How to Become a Telecommunications Project Manager
Telecommunications projects managers, also commonly referred to as telecom project managers, are typically responsible for planning and managing a wide variety of projects in the voice, Internet and video communications industries. These professionals work in a number of different types of establishments, including wireless, wired, satellite and telecommunications companies, in permanent or contract positions. If you're planning to pursue a career as a telecommunications project manager, you must have one of several specialized degrees, as well as specific personality traits and skill sets.
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Instructions
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Go to college and earn a bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering. While you're in college, take courses in psychology, management and written communications to prepare for the resource management part of the project manager role.
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Apply for entry-level telecommunications jobs while in college. Work part-time in one of the main telecom industries to gain an insider view of daily procedures, as well as to observe different types of management styles.
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Obtain a master’s degree in business communications, as this may help you gain a competitive edge on other candidates, as well as fine-tune your management style and skills. This level of education is typically a prerequisite for telecommunications project manager positions at large, global corporations.
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Apply at small to medium-sized telecommunications companies, such as startup Internet small businesses to gain initial experience. Use your first job to learn how to motivate employees, manage a large project schedule and overcome unexpected project challenges.
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Pursue a Project Management Institute, or PMI, certification. Start with the Certified Associate in Project Management, or CAPM, certification and then choose a more specialized certification level, such as the Project Management Professional, or PMP, certification.
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Apply for junior project manager or assistant project management positions at large, global companies. Work your way up the corporate ladder to land top positions as you gain experience and seniority in the company.
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Take continuing education courses to learn about new technologies and technological advances that impact the telecommunications industry. You can also use these classes to network and make connections with other telecom professionals.
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