The great thing about a computer science degree is that it’s pretty comprehensive in terms of the hardware and software it teaches to undergraduate students. While commonly perceived as a degree loaded with programming courses and designed to prepare graduates for a career in developing software for desktop or mobile platforms, the truth of the matter is that courses within this degree program prepare students for careers in everything from IT to finance to the growing telecom industry. This broad set of skills is then emphasized with a student-selected concentration, which can focus exclusively on one specific area of the broader industry. This is a great way to get telecom knowledge prior to seeking a related career.

Interview With Chip Powell, Senior Software Engineer, BT Diamond IP

Telecom and Computer Science Teaching: Where the Fields Overlap

Today’s telecom industry is perhaps more computer-centric than ever, especially since the wide proliferation of smartphones and tablets that now depend on the country’s largest mobile telephony and wireline operators. Computer science students looking to put their classroom skills to use in this industry will have plenty of background in preparing telecom hardware, initiating programs that control network speeds and congestion, and even deploying new mobile devices that take advantage of emerging broadband technologies.

With the broad background provided by a computer science degree, students will have the knowledge they need to program specific applications that help regulate telecom network use. They’ll be able to create web-based information portals for customers, network analysis tools for engineers, and customer tracking tools for those in the customer service department.

For those graduates who chose to focus more in hardware deployment than software development, plenty of opportunities await in this field. Everything from the company’s computer systems to the hardware that allows mobile data connections and landline call connections will present real opportunities for employment and career growth.

The Key is Getting Field Experience Before Graduation

The telecom industry is growing by leaps and bounds, and that means that plenty of positions are readily available for computer science graduates. With that said, however, it’s worth noting that the number of computer science graduates is on the rise in recent years precisely because of the healthy job market that awaits graduates. The best way to get ahead of the competition for any position in the telecom industry, or any other related field, is to seek out internships and cooperative employment opportunities while in school.

These positions can be found in areas that focus on software, hardware, network maintenance, and even customer relations. The more business-minded computer science student can even find positions in the telecom industry that focus on finance, accounting, and IT personnel management. Each of these internship positions will enhance networking opportunities after graduation and greatly boost the power and prestige of a resume when compared to a crowded field of applicants from other schools, programs, and backgrounds.

Computer Science Lays a Great Foundation for Telecom Work

With the broad nature of today’s computer science degrees, both that the undergraduate and graduate levels, and the large number of concentrations available to students, the telecom industry is a viable career option after graduation. As with any growing field, students are encourage to seek out opportunities for internship or co-op employment during their time in school, and they should remember to stay involved in organizations related to the field.

With a strong resume and a deep interest in the world of telecommunications, the most driven students will find that their skill set will serve them well as they pursue career development and advancement in this industry. Furthermore, with a growing number of smartphone and tablet customers demanding more from their telecommunications providers, this is a real opportunity for growth over the long-term.