By Naissa Lopez
Problem solving and troubleshooting are just another day in the life of a Telecommunications Technology specialist. Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County is focused on making sure that its telecommunication graduates are ready with the skills needed to succeed in this constantly changing market.
Alfonso Medrano is a current telecommunications instructor at TSTC in Fort Bend County. He has 14 years of telecommunications experience under his belt and states that no day on the job is ever the same.
“Technicians can expect to run into different challenges every day,” he said. “It’s as if you learn something new continuously because telecommunication is a fast-paced industry, and innovation is key for all the competing companies. There are always new products coming out, and as technicians, we need to remain sharp on all of them.”
TSTC is adamant on making sure their telecommunications graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this area of work.
“I want to make sure that my graduates are ready to hit the field with confidence,” explained Medrano. “I want them to be prepared and ready.”
The program has already garnered the attention of one company that is eager to hire students with the dexterity that TSTC Telecommunications Technology graduates are achieving.
Jose Cavazos, program manager for Fujitsu, a global information and communication technology (ICT) company, expresses that the demand for well-equipped telecommunication personnel will not dissipate anytime soon.
“There is a need for skilled individuals in this market place,” he explained. “Statistically, there is a significant gap that has been determined, and the need to fill that gap has been identified by many corporations. Any individual that has the advanced and comprehensive skills, such as those taught by an institution like TSTC, should have the opportunity to advance themselves.”
While there are many traits that can prepare a student to succeed in this field, Medrano says that drive is what makes the biggest difference in a student’s career.
“In my opinion, it will be the students who are hungry for success,” he said. “They have the drive and passion to learn. They want to make a difference in the field.”
Telecommunication Technology is offered at the Harlingen and new Fort Bend County campus. Registration for Fall 2016 is in progress. To apply or register online visit tstc.edu. For more information on the program visit tstc.edu/programs/TelecommunicationsTechnology. Classes begin August 29.