IT AND TECHNOLOGY | AREAS OF WORK
IT IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS Improve and reinvent global communications systems to better serve users.
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elecommunications is all about connecting people, whether through traditional fixed-line telephones, computers and laptops, or mobile devices. A key enabler for various fields and regulated by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), telecommunications is vital to raising Singapore’s productivity and transforming business processes, while IT in telecommunications is especially essential in transforming the city-state into a Smart Nation.
Career overview Job opportunities are usually divided into two categories: vendors and carriers. Put simply, vendors such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Agilent, provide the hardware and software the industry needs; whereas carriers like M1, SingTel and StarHub deliver telecommunications services to end users. Graduates aspiring to break into the field can also find employment with IT consultancy providers, much like Accenture and IBM. Early responsibilities are dependent on the area of entry, with new hires starting with vendors typically put in technical roles to assist in hardware or software development first before moving on to other positions after gaining some experience. On the other hand, hopefuls beginning with carriers have more roles to choose from, though most often
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STEM Career Guide 2021
require specialist knowledge. In addition, most organisations in this category run graduate or management associate programmes with job rotations and mentorships to ease newcomers to the workforce. Work generally comes in the form of projects, and responsibilities tend to range from hardware and software R&D, product testing, setting up or maintaining the necessary infrastructure, technical sales and marketing and also supporting customers and clients. This industry also boasts a healthy work-life balance, and unless deadlines are fast approaching, extra hours are usually not needed.
Trends and developments Although telecommunications make up a small percentage of the information and communications services industry, it is one of the top contributors in terms of valued added. Moreover, 5G is just about to burst on the scene, and is also set to cover half the population by 2022.
Pros and cons A variety of responsibilities Work can be very interesting, due in a large part to the range of job responsibilities available, which also evolve in tandem with telecommunications’ rapid development of technology.
Pressure Frustration can mount when networks go down, and pressure to repair the system or infrastructure comes down hard. Constant and speedy development also translates to graduates needing enough self-motivation to keep up, or risk being left behind. Skills required in IT in telecommunications
• Awareness of latest IT and technology trends • Problem-solving skills • An eye for detail • Interpersonal skills • Research skills • Analytical skills
