Employers

There are dozens of wireless service providers, both large and small, all over the United States. Anywhere that there is wireless service—that is, anywhere that you can use a cellular phone—there is a cell site, owned and maintained by a wireless provider. Some of the largest wireless providers are AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular. All of these companies have Web sites, and most maintain a listing of available jobs on their site. Wireless service technicians also work for local and regional wireless carriers.

Starting Out

Wireless service technicians find jobs through the Web sites of wireless providers. Many wireless companies maintain jobs sections on their sites, which list available positions. They also learn about opportunities through wireless industry publications.

Technical job fairs, expos, or exchanges offer opportunities to network and learn more about the industry. Technically and technologically skilled employees are so much in demand the communities frequently have events to allow employers to network with and meet potential employees. Monitor local news sources to learn about similar events in your community.

Another excellent source of job leads is your colleges career services office. Many wireless companies visit schools that offer the appropriate degree programs to recruit qualified students for employees. Some companies even offer a co-op program, in which they hire students on a part-time basis while they are still in school.

Wireless service technicians with experience may advance to switch technician or switch engineer. The switch technician works at the switching center, which controls the routing of the wireless phone calls.

Another avenue of advancement might be to move into system performance. System performance workers strive to maximize the performance of the wireless system. They run tests and make adjustments to ensure that the system is providing the best possible coverage in all areas and that signals from the different cell sites do not interfere with each other.

Visit https://www.ctia.org/the-wireless-industry/wireless-industry to learn more about the wireless industry.

Join the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to increase your chances of landing a job and receiving fair pay for your work.

Talk with wireless service technicians about their careers. Ask them for advice on preparing for and entering the field.