When you hear “telecom,” what comes to mind? Maybe big towers, tech jargon, and a room full of guys running the show? That image is changing fast. And here’s the exciting part: women are leading the charge.
Why? Because telecom isn’t just wires and signals anymore. It’s about connecting people, ideas, and new tech like 5G, smart cities, and the Internet of Things (IoT). And it needs fresh perspectives, women’s perspectives to keep moving forward.
If you’re looking for a career that blends technology, impact, and endless opportunity, telecom might just be your next move. And the best part? You don’t need to be an engineer to break in. Let’s explore how women are shaping the future of connectivity and how you can, too.
Women Making an Impact
Across the industry, there are countless examples of women leading change:
- Gwynne Shotwell – President & COO, SpaceX: Shotwell has been instrumental in deploying Starlink’s satellite broadband network, bringing high-speed internet to underserved regions worldwide. Her leadership is a testament to the impact of combining science, technology, and business acumen.
- Padmasree Warrior – Former CTO, Cisco Systems: A visionary in network innovation, Warrior spearheaded advancements in ICT and wireless technologies. She has become a role model for women in STEM, especially those pursuing ICT courses and telecom training.
- Kimberly Anstett – CIO, Trellix (formerly Nielsen): Anstett is known for championing data-driven strategies in telecom analytics, helping shape more customer-centric and secure communications infrastructure.
- Rima Qureshi – Executive VP & Chief Strategy Officer, Verizon: Qureshi is a driving force behind Verizon’s 5G expansion and digital transformation, underscoring the value of continuous learning and telecom certification in career advancement.
These women and many more aren’t exceptions. They’re part of a growing wave proving that expertise, leadership, and innovation don’t come with a gender label.
Why Telecom Is a Great Career Choice
Telecom offers a wide range of career paths, many of which don’t require you to be an engineer. Whether your strengths lie in technology, project management, data, or customer experience, there’s room to grow and the demand for skilled professionals is only increasing.
Some fast-growing areas include:
- 5G network design and optimisation
- Cybersecurity and data governance
- IoT and smart infrastructure projects
- Telecom project management and operations
- Digital transformation and customer analytics
Many of these roles offer global mobility, hybrid work opportunities, and career progression across industries.
Getting Started: Skills & Certifications
If you’re thinking, “Sounds great, but where do I start?” here’s a simple plan:
- Learn the basics. Find beginner-friendly telecom or ICT courses online, many are free or affordable.
- Get certified. Certifications like 5G training or LTE courses show employers you know your stuff.
- Find your people. Join groups like ‘Women in Telecom’ or other industry communities.
- Keep growing. The telecom world changes fast – keep up with blogs, podcasts, and webinars.
It’s Not Always Easy – But It’s Worth It
- No sugarcoating, some challenges come with stepping into a male-heavy field. You might face doubts or feel like you don’t fit in. But remember every woman who’s come before you had to push through the same walls.
- Keep track of your wins, celebrate the small stuff, and don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors. The telecom community is growing and more supportive than ever.
Real Stories, Real Progress
Stories like that of Fatima Al Shamsi, a UAE-based telecom engineer, highlight what’s possible. After completing a professional 5G course, she began working on smart city connectivity solutions. Today, she leads a team delivering infrastructure projects across the Middle East.
She’s not alone. Every year, more women are building careers in telecom, thanks to education, access to training, and communities that support them.
So, what’s holding you back?
The future of telecom isn’t just about the next tech breakthrough, it’s about who’s building it. Women have the talent, the vision, and the drive to shape this field. If you’re ready to get in, there’s never been a better time.
Get curious. Take a course. Reach out. The telecom world is waiting.
Source: 5gworldpro.com
P.S. We’re Hiring!
Ready to join the movement? We’ve got open roles in telecom right now – engineers, analysts, project managers, you name it. Head here to explore open roles and take your next step!
