ICT and telecommunications

Last updated: 22 Jun 2023, 13:19

Jobs for engineers in the ICT and telecoms sector.

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The ICT and telecommunications area is rapidly developing, with new innovations impacting on every aspect of daily life, from health care to computers to transport. Each innovation brings the possibility of entirely new product developments. It is a robust and exciting sector to work in, with new specialisms constantly emerging.

This sector has a well established presence in the Irish economy and is responsible for the provision of a huge range of high-demand products worldwide: software, hardware and telecommunications.

Engineers working in the computer and software field design and develop state-of-the-art computer hardware, software and information systems. As well as industry, other potential employment areas include the Civil Service, product design and development, and consultancy.

Areas of activity divide into distinctive but linked areas:

  • Hardware (network engineering): designing networks, linking computers together, designing new types of chips, processors and computers.
  • Software: designing, writing and testing software.
  • Information systems: designing, configuring, implementing and installing complete computer systems.
  • Telecommunications: designing and developing technologies for broadcast, mobile and optical communications, such as mobile phones and podcasting technologies.

Telecommunications is one of the fastest-moving sectors in the world: telecoms providers need to innovate continually in order to remain competitive. There is a wide range of jobs for graduates, ranging from research and project management to software development. This is a fast-paced environment which will appeal to people who thrive on challenge and change.

The work of software engineers depends on their age and experience: a junior might write basic code while more senior people are involved in designing and developing large-scale systems and applications. You will usually work at one end of the process, either creating the software or helping to test it.

Network engineers have one of the most technically demanding jobs in IT: setting up, administering, maintaining and upgrading networks. The work will vary depending on the type of company you work for and what its network requirements are.

Graduates in this area are expected to demonstrate exceptional creative, problem-solving and project management abilities as well as excellent interpersonal skills for more client-facing roles. They are also expected to be enthusiastic, motivated and energetic.

What degree do I need for this career?

  • Electronic engineering
  • Computer engineering
  • Software engineering
  • Systems engineering
  • Also open to civil/structural, control, electrical, environmental, manufacturing, materials, mechanical and software engineering graduates.
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