Internships are often seen as the bridge between academic knowledge and the realities of the working world. My 4-month journey as a corporate communications intern at EDOTCO was exactly that — a dynamic learning experience that offered me an unfiltered look into the diverse, fast-paced nature of the communications industry.

With no fixed job scope, I was assigned tasks from various sub-departments under Group Corporate Affairs, which allowed me to explore different functions within a single ecosystem.

Understanding EDOTCO as a Telco Company

When I first joined EDOTCO, I had little understanding of its role in the telecommunications sector. Like most, I was familiar with the more visible names like Celcom, or Maxis — brands consumers interact with daily. But EDOTCO? It wasn’t on my radar. However, that changed quickly.

Through my internship, I learned that EDOTCO operates behind the scenes as a crucial enabler of connectivity. It provides and manages telecommunications infrastructure, including towers and related assets, which are then leased out to clients like mobile network operators. Without companies like EDOTCO offering this real estate, network providers wouldn’t be able to expand their coverage or deliver reliable service — a necessity in our current day and age.

This understanding shifted my perspective on how digital connectivity works in Malaysia. EDOTCO’s work is foundational, it forms the physical framework that supports the country's digital economy. Learning about this role helped me appreciate the complexity of the telecommunications industry and the importance of effective communication in making such a technical field accessible and relevant to a broader audience.

Discovering the Communications Landscape

One of my main objectives entering this internship was to understand the breadth of the communications field before beginning my undergraduate degree. Having studied aspects like marketing, advertising, and journalism during my diploma in Mass Communications, I was eager to see how corporate communications translated in practice. Interning at EDOTCO allowed me to do exactly that.

Throughout my time here, I was exposed to a variety of responsibilities, ranging from content writing and video production to administrative coordination and event planning. Each task, no matter how big or small, added a new layer to my understanding of what communications work entails in a real-world context.

What I’ve Learned at EDOTCO

Over the course of this internship, I evolved — not just as a student stepping into the workforce, but as an individual learning to navigate real-world expectations. Every project, whether it was writing an article or coordinating an event, pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t anticipate. I became more adaptable, a little more confident, and more attuned to the communicator I want to be.

While at EDOTCO, I wrote a total of 13 articles for the company website, covering various internal activities and initiatives. Each article challenged my creativity and honed my writing skills, especially in balancing professional tone with engaging storytelling.

Along the way, I also dabbled in a bit of brand copywriting. One of the more unexpected but enjoyable tasks was crafting the copy for EDOTCO’s festive money packet. It was a fun switch from corporate writing, pushing me to think more about brand personality, cultural relevance, and how a few words could leave a lasting impression. It’s a small piece of work, but one that made me appreciate the nuance of writing beyond just content.

Ironically, for someone who has always avoided being in front of the camera (so much so that I skipped out on the Cinema Production Society in my university,) I also became the face of five video content pieces produced for internal celebrations and commemorations like Chinese New Year, International Women’s Day, and World Health and Safety Day. Although I didn’t initially sign up for the role, the experience turned out to be both humbling and unexpectedly enjoyable.

In addition to my unexpected stint as an “influencer” in the office (term used very loosely), a significant part of my responsibilities also involved operational and secretarial work. Tasks like taking meeting minutes, managing email correspondence, printing, and organizing documents. While these may not be the most glamorous aspects of the job, they gave me insight into the foundational support required to keep communication efforts running smoothly.

I also had the opportunity to assist with event coordination, notably during the Network and Planning Analytics (NaPA) Dashboard Handover and the EDOTCO Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House. Being part of the team managing event logistics and space planning was a hands-on experience that helped me understand the planning and detail-oriented mindset required in corporate events and stakeholder engagement.

Beyond internal events, one of the most rewarding parts of my time at EDOTCO was getting involved in the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts, particularly with Generating Opportunities for Learning Disabilities (GOLD). Over five days, I supported event coordination efforts and had the opportunity to work closely with GOLD members — neurodivergent individuals whose perspectives and personalities left a lasting impression on me. What began as a professional responsibility quickly turned into a meaningful learning experience. I genuinely enjoyed forming connections with both the GOLD participants and EDOTCO staff, which made the work feel purposeful and deeply fulfilling. I also had the chance to participate in a video content shoot designed to raise awareness and celebrate the work GOLD is doing. It was rewarding to contribute to a platform that highlights inclusivity and advocacy for learning differences.

Another CSR initiative I was involved in was the Rise Against Hunger meal packing campaign. I once again assisted in event coordination, where I witnessed the energy, heart, and teamwork of EDOTCO staff coming together to achieve a shared goal. These experiences reminded me that real impact doesn’t just come from strategy — it comes from showing up, collaborating with compassion, and building connections that extend beyond the workplace.

More than just adding lines to my resume, this internship helped me discover personal strengths and areas for growth. I gained practical experience in creative writing and internal communications, developed a better grasp of content production, and brushed up — albeit slightly — on my interpersonal skills. As a self-proclaimed introvert, stepping into EDOTCO’s lively and people-centric office culture challenged me to adapt and engage more than I ever expected. It wasn’t easy, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible.

The Journey Ahead

Ultimately, my internship at EDOTCO gave me more than professional experience — it gave me clarity. While I’m still in the early stages of defining my career path, this journey offered valuable insights into what I enjoy, what I’m good at, and the kind of work environment I thrive in. It reaffirmed the importance of communication as not just a function, but as a bridge between people, brands, and purpose.

As I close this chapter, I carry forward not only the skills I’ve learned but the relationships, experiences, and personal growth that came with it. I’m grateful to EDOTCO and the Corporate Communications team for welcoming me, trusting me, and providing a space to learn by doing. This internship may have started as a requirement for my diploma, but it ended up being a stepping stone toward a more focused, confident version of myself- and that’s more than I could have asked for.

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Written by
Alea Safea Binti Mohamad Hafez
Intern, Group Corporate Communications