Communication in the telecommunications field is as important as
it is in any other -- maybe more so because communication is the business.
Most of the people working in the field are trained in engineering
or mathematics. This means they're great with numbers but perhaps not as experienced
in communications. But to succeed on the job, engineers must be able to present
their ideas to their colleagues and their bosses.
Just how important
communication skills are depends on where you work, says Sharon Black, a professor
of telecom engineering who used to be the national telecom manager for a large
insurance company.
"Whenever you're working for an employer, a certain
level of personal communication and presentation skills are needed," says
Black. "But there's a lot of room in this field for nerds who never want to
dress up more than jeans and a rock concert T-shirt and... never have to talk
to anybody other than his co-workers or boss.
"But there is also
significant room for people who just love taking a problem and solving it
-- getting out there in the public and being the person who, when someone
is freaking out because their computer or phone isn't working, rides in and
says, 'Not a problem, we'll have this up and running for you.'"
Engineers
often work together on teams on various projects. But it's not all about sitting
around a table hashing out plans. Often, internal memos are the only forms
of communication that may go on for some time. So, you have to be able to
express yourself clearly and concisely.
You are an engineer working
on a cellular phone system. You have an idea about boosting the signal so
customers can use the phone across the country without ever being in an out-of-service
area. You are refining the digital technology that is slowly becoming the
standard in the industry.
Write a memo to your colleagues briefly
explaining the idea and asking to arrange a meeting.