Communications engineer: Entry requirements

Employers typically look for graduates with a degree in an engineering or physical science, particularly:

telecommunications;
electronic engineering;
computer science;
physics;
mathematics;
information technology.

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).

A relevant MEng or MSc is desirable. 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.

Relevant pre-entry work experience will improve your chances and may sometimes be a requirement.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

technical ability and knowledge;
a good understanding of networks;
organisational skills;
adaptability and the ability to learn new skills quickly;
good presentation and communication skills;
the ability to work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
the ability to concentrate under pressure in order to meet tight deadlines;
analytical and problem-solving skills;
the ability to work well within a team;
project and people management skills.

Work in sensitive, security-related industries debars those with a criminal record and requires security clearance.

A placement or an internship gives you the opportunity to work on real, live projects, show your potential and learn essential new business and specialist skills from people at the top of their profession. Projects can last anything from six weeks to a year. 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.

Competition can be quite fierce, particularly for structured graduate training schemes, so it is very important to have skills or experience that will make you stand out of the crowd.

Companies are implementing diversity measures in their graduate recruitment. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religious faith.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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