What skills should I develop so that I can represent myself at good level ?

Hi Somay,

Skills you should develop are all relative to the position you are interested in pursuing.

For example, if you would want a position as a software engineer then it would be great to brush up in programming courses and polish them.

Usually too, job postings will state which skills they want a candidate to have so it would be a good guideline to what companies expect.

If it's all too overwhelming now, my suggestion is to look at which positions you are interested in applying for and look for common skill denominators between them and start honing these first. It also helps asking around from your peers or friends who are freshly employed and ask them their experiences or how they prepared when applying for work.

Hope I was able to provide enlightening advice and goodluck!

Hi,
I share my view based my understanding, hopefully it could give you some suggestions:

The skill could be technical skills and soft skills.

For Technical skill, it very depends on which area you will work for, for example, if you work as R&D software engineer, generally software programing skill is the basic skill, if you work in HW area, you need have more HW knowledge. And especially in NOKIA, telecommunication technical knowledge/skill is important in the industry.

For non-technical skills are also very important. Problem solving capability, quick learning capability, communication and cooperation skills etc.

I recommend you to check detail external open positions and requirement, you can check the website, there are many job opportunities:
https://www.nokia.com/about-us/careers/our-opportunities/

Good luck.

Hi Somay,

I agree with both Lucy and Sam that technical skills will vary depending on the position you're applying for and generally most important ones are listed in the job description. For an engineer it might be understanding of various programming languages, whereas a project manager will need to have experience in planning. These skills will help to do the job well.

However, what I personally learned over the years is that to be able to represent yourself well and be a strong team member 'soft' and interpersonal skills are very valuable.

In particular, being organized, able to understand the bigger picture and manage time well will help to be more productive and get more done. At the same time, being able to think outside the box, express your ideas and opinions clearly, as well as communicate openly and network with other colleagues will make you a very valuable contributor.

My advice would be to balance the time between activities that improve your technical skills and those that focus on communication and networking. For example, engaging in a debate club or taking up a writing class can be a great way to activate the non-technical part of life.

Hi Somay,

Let me answer from the verification (testing) department technical point of view.

If you apply to positions such as "tester", "system verification engineer", "integration and verification" or "software verification" etc. (which mean you would like to work with our software and/or hardware) then I recommend following skills:
1. Telecommunication basis - if you are not familiar with that, I recommend the "LTE" channel on Youtube and the first 3 chapters of the "Leliwa signaling" book. Also, you can consider other chapters - this level of knowledge may be necessary at a later stage depending on the department you will enter and what tasks/features you will be responsible for. Based on that new knowledge, you can then ask yourself if you want to work in telecom because sooner or later you will have to deepen your knowledge.
2. Linux (command line) - lots of devices and virtual machines have Linux on board and testers/integration and verification specialists work with it.
3. Network (Cisco) - our laboratories are connected in a big network and LTE/5G technologies use IP addresses as well. Basic network configuration is a daily basis.
I can recommend a book Cisco CCNA 200-125, semester 1, and program Cisco Packet Tracer.
4. Programming skills - testers mostly use Python and Robot Framework
5. Testing basis - based on ISTQB

Nokia has recently also launched a 5G certification program, check it out: https://www.nokia.com/networks/training/5g/bell-labs/courses/

I cannot tell you what is most important and which level of knowledge is mandatory - it depends on the specific department. We have automation tests and manual ones. We have software departments where people don't touch real hardware, typical hardware departments, and of course lots of departments working with SW and HW as well.

But what I can say for sure - in Nokia, you can develop your skills. If you are on a basic level in some areas and during the interview you show that you want and are able to progress in these areas then the door is open.

Wishing you good luck! ;)

All very relevant and insightful answers above. Further, I would like to share what Nokia does and has to offer to a new employee. I will also add what is mostly required to excel in these roles.

As we may know, Nokia is largely a telecom infrastructure company selling telecom networks (including hardware, software and services) to communication service providers (like Verizon, Deutsche Telecom, Airtel) and enterprises (like Mining industry, factories, Airports). We are organised in few verticals (for the various products, like Mobile Networks, Fixed Networks, IP Networks, Core Networks) and few horizonal departments (like HR, Strategy, Marketing, IT, Real Estate, Finance).
The life cycle starts with product/solution/services being developed (R&D), Product meeting customer expectations (i.e. Product management), Product being offered (Tendering/Pre-Sales/Offer management/Bid Management), Product being sold (through Nokia Customer teams), Product being deployed in the field (Deployment and Care Services), Product being maintained in the customer network 24*7 error-free (Operations). Depending upon your competence, skills and interest, you could start in these areas (horizontals or verticals) and grow within Nokia.

Now, what can you do to prepare well. Focus on your identified area, and make relevant efforts. At an entry level, you are not expected to know so much in detail about these areas. Your fundamentals in technology should be strong. Similarly, you should have good soft-skills like learning mindset, open, flexible, collaborative, communication skills, eager to know more, problem-solving approach, analytical skills. At senior levels, e.g. in a customer team role, one is expected to develop relationship fast, build trust, existing rapport with key customers, excellent selling and negotiation skills, meet sales targets, able to understand customer needs and meet expectations through Nokia solutions and enhance customer experience.

Hope this is useful, happy to expand upon any area depending upon your interest.