Unpopular opinion:
Most “5G engineers” aren’t actually 5G engineers.
They’re 4G engineers working on 5G networks.
There’s a huge difference.
Here’s what I mean:
4G Engineer working on 5G:
- Uses old methodologies
- Applies 4G thinking to 5G problems
- Focuses only on RF optimization
- Ignores cloud-native architecture
- Treats 5G as “faster 4G”
True 5G Engineer:
- Understands cloud-native principles
- Works with containerization/orchestration
- Knows network slicing architecture
- Understands edge computing integration
- Thinks beyond just RAN optimization
The problem?
Companies hire based on years of experience.
Not on actual 5G-specific skills.
So you get engineers with 10 years telecom experience…
But zero experience with:
- Kubernetes
- Service mesh architectures
- Network function virtualization
- O-RAN interfaces
- AI/ML integration
My advice if you want to be a TRUE 5G engineer:
- Learn cloud technologies (not optional anymore)
- Understand software development basics
- Study O-RAN architecture deeply
- Get hands-on with containerization
- Learn at least one programming language
5G isn’t just telecom anymore.
It’s telecom + IT + cloud + software.
Adapt or become obsolete.
Do you agree or disagree?
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