What does it take to keep the world connected 24/7? It’s not just satellites in orbit or signal towers on the ground; it’s the people behind the tech. The ones designing optical networks across Latin America and managing high-stakes telecom projects. These are the experts making our digital lives seamless.
In this exclusive MG blog post, we’re going behind the scenes with two top telecom professionals whose day-to-day work may look very different, but who all share the same goal: keeping the connected world running smoothly and securely.
Here’s what it takes to succeed in one of the fastest-moving, most essential industries today!
Guillermo Bernal – Lighting Up LatAm’s Optical Backbone
Location: Remote (Colombia, Argentina & Mexico)
Role: Optical Network Engineer
Specialty: LLD design, field support & training
Guillermo Bernal didn’t exactly plan to become an Optical Network Engineer – the opportunity found him.
“When I finished my studies at the Colombian School of Engineering, Huawei reached out for English-speaking graduates. I sent my CV and got hired just one month later!”
He began as an Optical Line Trainer at Huawei, training local teams on fiber optics. But as the technology scaled, so did his career.
“I was moved to the regional department, delivering training for all the optical line equipment in the NLAR region. In 2008, I was promoted to team leader – so I was training and overseeing service delivery across multiple countries.”
From there, he took on the role of Transport Network Solution Manager at ZTE, before returning to his training roots with ISATEL, a Huawei Learning Services partner.
“At first I worked as an outsourcing trainer – but by 2017 I was hired full-time. Last year, they transferred me to Mexico to handle Huawei accounts across the region.”
What’s his day-to-day like?
“Supporting the different maintenance operations in Argentina and Colombia, plus developing the LLD for an important project we have in Colombia. Oh, and training the new engineers in optical networks!”
If that sounds like a lot – it is. But for Guillermo, learning is what makes it all possible.
“I believe the key to success comes from the ability to learn. Technology is always evolving, so there’s always new possibilities and if you want to thrive you must be able to understand what’s new and why it’s important.”
David Roncero – Keeping Complex Projects on Track
Location: InternationalRole: Project Control ManagerSpecialty: Risk management, client reporting, ROI
If there’s one word to describe telecom project delivery, it’s “complex.” That’s where David Roncero thrives.
“I have a degree in Telecom Engineering and have been involved in international telco projects across several countries. Becoming a Project Control Manager for Huawei felt like destiny.”
David’s role is a blend of technical understanding and people skills.
What’s his day-to-day like?
“I identify and control risks, act as the interface for customers, managing reporting and solving problems and focus on delivering return on investment.”
And what does it take to succeed under all that pressure?
“You need to know how to control your stress levels! You also need good organisational skills and be sociable.”
David’s secret weapons? “Optical fiber for telecom, touchscreen for terminals” and, no doubt, nerves of steel.
What It Takes to Succeed in Telecom Today
While their roles may differ, these two professionals share a common approach: staying sharp, staying flexible, and always learning.
Here are the qualities that stand out across the board:
Lifelong learning – Tech never stops moving, and neither should you.
Curiosity – Don’t be afraid to ask, explore, and dig deeper.
Adaptability – Flexibility helps you navigate change fast.
Organisation & calm – Especially under pressure.
Communication – Whether reporting to clients or training new talent.
So, whether you’re starting out in telecom or looking to grow into a new role, take it from the experts: stay curious, stay adaptable, and never stop learning.
Because behind every signal, there’s someone making it work.
This is a great read that highlights the importance of skilled telecom professionals in shaping the future of connectivity. With the rapid growth of 5G, IoT, and advanced wireless solutions, having experienced experts to lead network deployment, optimization, and innovation is crucial for delivering reliable communication services. I particularly appreciate the focus on real-world expertise and adaptability in an ever-evolving telecom landscape. Thanks for sharing such valuable industry insights!