Communications engineer
Communications engineers work within a number of industries, including internet and computing technologies, networking and telecommunications, and radio. Some engineers concentrate on applying technical knowledge, whilst others focus on managerial activities. Many posts include elements of both managerial and technical responsibilities.
The technical aspect of the role includes using specialist knowledge to design and deliver solutions, as well as providing technical guidance to others within the employing organisation. Managerial responsibilities involve planning and managing projects, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget and to the agreed standards of quality.
Many roles are likely to include both managerial and technical activities.
The more technical work activities are likely to include:
The management aspects of the work involve:
Employers typically look for graduates with a degree in engineering or in a physical science, particularly:
For chartered status (CEng), an accredited MEng degree or an acceptable combination of other academic awards is essential. This could include a BEng (Hons) that is accredited for CEng, plus an appropriate Masters degree or further learning to Masters level.
A PhD may enable you to enter the profession at a more senior level and may be particularly beneficial if you are interested in pursuing a career as a technical expert.
An HND in a relevant engineering subject might make you eligible to work at technician level. If you hold an accredited HND, you may wish to do a 'top-up' course to convert it into a degree, or consider undertaking further professional experience in order to obtain the status of incorporated engineer (IEng).
For full information and guidance on entry requirements and training routes, contact the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) .
Relevant pre-entry work experience through a sandwich or vacation placement or industrial year out is valuable. Work experience provides the opportunity to work on real projects, show your potential, build up a network of contacts and develop a range of business and specialist skills. There is usually a strong link between placement schemes and graduate recruitment programmes, so if you make an outstanding contribution when you are on placement, you could leave with a conditional job offer.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Work in sensitive, security-related industries may debar those with a criminal record or those who do not pass security clearance.
Competition can be fierce, particularly for structured graduate training schemes, so it is very important to have skills or experience that will make your application stand out. Student membership of the IET provides up-to-date industry information, including new developments in the industry, regular newsletters and access to networks and contacts. Reading magazines such as Engineering & Technology (the monthly magazine of the IET) and Electronics Weekly will help familiarise you with the latest industry news and opinion.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
If you are aiming for chartered status (CEng), you should check that any post you accept offers an accredited professional development scheme (see the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for a list of accredited organisations). You will need to undertake a programme of initial professional development and will be assigned a mentor, who will monitor your progress in the early stages of your engineering career.
Most large firms offer structured training and encourage professional development. Usually, firms offer in-service training and short courses for specific needs. Your in-house training may include placements in different departments to broaden your experience. Some employers are unable to provide broad training experience themselves, and it is worth checking what arrangements they have in place.
To gain CEng status, you will need to show that you have the skills, specialist knowledge and competence to practise as an engineer. With the right experience, it is possible to achieve CEng or incorporated (IEng) status within four to six years after graduation. See the IET website for full details.
Reading the specialist press, for example Engineering & Technology (the monthly magazine of the IET) and Electronics Weekly , keeps you up to date with the latest news and opinion in the industry and can be useful for anticipating future career opportunities.
You may also wish to study for an IT qualification in your specialist field. Cisco , for example, provides a range of relevant qualifications which are widely recognised in the industry. Employers will sometimes pay for courses or they can be taken independently.
Throughout your career, you will be required to add to your expertise through in-service training and/or further study for a higher degree. As your career progresses, you will take on a more senior role, with greater responsibility for other staff and/or larger projects and budgets.
To progress in the profession, it is becoming increasingly important to achieve professional status as a chartered engineer (CEng). The Engineering Council , in collaboration with the main engineering institutions, has introduced regulations known as the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) . These affect all graduates aspiring to achieve CEng status. For further information, see the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) .
Once you are an accredited CEng, you will be eligible to apply for European Engineer (Eur Ing) status, which provides Europe-wide recognition. This, along with language skills, is a great advantage in the increasingly global marketplace in which engineers operate.
Engineers with professional status are likely to pursue roles at a more senior level. If you do not want to be involved in management, you can develop your technical knowledge and become a specialist, start your own company, get involved in training or work as a contractor/consultant.
The main employers of communications engineers are the leading telecommunications companies. Vacancies can also be found in the public sector and in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialise in communications technology. There are also in-house posts with equipment manufacturers and installers of communication devices/systems, technical services companies, large government departments, local authorities and transport providers. Another option is work with small telecommunications consultancies.
Communications engineering is full of variety; some jobs focus on the technical side, while others have a managerial emphasis. Self-employment/freelance work is also a possibility for those who have several years’ relevant experience and a network of contacts.
Specialist recruitment agencies may handle vacancies. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has a directory of member agencies searchable by sector.
Networking is important, so make sure you establish contacts during any vacation/placement work. Making contacts at employer presentations and engineering career fairs can also be productive.
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