Taking the Leap into Telecommunications: John Malama’s Journey to Ericsson
By Written by: Aishwarya Chauhan
For John Malama, studyingCommunications Engineering at Ӱԭ Universityhelped him developthe technical foundation, problem-solvingskillsandpractical experience neededtolanda rolein one of the world’s most rapidly evolving industries.
Soon after graduatinginJune2026, he found a full-time jobasaBaseband Software Developer at Ericsson,where he works at the intersection of software engineering and telecommunications.
His journey from the classroom to a global technology company demonstrates how the hands-on, interdisciplinary nature of Communications Engineering, which will officially be renamed in fall 2027, can prepare students for careers in Ottawa’s thriving technology sector and beyond.
Building a foundation across engineering disciplines
Malama was initially drawn to engineering by his curiosity about what happens behind the technology that allows people and devices to connect.
After moving from Zambia to Ottawa in 2019, Malama chose Ӱԭ in part because of the university’s strong reputation for engineering programs. While it was a major transition from one country to another, Ottawa quickly became home.
“Being surrounded by classmates with different experiences and interests broadened my perspective and made me realize how many different paths there are within engineering.”
Throughout his degree, he gained exposure to both the theoretical foundations of communications and the practical engineering skills required to apply them.
Courses in electronics, electromagnetic waves, digital communications, signals and systems, communication software, telecommunications engineering and wireless communications helped him build a broad technical foundation.
“Working on an acoustic wireless communication system using 4-QAM showed me that engineering is more than understanding the theory. It’s about putting the theory to test. I had to build, test and troubleshoot the system, and every challenge helped me understand the concepts on a much deeper level,” Malama says.
From the classroom to the telecommunications industry
The combination of theory and application became particularly valuable when Malama began pursuing career opportunities in telecommunications.
His transition from Ӱԭ to Ericsson felt natural because his degree had already exposed him to many of the concepts relevant to cellular technologies.
“My courses allowed me to understand both the communications problem and the software implementation required to solve it,” he explains.
For students considering Telecommunications Engineering, his experience offers a clear example of how skills developed across multiple courses can come together in a professional engineering role.
Learning in Ottawa’s technology ecosystem
For Malama, being a student in Ottawa helped make career opportunities feel tangible.
Ӱԭ’s proximity to Kanata North, one of Ottawa’s major technology hubs, gave him greater awareness of the telecommunications and technology companies operating in the region.
Companies such as Ericsson and other tech organizations are part of the local engineering ecosystem at Ӱԭ. That proximity to potential employers encouraged him to pay attention to networking events, industry opportunities, student projects and the skills sought by tech employers.
Turning extracurriculars into employable skills
Beyond his coursework, Malama highlighted the vital role of extracurricular experiences and hands-on projects in preparing him for a career in engineering.
“Systems and Computer Engineering Society (SCESoc) provided me with opportunities to connect with peers, collaborate outside the classroom and take on experiences complementing my academic learning,” he shares.
He also participated in , a prosthetic design research team working toward the CYBATHLON competition in 2028 and gained project experience across networking, software development, digital communications, wireless systems, and machine learning.
Together, these experiences helped Malama connect classroom learning with practical problem-solving and develop the technical, collaborative and communication skills needed to make the transition from engineering student to industry professional.
Advice for the next generation of engineers
Looking back on his experience, Malama encourages current students to think beyond grades and focus on building skills they can demonstrate.
“Build strong fundamentals and then find ways to apply them,” he advises.
He encourages students to participate in projects and student societies, attend networking events, connect with professors and industry professionals, and pursue opportunities even when they do not meet every listed requirement.
For students interested in Ottawa’s technology sector, he also recommends remaining open to learning across disciplines. Telecommunication increasingly intersects with software engineering, cloud computing and cybersecurity.
His own career illustrates the value of that approach. What began as an interest in understanding how communication technologies work has developed into a career building the software behind modern cellular networks.
“The skills you develop during your degree can lead to opportunities in industries that you may not have originally considered. Stay curious, keep learning and take advantage of the opportunities around you.”