Telecommunications researcher : Entry requirements

As telecommunication researchers are required to work with certain technologies, applicants are usually required to have at least an undergraduate degree in this area, if not a Masters degree. The following subjects are particularly relevant:

• electrical engineering;
• telecommunications;
• computer science;
• information technology;
• physical sciences;
• mathematics.

Entry without a degree or HND is unlikely. There may be opportunities for undergraduate researchers who are completing a degree in one of the above fields, but a good degree would then be needed for career progression.

Within industry it may be possible to enter a research role with significant technical work experience rather than higher qualifications, although this is not common.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, but a relevant applied MSc or PhD can be advantageous and will aid future career development. If you are thinking about undertaking postgraduate study, find out about funding for Masters training and industrial CASE studentships by contacting the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)  or search for PhD studentships on Jobs.ac.uk .

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• strong academic background and qualifications;
• excellent technical understanding;
• an aptitude for mathematics and statistics;
• highly developed IT skills;
• strong written and spoken communication skills;
• practical technical and research skills;
• problem-solving skills;
• analytical skills;
• attention to detail;
• creativity and the ability to use initiative;
• excellent project management and organisational skills;
• presentation skills - to present ideas and findings to colleagues and customers;
• the ability to work effectively both in a multidisciplinary team and independently, with minimum supervision;
• drive, patience, enthusiasm and self-motivation;
• commercial acumen and an awareness of the business value of work undertaken.

Experience of research, either as vacation work or as an industrial placement, will give you the edge, as will any work experience in the area you wish to work in.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)  offer recent graduates (known as KTP associates) the opportunity to manage a project within a partnership organisation and gain a professional qualification. Check the website for possible telecommunications-related opportunities.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.