Career Zone

Career ZoneCareer Research and PlanningExploreEmployment SectorsIT, Data and TechTelecommunications

Telecommunications

Telecommunications is a vital part of the digital economy, providing mobile, broadband, and fixed-line services to millions of homes and businesses across the UK.  The major service providers in this area are BT, Vodafone, Virgin Media O2, and Three, offering a wide range of job opportunities from infrastructure work, to operational support for their customers.  In addition there are many startups and growing businesses focussing on 5G, fibre broadband, and satellite internet among others.  As with any tech sector, this area is rapidly evolving with the speedy development of transformative technology such as the rollout of full-fibre networks, the expansion of 5G, and a growing demand for faster, more reliable services.  It’s hard to imagine now, what life was like when we didn’t have on demand TV and streaming video on our phones.  The UK is aiming to be a global tech leader, and the telecoms industry is central to innovation including digital transformation, smart homes and smart cities making it an exciting place to start a career.

The opportunities are diverse and range from engineering, network operations, data analysis, cybersecurity, software development, and customer experience.  Therefore, depending on what you would be interested to do, you might find it helpful to explore a range of pages in the IT, Data and Tech  sector since many disciplines are interdependent. 

The following role profile on the Prospects website will help inform you of the day-to-day responsibilities in graduate level roles and will help inform the kinds of skills, experience and knowledge needed:

You might also find it helpful to look at:

Business operations and management for sections on:

Other sections on:

Skills employers look for

As the Telecoms sector is so large and the range of opportunities equally vast, it’s safe to say that most skills sets would be applicable to one role or another.  However, bearing in mind the key types of roles available, this guide might generate some focus for skills development.  We recommend doing some further research into the kinds of roles which interest you, in order to define what could be useful skills to develop now, as well as for setting longer term career aims. Many technical skills are not necessarily essential for early-stage graduate roles since many employers will train you in the skills and knowledge they need.  However, researching and developing skills through experience and training will certainly help you when applying for more competitive opportunities.  

Here is a list of the most needed graduate skills for technical roles:

Data analysis and visualisation

  • Skills in data analysis, signal processing, and mathematical modelling. (e.g. Power BI, Excel)
  • Familiarity with tools like MATLAB for simulation and analysis.

Networking basics

  • Understanding of TCP/IP, routing/switching, and network protocols.
  • Familiarity with LAN/WAN technologies and VoIP systems.

Programming and scripting

  • Proficiency in languages like Python, C++, Java, and JavaScript.
  • Experience with FPGA development using VHDL or Verilog.

Telecommunications systems knowledge

  • Understanding of telecommunication systems, including switching systems, optical fibre cabling, and microwave transmission systems.

Wireless and mobile communications

  • Knowledge of cellular networks, wireless protocols, and RF systems.
  • Experience with satellite communication and wireless network optimisation.

Operations and project management roles involve installing and monitoring networks, service delivery, customer support and general business operations, and may require the following skills:

  • Account Management & B2B Sales
  • Budgeting & Resource Allocation
  • CRM & OSS/BSS systems (e.g. Salesforce, Amdocs)
  • CRM Systems (Salesforce, Zendesk, HubSpot).
  • Incident & Problem Management
  • Project Management (e.g. Prince2, Agile) and related tools (e.g. MS Project, Jira, Asana, Trello)
  • Risk & Compliance Management
  • Service Management (ITIL, SLA monitoring)
  • Stakeholder Engagement

In order to develop these skills, remember Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications. 

Gaining Experience

All experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to develop relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider involvement in:

Exeter Students' Guild societies (available on the Exeter campuses) can offer great opportunities for developing skills and experience

There are no current societies on the Cornwall campuses which relate to Telecoms, but you can start one!

You can also find simulations on marketing and sales which are key skills in the customer facing sides to Telecomms firms.

The following platforms offer, often free, relevant courses in skills such as coding and programming which can be very useful for adding to your CV and for gaining confidence:

University of Exeter Employability Schemes

Include any relevant Exeter Employability Schemes found here

  • Career Zone Internship schemes: Internships can be extremely useful, so try and get relevant vacation work or placements
  • Exeter Award :The Exeter Award will help you stand out from the crowd and give you the confidence to shout about the experiences you've had at university

Speculative applications and voluntary opportunities

Undertaking relevant work experience will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector. As jobs and opportunities are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and apply speculatively. You may find it useful to read our Researching employers page.  We suggest that you consider a targeted approach and look at local employers to approach.  You can research and identify local companies online. 

Finding part time work

Finding advertised graduate roles, placements and internships

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers.

You may also find some roles available on the following specialist jobs boards:

The following website highlights the most popular telecommunications brands in the UK (data from Yougov).  This will be an excellent reference point for potential employers and you can look for opportunities they are advertising on their career pages. 

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page. 

Graduate schemes and internships

Placements

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access the Work Placements SharePoint via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad. 

  • Bright Network offers a range of telecommunications focused industrial placements
  • Target Jobs collection of placements is worth checking out

Further sources of support

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally.

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal.

Further study and professional development

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to build their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications.  Employers may wish you to undertake professional development and training and in many cases will pay for this.  Many larger organisations are committed to training via Apprenticeships in this field, too.  It's important to ensure you have gained industry insights from professionals to inform your decision making.  Use the sites below to research your further study options.

  • Find a Masters is a great site for exploring postgraduate study options in the UK and worldwide. This link takes you to specialist telecommunications courses

Advice

If you are considering postgraduate or doctoral level study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.

Information and links from professional bodies

Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector.  It’s also a great way to demonstrate your passion and interest to future employers, for the industry in which they operate.

  • The Institute of Telecommunications Professionals is a really useful platform to explore this industry sector. There is a student membership available for a small fee, which allows access to various career related technical seminars, mentoring and insight opportunities.
  • You can also follow the ITP on Linked IN on their page which can be a helpful way to connect with industry professionals and discover sector insights without signing up to a full membership.