Reaching into millions of homes in 40 states, Comcast brings cable television, home phone and Internet service to the masses. In 2011, Comcast Cable expanded its reach, bringing NBC Universal into its family of businesses that also include Comcast Spectacor and Comcast Ventures. Comcast has also built a reputation as a good place for women to work, winning numerous awards, including a spot on "Professional Woman's Magazine’s" Best of the Best list. The company employs more than 126,000 employees, including thousands of communications field technicians, who bring Comcast products into customers' homes.
Technical Skills
First and foremost, you’ll need to have the technical abilities needed to install and troubleshoot Comcast products. You’ll have to know how to set up Comcast’s cable, Internet and home security systems and get them up and running for the customer. After setting everything up, sometimes you’ll have to educate the customer on how it all works and how to operate the equipment. When a customer has issues, you’ll provide solutions, restoring the Internet or cable as soon as possible. You should have wiring or cabling experience and be able to use and operate computers and hand and power tools. Comcast provides new hires with some on-the-job training, helping technicians develop skills specific to its products.
Have People Skills
As a communications field technician, you’ll interact with customers on a daily basis and must have excellent written and oral communication skills. At a client’s home or business, you’re not only a technician; you’re also a customer service rep. At times, you may encounter customers who are angry their services don’t work, and you’ll have to not only fix the problem but deal with irate clients in the process. You’ll typically be on a deadline to finish a job in a certain amount of time and must have good time management skills and a strong work ethic.
Excellent Physical Condition
Most of the time, you’ll be working outside, installing lines and hooking up the cable and Internet from the outside. You’ll have to be willing to work in extreme cold or extreme heat and, depending on your area and the time of year, you might have to deal with both. Communications technicians should also be in good physical condition and be able to lift heavy equipment, fit into small spaces, climb ladders and electrical poles and work on their feet every day. You may work long hours, including weekends and evenings, and may be on call, so you should be flexible with your time.
Meet Other Qualifications
Comcast also requires communications technicians to meet other qualifications, including having at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. While not required, previous experience as a communications tech is a plus. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license but will use a company van or truck. Candidates for a communications technician position must undergo a hiring process that starts with filling out an online application and includes phone and in-person interviews.
References
Writer Bio
Lindsey Thompson began her writing career in 2001. Her work has been published in the Cincinnati Art Museum's "Member Magazine" and "The Ohio Journalist." You'll also find her work on websites like Airbnb, Chron.com, and USAToday.com. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.