July 25, 2025
Network transformation is not a new concept. Going back to the dawn of telecommunications, network owners have relied on technological advancements backed by the people who design, manufacture, install, and maintain ever-increasingly high-speed, high-density networks.
Today, it is more important than ever to grow the workforce that supports this network evolution. The number of connected devices worldwide is expected to more than double between now and 2034, according to Statista. To seize the value of emerging technologies, Big Tech is ramping up its capital expenditures for network infrastructure. Data center expansion-related CapEx grew more than 4x between 2020 ($100B) and 2025 (over $400B) and is expected to surge over the trillion-dollar mark by 2029, according to a Dell’Oro Group report.
This market growth translates to a fast-growing demand for new people to enter telecom and contribute their talents. From mid-career transfers and military veterans to recent high school and college graduates, opportunities abound across the industry for people to explore and find their role in network transformation.
While jobs are often highly specialized, the industry itself is broad, offering a vast array of available work. Some roles feature on-the-job training or upskilling, others may require hands-on experience, an engineering background, or computer science degree. This breadth of opportunity comes with the benefit of personalized, choose-your-own-adventure career pathways.
One way to look at the many career possibilities is through the lens of industry segments, keeping in mind that advancement is common both within and between these four main categories.
Telcos
Traditionally known as providers of telecommunications services, telcos include the household-name global and national companies that own and operate long-haul fiber optic networks that extend all the way to (or are closing the gap to reach) homes and businesses, and their smaller counterparts that focus on specific regions. Telco customers are residential and business subscribers of voice, data, and other communication services.
These providers are transforming from telcos to “technos,” strategically evolving both their business models and networks to deliver innovative digital experiences for their customers.
KPMG reports that attracting and retaining top talent is among the key qualities that differentiates technos from telcos, adding, “in the digital era, tech talent is one of the scarcest strategic resources.” Following a series of interviews with telco leaders about the telco-to-techno shift, McKinsey recommended that these companies make greater efforts to hire and develop non-industry talent. In one interview, an executive suggested that they “find good people and teach them.”
Telco roles range from network operations, field and transport engineers, and wireless RF planners. Typical entry points include internships, network operations center technicians, and site technicians.
Hyperscalers
Hyperscalers can refer to large cloud service providers as well as colocation providers, also known as colos, who build and operate ultra-high-density data center facilities. These facilities house rows of computers for storing, processing, and transmitting data. McKinsey estimates that 60-65% of AI workloads in the U.S and Europe will ultimately be hosted by cloud service providers and other hyperscale network operators. With an increasing emphasis on AI-ready infrastructure, much of the industry’s expected growth stems from investments in hyperscale facilities as they evolve into “AI factories.”
Hyperscaler roles range from infrastructure program managers, network design engineers, and deployment technicians. Typical entry points include contract roles, data center operations, and college programs.
Manufacturers
At the most basic level, telecom manufacturers make the equipment that is used to build and connect networks. Whether producing active equipment (the electronic components) or passive solutions (cabling and connectivity), or both, every manufacturer has its own customer offering and value proposition.
Within the manufacturing category alone, there is a broad spectrum of available roles, especially given the workforce required by manufacturers committed to not only running factory lines but also supporting research and development, customization, customer collaboration, ecosystem partnerships, technical support, and other value-rich services.
The Manufacturing Institute, in a joint study with Deloitte, spotlighted the need to build the national talent pipeline. Given the rise of smart factory solutions, the study underscored the importance of a digitally savvy workforce with skills such as machine learning, cybersecurity, data management, and data analysis, adding that “the increased adoption of digital tools and technologies tends to bring soft skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, critical and cross-functional thinking, initiative, and leadership to the fore.”
Manufacturer roles range from product engineers, systems engineers, design engineers, sales engineers, and quality assurance/testing specialists. Typical entry points include supply chain coordinators, R&D internships, and field training programs.
Integrators
Transformation in all types of networks requires people with their boots on the ground. Integrators design, deploy, and maintain systems, and low-voltage installers run fiber optic cable through conduits, racks, and servers. Integrators’ customers include network operators of hyperscale data centers, enterprise networks, telcos, and CATV providers. These customers rely on skilled labor every time they undergo a telecom construction project, either upgrading an existing network (brownfield) or breaking ground to build a new one (greenfield).
These businesses present a valuable opportunity for hands-on learning about the industry. Network integrators often hire entry-level technicians right out of high school, catapulting their career progression within the company or into Big Tech or manufacturing.
Integrator roles range from cable installers, rack-and-stack technicians, project managers, and site foremen. Typical entry points include field technicians, site preparation, cable preparation, and testing.
Closing Thoughts
The above summaries are just a sampling of what is out there for people interested in exploring a career in telecommunications. Investments in AI-enabling infrastructure, fiber expansion, digital security, and green energy transition are the equivalent of a welcome mat for new members of the industry.
My advice for people is to start with small steps, stay curious, and follow their own interests in pursuit of industry roles. For more information on this topic, tune in to Fiber Focus and explore career possibilities with Sumitomo Electric Industries.
About the author: Teylor Bremekamp, PMP, RCDD, is a fiber network design engineer with Sumitomo Electric Lightwave.