Like most bright-eyed, ambitious university students, I walked into my final year with high hopes and a vision of a perfect future. I pictured myself graduating with a B.Eng in Telecom, walking into a job at one of the country’s top telecom operators, living the dream with a handsome salary, and enjoying all the perks and luxuries that came with it. But, as many of you may know… reality has a funny way of diverting our dreams.

After graduation, my classmates and I jumped into the job search we had been eagerly dreaming of for so long.. We all sent out resumes, attended interviews, and did everything in our power to land that perfect role. Yet, all our efforts led to one common result disappointment and with that disappointment came the burning question, one that nearly every fresh telecom graduate is asking: “How do I find a job in Telecom?”

Here’s the harsh truth:

The telecom sector is brutal for fresh graduates without connections. Forget about your GPA, forget about being the brightest in class. What really matters is your network. If you don’t have solid references or connections, finding a job in this industry is an uphill battle. Even getting an unpaid internship can be a difficult.

Pathetic? Yes! But it’s the truth and I  am sharing it with you from very first experience because someone needs to tell you what it really takes.

So, “How can you get your dream job when the standard doors are shut?”
Before I share the answers, let’s first understand the telecom sector a bit better stuff they never told us before we embarked on our job hunt.

The telecom industry has three primary sectors:

  1. Operators
    The big players. There are five major telecom operators in the country:

    • UFone
    • Telenor
    • Zong
    • Warid
    • Mobilink
  2. Vendors
    Operators hire vendors to build and maintain their networks. These vendors install telecom equipment on operator cell sites. Major vendors operating in Pakistan include:

    • Huawei
    • ZTE
    • Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN)
    • Ericsson
    • Motorola
    • Alcatel

It’s worth noting that some operators work with multiple vendors to keep their network running smoothly.

  1. Sub-contractors (Sub-cons)
    Vendors also hire sub-contractors to handle the majority of tasks like equipment installations, site maintenance, and even operations. For example, right now Huawei is working with sub-cons like Netkom, EESPAK, and Tier-4 to install Microwave Links for Zong.

There are many other sub-contractors in Pakistan, such as:

  • AceWorks
  • Celeros
  • Dancom
  • Teleways
  • Hi-Rise
  • F&D
  • Interses
  • And many more…

Here’s the deal: Operators and vendors usually offer better pay and perks, but sub-cons? Not so much. Most pay between 10K-20K/month and can leave you waiting months for a paycheck. But here’s the twist—while some sub-cons may not offer the best salary, they can be great stepping stones if you’re ready to learn and grow

Now, let’s answer the BIG question:

How do you land a job in Telecom?

1. Strong References 

 Strong Opportunities
If you’ve got strong connections, you have got it made. The telecom industry is a “who-you-know” business. In this case, a strong reference can open doors. With a good network, you can easily land a job with an operator or a vendor.

2. No References?

Start with a Sub-con.
Don’t have any powerful references yet? No problem. Just start with a sub-con. It might not be glamorous, but it’s a  door. The key is to learn and build relationships that will open up bigger doors later. Sub-cons are always hiring engineers, so drop your CV at every sub-con you can find. Make sure to follow up. Persistenceis key!

3. The Reality Check 

Low Pay, High Learning
Here is a bitter truth as a fresh graduate, you might not make the money you dreamt of. But don’t give up. If you’re landing a job with a sub-con, do it with a learning attitude not for the high pay. Sure, the salary may be low, but the experience and knowledge you’ll gain can be invaluable for your career progression.

4. Networking:

The Unspoken Rule
In telecom, jobs are not advertised on job boards. Instead, they’re shared informally via emails and personal connections. Your best chance is to network, network and network. Build those strong relationships and stay connected. You never know when an opportunity might come your way.

5. Don’t Quit –

Stay Determined
If you’re already doing an unpaid internship or struggling with a low-paying job, don’t quit. Even if it feels frustrating, don’t give up! The professional experience you’re gaining now will pay off in the long run. It’s all part of the journey, and eventually, your perseverance will be rewarded.

Bottom Line: Struggle and Hustle Your Way In

Don’t wait for a miracle. The telecom industry isn’t going to hand you a job on a golden platter. You have to fight for it. The key is persistence and staying true to the goal. And as you struggle, remember this motto:

“Ithy Rakh Sada Haq…”

Keep pushing, keep striving, and eventually, you’ll carve your place in the telecom world.