Jobs and Careers Spring 2019 - 235

C O M M U N I CAT I O N S

Get in touch with telecomms
Telecommunications accounts for
around 5% of the UK's GDP but is
more significant than that figure
indicates, given the importance of
telecomms to all forms of modern
industry. Around 1.5m people work
in IT and telecommunications (two
sectors that are inextricably linked),
with almost 20,000 workplaces
dedicated to telecomms, including
high-profile tech companies like BT,
Siemens, Verizon and Vodafone. You
can work in telecomms at hardware

manufacturers like Dell and Cisco,
or software tech companies like
WhatsApp and Skype, but there
are also telecomms-related roles at
companies in almost every industry.
Some of the most important
specialists are engineers and
technicians, who are responsible for
installing and maintaining networks.
You can focus on fixed-line or
wireless technology, or attempt
to become an expert in both. At
a higher level, you can specialise

in the design and development of
new telecommunications devices
and network hardware, conducting
research and developing solutions.
Junior technician roles are
available via an apprenticeship
scheme or with a relevant BTEC,
NVQ or HND, so you'll receive
training on the job. For more senior
and complex roles, a degree in a
related subject such as electrical
engineering or computer science will
help you get on a graduate scheme.

Social media manager

Communications director

Day-to-day duties may include updating sites,
writing blogs, articles and posts, responding to
comments, developing discussions and checking
feedback. Opportunities can be found in a diverse
range of industries, from retail to independent
enquiries set up by the government. You could also
work for an agency managing a number of clients.
Freelance work is possible with experience.
What skills and qualifications do I need? You
could get into this job without a degree if you have
the skills and experience in areas such as marketing,
advertising or PR. You can do college courses in
social media and business. Experience of social
media, beyond your own accounts, is essential.
How much can I earn? Salaries start at
around £18,000, rising to £38,000.

You'll manage campaigns for large
organisations, with day-to-day
duties encompassing planning
and delivering communications
campaigns for clients, raising
awareness of the company
externally and representing
them at conferences, events
and in the media. You will also
have to manage budgets.
What skills and qualifications
do I need? You'll usually need
several years' experience at
senior management level in
public relations or marketing.
A background in journalism or
broadcasting could also be useful. A
degree, postgraduate or professional
qualification in PR, communications
or marketing is required for most
jobs. You'll also possess strong
writing, editing, public speaking
and leadership skills, along with the
ability to work well with others.
How much can I earn? Salaries
start at around £40,000 but
those with a proven track record
can earn up to £100,000.

Find out more
* Bright Knowledge
brightknowledge.org/media
* Chartered Institute
of Public Relations
cipr.co.uk
* National Union of Journalists
nuj.org.uk

JOBS & CAREERS /// 235
http://www.brightknowledge.org/media http://cipr.co.uk http://nuj.org.uk
Jobs and Careers Spring 2019

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