Telecommunications Analysts are responsible for analyzing, evaluating, and maintaining a company's telecommunications systems equipment; modifying telecommunications systems to improve their efficiency; and coordinating the planning and implementation of new telecommunications systems.   A Telecommunications Analyst may be responsible for the entire network or a part of it.

JOB DUTIES

Telecommunications Analysts may:

Troubleshoot the malfunctioning telecommunications system of a company

Consult with management regarding any malfunctions or problems of the telecommunications system

Analyze telecommunications requirements and recommend equipment and systems configurations

Review and analyze the phone system/data communications equipment costs, long distance/transmission costs, and volume of phone/data related calls

Formulate telecommunications systems requirements and procedures for processing and communicating data and other information

Design systems to make appropriate use of available facilities and equipment

Prepare cost and time estimates for the installation, implementation, and operation of new equipment

Coordinate the installation and implementation of telecommunication equipment and software features to include standard protocols for data such as X.25, SNA, X.75, BISYNC, etc.

Test the hardware/software of new telecommunications system

Instruct user personnel on the application and capabilities of the telecommunications system

Participate in the planning and design of user training program and schedules

Monitor the operations of the system and services of vendors

To learn more about Telecommunications Analysts click here.

The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

253.157-010 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANALYSTS may specialize as a voice communications analyst, data communications analyst, network analyst, or operations center analyst.

Telecommunications means the exchange of information over a distance, which may be as short as 10 feet or as far as 10,000 miles away. The U.S. telecommunications network consists of both the public telephone network and private (business) telephone networks.

Telecommunications and computer equipment are linked for voice, text, image, data, and video transmission. Examples of such transmissions include calling from one phone location to another, sending data from computer to computer over phone lines or cables, relaying documents over facsimile machines, teleconferencing, sending voice and electronic mail, and transmitting cable television signals.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Telecommunications Analysts work under the general supervision of a telecommunications or project manager. They may work closely with other Analysts, programmers, technicians, engineers, managers, and vendors as part of a team. Analysts usually work in offices that are comfortable, well lighted, and air-conditioned. They may spend time outside their office analyzing equipment, procedures, methods, and work loads.

Telecommunications Analysts usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Evening and weekend work may sometimes be necessary. Analysts may be required to travel, primarily depending upon whether they have responsibility for one location or several locations.

Telecommunications Analysts may join organizations such as the International Communications Association, the North American Telecommunications Association, the Telecommunications Industry Association, or MOTA (Michigan/Ohio Telecommunications Association). Members of such organizations must pay periodic fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities which require creative imagination

• Activities concerned with the communication of ideas

• Activities which require self-motivation

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Think logically/use step-by-step procedures to analyze/solve problems

• Rate information by personal judgment/standards which can be measured

• Understand meanings of words/ideas & present information effectively

• Perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately

• See flat drawings or pictures as solid objects

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Direct activities of others

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A certain telemetry signal with duration of 20 seconds is known to have spectral content from near dc to about 1 kHz but has negligible spectral content above that frequency. The signal is to be recorded, converted to digital format, and stored in memory for subsequent processing. To ease in reconstruction of the signal, the sampling rate is to be selected 25% greater than the theoretical minimum. What is the minimum number of samples of the signal that must be taken?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Inductance in a simple RL dc circuit can be analyzed by considering a circuit with a resistor, a coil, a voltage source, and a switch that allows the circuit to be open (disconnected), closed (connected), and shorted out.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written time and cost estimate for installation of a new telecommunications system for a potential client, factors which are essential to the effectiveness of the system.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

When implementing a new telecommunications system you need to be able to think about many different factors at one time and figure out how to most effectively utilize the system.

Most employers prefer people who have some experience in telecommunications systems. Although specific training may be given on the job, most employers agree that a bachelor's degree in telecommunications, computer science, or data communications is the minimum level of education recommended for a Telecommunications Analyst.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORT UNITIES

NOTE: On-the-Job Training provided by the employer, an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School), a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

034 COMMUNICATIONS

Communications is a broad based program which relates to many Career Exploration Scripts.

Programs in Communications provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for careers in education, marketing, management, or public media where developing, transmitting, receiving, and responding to messages is important. Many jobs in management depend on the employee's ability to communicate effectively.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

052 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment servicing electrical and electronics systems, appliances, and motors. Individuals who teach Electrical and Electronics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program 

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

 E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Because of the training required, opportunities for exploration are limited. However, work-study portions of postsecondary programs in communications or electrical and electronic technology may provide experience in telecommunications. Courses such as electronics, computer science, and drafting will help to develop some of the needed skills and abilities.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Telecommunications Analysts employer

internships

volunteer work with a Telecommunications Analysts employer

community service work with an agency

Methods of entering this occupation include direct application to telecommunications employers, completion of an internship program sponsored by an employer, or through experience gained in the military. Job openings may be located through college placement offices, by consulting newspaper want ads or trade publications, or by attending job fairs and trade association conferences. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Telecommunications Analysts vary according to the type of employer; employer's size; geographic location; and Analyst's experience, ability, and education. The highest salaries are in New York City and its surrounding areas. Utility firms and companies in banking and financial services pay the highest salaries.

Nationally, in early 2009, the annual earnings of Telecommunications Analysts by level of responsibility were:

Telecommunications Analysts with the federal government in 2009 had annual salaries ranging from $40,949 to $75,215.

According to one salary survey in early 2009, Telecommunications Analysts (Data Communications) in the Detroit area had median annual salaries of $48,900 to $86,500. Those in the Grand Rapids area had median annual salaries of $44,500 to $67,600.

Most Telecommunications Analysts receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, and disability insurance; health insurance; including dental and optical coverage; sick pay; tuition reimbursement plans; and retirement plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Telecommunications Analysts begin as trainees or in business, technical, or other telecommunications-related jobs. As Telecommunications Analysts gain experience, they may advance to a senior staff specialist or project manager (overseeing a specific area, such as the data network or teleconferencing), and then advancing to a telecommunications manager.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

The exact number of Telecommunications Analysts employed nationally is unknown. But as the telecommunications industry continually broadens, the demand for qualified analysts grows. The result is that telecommunications has become one of the fastest growing career areas. It is predicted that employment opportunities in this field will continue to grow.

New technology, increased competition, and deregulation, have resulted in a sharp increase in the demand for qualified Analysts. Most openings that occur will be due to growth. However, some will result as some Analysts move to the sales and marketing area.

The exact number of Telecommunications Analysts employed in Michigan is unknown. They were employed by local and long distance telephone companies, utility companies, banks, colleges and universities, government agencies, and others. A very small percentage is self-employed and serves as consultants to smaller companies.

Employment of Telecommunications Analysts in Michigan is expected to continue to increase through the year 2016. Most openings that occur will be due to growth. However, some will result as Analysts transfer to other areas in the telecommunications industry. Fiber optic and silicon chip technology advances have brought about giant steps in data communications, especially in voice and video.

The result is the great challenge and potential in networking. Analysts with understanding of software technology necessary to convey information from computer to consumer will be in demand. Staying current and competent in advanced technologies is vital. 

Communications, data base, on-line transactional processing, fourth generation languages, artificial intelligence, office and factory automation are key areas. Those Analysts with specialized skills in data communications - especially in ISDN (integrated system digital network) or local area networks (LANS) - can expect exciting new opportunities.

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth