My Next Job

It's not my ultimate dream job, but it is the next step. I'm looking for a position as a Telecom Manager.

What's a "Telecom Manager"? Essentially, it's the person who manages wireline, wireless and broadband communications for a company. Though this individual may have training and experience in IT work, this isn't necessarily part of the job description. IT Administration is one thing, and Telecommunications Management is another.

A Telecom Manager has the somewhat disagreeable task of keeping telecommunications up and running for the company, which normally entails a lot of time on the phone talking to customer service representatives. For example, an executive is getting ready to travel overseas to Europe. Who calls the mobile phone company to make sure that the phone is enabled for international use? The Telecom Manager. A sales person has lost her cell phone. Who calls to get it suspended and then orders a new one? The Telecom Manager. You get the point.

With my prior experience as minister, a missionary in Brazil, an ESL teacher and now with the National Business Services division of AT&T Mobility, I definitely believe I have the experience and skills required to be a Telecom Manager. Social and communication skills are a must for this sort of position, as is a lot of patience and also a great deal of familiarity with telecommunications. Currently I spend my days fixing problems major companies and governments are having with their cell phones. I run multiple systems and can work through a problem pretty effectively with process of elimination and basic troubleshooting skills.

Though I'd gladly take a position that pays well and has a full benefits package with any company in New Jersey or New York City, I'd personally prefer a law firm. Besides my interest in law, I actually took a couple of college-level paralegal classes and worked for a few months as a legal assistant in a small Jersey City firm before the position closed and I moved on to AT&T. If I could find work with a mid-sized or large law firm as a Telecom Manager, I'd be willing and able to assume some office duties that would include paralegal work. The experience would be worthwhile, and would contribute to my ongoing plans for the future.
_____________________________________
Books about the profession:

The Irwin Handbook of Telecommunications Management

The Telecom Manager's Survival Guide: The Essential Reference for Telecommunications Systems, Solutions, and Cost Control