks to those who work to maintain and improve those connections all the time. That's where the duties of a telecom analyst come in. A telecom analyst is a professional who generally works to help make sure that telecommunications systems are always fully functional. In the modern, constantly interconnected world this is a job that is becoming more and more important all the time.
In this, you will learn what precisely a telecom analyst does, what certifications are necessary to become a telecom analyst, how much they typically earn, and how you can take your first step towards a career as a telecom analyst.
What is a Telecom Analyst?
In the simplest possible terms, a telecom analyst provides technical support for network design activities. This means that the duties of a telecom analyst can often involve reviewing, analyzing, and maintaining the telecommunications system of an organization. A telecom analyst will often be involved in every stage of development and implementation of that system. They will assist in designing and developing the system, provide customer training of the system's features and functionality, and help keep the system maintained and functioning over time.
Telecom Analyst Skills
As with any other career path, there are specific skills that you require in order to not only find a job as a telecom analyst but to truly shine in the position as well. The most important skill to develop is a knowledge of the specific tools that are required in the development and maintenance of telecommunication systems. This includes an understanding of IT Network Software and VoIP software. You must also develop skills in optical fiber management, telco management, telecommunications expense management, wireline networking, and general telecommunications. It is also essential that a telecom analyst be able to work effectively both as a part of a team and in a leadership position. Telecom analysts are must also have clear and effective analytical skills due to the need for them to examine data networks and decide the best ways to connect them based on the needs of an organization and their available resources.
Telecom Analyst Certifications
The vast majority of telecom analysts will be required to hold a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field. This includes degrees in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related field. This provides them with hands-on work with things like network security and database design and provides the essential skills to work with a wide range of network technologies. Some employers may prefer a telecom analyst to hold a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) in information systems, something that often requires two further years of study beyond the undergraduate level.
Telecom Analyst Salary
As with practically all jobs and careers, the specific level of your salary as a telecom analyst is likely to depend on a number of different factors. These include where you are located, the level of the job that you are applying for, how much direct experience you already have within the field, the level of education that you have achieved, and the kinds of skills that you are able to bring to the position. Typically, the average salary of a telecom analyst ranges somewhere between $87,809 and $113,687 depending on those different factors. At the same time, it is possible for a great level of career progression and mobility as a telecom analyst so the potential for a salary increase within that range is always very possible.
How to Become a Telecommunications Analyst?
When looking to become a telecommunications analyst, alongside the necessary qualifications and general skills, you should also look into certification programs. These are programs offered by vendors or software firms that verify a set of skills in order to make sure that you are able to work within specific network environments. In order to work as a telecom analyst, you may need to become certified in the specific products used by a company.
One of the best and most important things to remember about working as a telecommunications analyst is that it is a career path that has a huge amount of potential when it comes to career progression. There are multiple levels to the career of any telecommunications analyst with salaries that scale with the skills, experience, and responsibilities required by each position, with the possibility to progress to the point of top telecommunications executive. Of course, as with any career, that kind of progression is only possible if you're willing to put in the time and hard work to get there.
