How to become a communications engineer

How to become a Communications Engineer

Becoming a communications engineer typically involves a combination of education, technical skills, and hands-on experience. Here's an overview of the pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or GED
The minimum education required for entry-level positions is typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Focus on subjects that lay the foundation for understanding engineering concepts. These include:

• Mathematics - Algebra, calculus, and geometry are foundational for engineering.
• Physics – Understanding the principles of electricity, magnetism, and waves is key in working with communication technologies.
• Computer Science – Understanding basic programming and hardware / software interactions is fundamental.
• Electronics – Any courses related to electronics or circuit design can provide a helpful introduction.

Bachelor’s Degree
These engineering-focused majors are especially relevant to the field: telecommunications engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, electronics engineering technology, network systems administration.

Curricula address the following topics via coursework as well as hands-on lab work and projects:

• Network Systems – designing, operating, and troubleshooting communication networks
• Signal Processing – analyzing and manipulating signals for transmission
• Electronics – understanding circuits, antennas, and other hardware components used in communications systems
• Wireless Communication – study of mobile networks, Wi-Fi, and satellite communication
• Digital Communications – encoding, modulation, and digital signal processing
• Control Systems – analyzing systems used in network management and communication
• Programming – basic and advanced programming languages like C, Python, or MATLAB used in simulations and systems design

Practical Experience
Secure internships with telecommunications companies, network providers, or equipment manufacturers to gain real-world experience. Participate in university projects or research on communications systems, such as designing antennas, setting up home networks, experimenting with IoT devices, or simulating wireless systems using software. Join engineering clubs or hackathons to collaborate and learn from peers.

Entry-Level Job
Apply for positions such as junior communications engineer, network engineer, or RF (radio frequency) technician. For a list of potential employers, please see the What is the workplace of a Communications Engineer like? section in the career overview.

Develop Key Skills
Successful communications engineers combine technical abilities with soft skills. The field calls for:

• Proficiency in networking protocols (TCP/IP, 5G, LTE)
• Knowledge of tools like MATLAB, AutoCAD, RF simulation software
• Understanding of signal processing, cybersecurity, and communication systems
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Communication and teamwork skills for collaborative projects

Professional Engineer (PE) License
In some regions, a Professional Engineer (PE) license is required for certain engineering roles. This involves meeting specific educational and experience requirements and passing an exam. For communications engineers, this is generally more relevant for those involved in engineering consulting or infrastructure development.

Certifications
There are several voluntary certifications that help communications engineers enhance their skills, demonstrate expertise, and improve job prospects. These credentials are generally offered by industry-leading organizations and focus on various aspects of communication systems, networking, and security. Here’s a summary:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – This is an entry-level information technology certification issued by networking hardware company Cisco. The CCNA is designed to validate knowledge on fundamental networking concepts often requested in networking roles in IT positions. It focuses on IP addressing, network security, routing and switching, and network troubleshooting.
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) – This is an advanced certification for professionals who want to deepen their knowledge in network design, security, and management.
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) – The highest level of certification from Cisco, CCIE is for experts in networking, covering advanced routing, switching, and network design principles.
• CompTIA Network+ Certification – Offered by Comp TIA (Computer Technology Industry Association), this is one of the most popular, globally recognized entry-level certifications for technicians who work with networked software and systems. Topics covered include OSI model, TCP/IP, routing, switching, network security, wireless technologies, network management, and troubleshooting.
• CompTIA Security+ Certification – This certification covers the fundamentals of how to secure networks, data, and devices from cyber threats. Topics addressed include network security, encryption, firewall configuration, vulnerability management, and identity management.
• Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) – Offered by the Certified Wireless Network Professionals (CWNP), the CWNA is an intermediate certification that covers radio frequency (RF) technologies; antenna concepts; wireless LAN hardware and software; network design, installation, and management; wireless standards and organizations; network architecture; wireless LAN security: and troubleshooting.
• Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) – Offered by the Fiber Optic Association, this certification focuses on fiber optic technology, including the installation, maintenance, and testing of fiber optic cables and systems, which are a crucial part of modern communication networks.
• Certified IP Telecom Network Specialist (CIPTS) – The Telecommunications Certification Organization (TCO) offers CIPTS certifications for IP (internet protocol) networking. The CIPTS program covers the design, installation, and maintenance of telecommunication systems, with a focus on network services, troubleshooting, and troubleshooting tools. It consists of four courses and four exams that test knowledge of infrastructure necessities. Because this certification specializes in IP, it does not cover topics regarding Wi-Fi or telephony.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – The globally recognized CISSP program, offered by ISC2 (The International Information System Security Certification Consortium), is focused on cybersecurity and data protection. It provides advanced, in-depth training in security and risk management, asset security, network security, identity and access management, and more.
• ITIL 4 Foundation Certification –The ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) certification is valuable for those working in IT service management and within larger IT teams. It focuses on best practices for managing IT services, covering service management lifecycle, service desk and support processes, and incident management and problem-solving. The credential is relevant for engineers managing large-scale communication systems within organizations.
• Certified Radio Frequency Engineer (CRFE) – Offered by various industry bodies, this certification is for professionals who specialize in radio frequency systems and wireless communication technologies like mobile networks and satellite systems.
• Certified Network Engineer (CNE) – Offered by organizations like Novell and the Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), CNE focuses on the administration and management of network systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and internet communication systems.

Continue Learning
As the field evolves rapidly (e.g., with 5G, IoT, and quantum communication), continuous learning is critical. Stay informed about emerging technologies by taking online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX, and attending workshop, webinars, and industry conferences.

Those looking to move into senior jobs, research positions, or specialized technical fields may wish to consider earning a relevant master’s degree. This is often helpful when pursuing leadership roles in areas like wireless communication technologies (5G or IoT), signal processing, network design and optimization, and advanced telecommunications systems.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support the communications engineering community:

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) – IEEE is a major professional association for those working in electrical, electronics, and computer engineering fields. The IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) is dedicated to the development and advancement of communications technologies.
• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) – ACM is a leading organization for computing professionals. It is dedicated to the advancement of computer science and technology and hosts multiple special interest groups (SIGs), two of which are focused on data communication and design of communication.
• Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) – The SCTE is a professional organization for professionals in the cable telecommunications industry. It supports engineers working in cable networks, broadband, and related communication systems.
• Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) – TIA is a trade association that focuses on advancing the communications and IT industries, particularly in areas such as wireless, broadband, and satellite systems.
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – ITU is a specialized United Nations agency that coordinates global telecommunications and internet standards, as well as policy issues. While not an engineering association, it plays a critical role in shaping global telecommunications systems.
• Fiber Optic Association (FOA) – The FOA is dedicated to promoting the use of fiber optics in communications and offers training and certifications related to fiber optic technologies.
• International Association for Privacy Professionals (IAPP) – The IAPP focuses on data privacy and information security, both of which are important considerations for communications engineers working in cybersecurity and communications security.
• National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) – NAB is a trade association for professionals working in the broadcast communications industry, including radio, television, and digital broadcasting.
• Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) – The GFCE advocates for cybersecurity and cyber capacity building as crucial elements to digital connectivity. It focuses on global cybersecurity challenges and their impact on communication systems and technologies.