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Telecom Projects - A unique set of
challenges
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A few factors need to be considered when trying to decide if this job and lifestyle is
for you.
International travel
This is an appealing part of this line of work, but of course it has its drawbacks.
Periodic trips home are provided every 6 to 16 weeks, depending on project
location. It takes extra effort to maintain relationships with friends and family while
living away from home.
Project work
Technical projects are intense and often difficult. As in many businesses, sales
organizations often force unrealistic implementation targets onto the implementation team
in order to make a sale. Shipment problems for international jobs compound the scheduling
difficulties and add additional complexity to the process. Problems with new and
inexperienced customers often account for unexpected delays in the schedule.
These characteristics make for pros and cons due to the intensity of the work.
Generally, the work day (and week) will be long -- it is tough to plan much of a social
schedule during the thick of the project. On the other hand, time between projects
provides a good opportunity to take some "real" holidays. Money has been tucked
away due to the long hours and a longer holiday can be had; the fact that one job is
wrapped up means that your mind will be clear of work issues until the next job starts.
Uncertainty
The above argument of having time off between projects can be quashed if you are
worried about when you next paycheque will arrive. This volatility is felt by our
customer's own employees and therefore is magnified for its contractors and
consultants. In addition, short-term volatility can provide additional
complications, as projects and sites are often delayed due to construction, equipment or
software. Full fare and easily exchangeable airline tickets are the rule!
Projects come and go in this business. This week's "panic" job is next week's
cancelled order. Imagine the process: First of all, our customer needs to get the work.
They then start to work on internal resource issues to see if they have a fit
within their own staff. They then need to evaluate suppliers, such as
Sidonia, and start setting
up project timelines and making travel arrangements and contractual commitments.
This all needs to happen within the space of a few weeks -- and even in that short amount
of time we may see schedule delays or other complications.
Where does this job get you?
The international telecommunications industry has been experiencing tremendous
volatility
in the past few years. The nature of the work provides a wide range of exposure to
telecommunications equipment, from the nuts and bolts of implementation to a higher-level
view of network opgberations.
- International experience -- immense value on any resume
- Telecommunications experience -- exposure to an industry in which Canada provides key
technology to other countries.
- Strong starting point for project management; network consulting; equipment engineering
and provisioning; technical support and training jobs; bid preparation, sales &
marketing.
- Possible starting point into software engineering and hardware design due to familiarity
with equipment.
- Skill development in a number of transferable skills: This type of work displays
risk-taking; independence; and the ability to learn a new concept or new equipment
quickly.
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