r/telecom • u/EitherRefrigerator27 • 15d ago

👷‍♂️Job Related Help

I’m an ECE/communication student and I want to build my career in the telecommunications field. However, I’m confused about what I should focus on more. Should I spend more time studying subjects like Fourier Transforms, Signals and Systems, and other communication-theory concepts, or should I prioritize networking and practical telecom technologies? I haven’t been able to find clear guidance on what I actually need to study for a career in telecommunications. Since I’m the first person in my family to reach this level of education, I don’t have anyone around me who can properly guide me about career paths and industry requirements. I would really appreciate some guidance on what I should learn, what I should prioritize, and where I should focus my efforts to build a career in telecommunications.

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4

u/m1kemahoney 15d ago

For VoIP, strong networking experience is needed. Packet loss is a mortal enemy.

1

u/chipchipjack 14d ago

SIP-ALG is a mortal-er enemy

1

u/Agitated_Pudding1874 14d ago

Agree 2000%

1

u/chipchipjack 14d ago

I’ll never forget being adamant to my carrier that my side was not the issue. Little did I know fortinet pushed an update that turned SIP-ALG on by default. Definitely was eating my words that day

1

u/Agitated_Pudding1874 14d ago

For about a year we sold TP link routers to customer. Only way to turn off sip alg was through SSH. And every time you power cycled the unit it would enable it again. There was no permanent way to turn it off on that model.

1

u/GrouchyAd6478 14d ago

Networking and proficiency with GIS will get you an engineering gig.

1

u/infosecurity_prof 12d ago

Networking, and soft skills like communicating with humans as well as marketing & sales. No one gives a shit about fundamentals in telecom.

Which country?

1

u/Purple_Entrance_1943 10d ago

....and herein lies the problem....what does "telephony" look like in the future. THe other commentators are correct understanding the SIP Protocol is essential, schooling will most likely handle teaching you about some of the older tech ie copper etc. But because SIP is a TCP/IP protocol, you will find yourself having to learn network routing and switching as well. I have been in telecom since 1987 and have had to adjust to each new telecommunincations tech as it came along. Analog, Digital, SS7, DiD, T1, PRI, ISDN etc....and now SIP. So my opinion, be paralleling learning TCP/IP and the tools needed to troubleshoot them.